Oh wow, let me tell you about this *lemon icebox pie ice cream*! It’s like summer in a bowl! Imagine the delightful zing of fresh lemons swirled together with the rich creaminess of ice cream, all topped off with a hint of crunch from graham crackers. This dessert is my go-to for those warm, sunny days when you just need something refreshing and bright. I remember making it for a backyard barbecue last year, and it was gone in a flash! Everyone was asking for seconds, and honestly, who can blame them? The combination of tangy and sweet just hits the spot! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it perfect for any occasion or just a quiet evening at home. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe close all summer long!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this refreshing lemon icebox pie ice cream! Gather these simple ingredients, and trust me, you won’t regret it. Don’t forget, fresh is best for that bright lemon flavor!
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons, depending on size)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (this balances the tartness of the lemons)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for that rich, creamy texture)
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk (adds sweetness and smoothness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (just a hint of warmth to complement the lemon)
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers (for that classic pie crust vibe)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (for an extra punch of lemony goodness)
Make sure to chill the heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk beforehand for the best results. Enjoy the zesty journey ahead!
How to Prepare Instructions
Ready to make some magic happen in your kitchen? Let’s dive into the steps for creating this luscious lemon icebox pie ice cream! Don’t worry, it’s super straightforward, and I’ll walk you through every little detail so you can impress your family and friends with this delightful treat!
Step 1 – Mix Lemon Juice and Sugar
First things first, grab a mixing bowl and combine that bright, fresh lemon juice with the sugar. Stir it together until the sugar is completely dissolved. This step is crucial, folks! It ensures that the sugar blends beautifully with the tartness of the lemons, creating a perfectly balanced base for your ice cream. Just imagine that sunny lemon flavor bursting through!
Step 2 – Combine Remaining Ingredients
Next up, it’s time to add in the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Pour them right into your bowl and give it a good stir. You want everything to be well combined and smooth, so don’t rush it! This mixture is going to be the creamy heart of your ice cream, so take a moment to enjoy that rich aroma wafting up as you mix.
Step 3 – Fold in Zest and Cracker Crumbs
Now, let’s add some zest—literally! Gently fold in the lemon zest and crushed graham crackers. This step adds not just flavor, but a lovely texture that mimics that classic pie crust. Be careful not to over-mix; we want those delicious bits of graham cracker to stay intact for that perfect crunch in every scoop!
Step 4 – Churn in Ice Cream Maker
Pour your luscious mixture into your ice cream maker. Turn it on and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This is where the magic happens! You’ll see it transform into a creamy delight before your eyes. It usually takes about 20-30 minutes, but check your machine’s guide for specifics. I get so excited during this step, watching it thicken up!
Step 5 – Freeze the Mixture
Once it’s churned to perfection, transfer that creamy goodness into a container. Pop it in the freezer for at least 4 hours to let it firm up properly. I know, waiting can be tough, but trust me, it’s totally worth it! Just imagine that first scoop of cold, creamy lemon icebox pie ice cream melting in your mouth—it’ll be heavenly!
Step 6 – Serve and Garnish
Finally, it’s time to dig in! Scoop generous servings into bowls and, if you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a sprinkle of additional lemon zest on top. Wow, your guests will be impressed! Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the refreshing burst of flavors. You’ve earned it!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure you nail this lemon icebox pie ice cream! Here are some pro tips that I’ve learned along the way to ensure everything turns out perfectly.
- Chill, Chill, Chill: Make sure your heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk are nice and cold before you start mixing. This helps the mixture whip up beautifully and keeps your ice cream from getting icy. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a little zing in your dessert, feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste. Some lemons can be more tart than others, so don’t hesitate to tweak it to suit your palate. A little taste test never hurt anyone!
- Use Fresh Lemons: Always opt for fresh lemons if you can. The flavor is so much brighter and more vibrant than bottled lemon juice. Plus, zesting fresh lemons adds an amazing aroma that will have everyone drooling!
- Don’t Rush the Folding: When you fold in the zest and crushed graham crackers, take your time! Gently incorporating these will keep the texture light and airy. You want those crunchy bits to shine through!
- Be Patient: I know waiting for it to freeze can be hard, but patience pays off! Letting it freeze for a full 4 hours ensures that your ice cream sets up perfectly for that dreamy scoop.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to serving up the most delightful lemon icebox pie ice cream. Enjoy every creamy, tangy bite!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of this delicious lemon icebox pie ice cream. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s always good to be aware, especially if you’re keeping an eye on your diet.
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 300
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 3g
So there you have it! A refreshing treat that’s rich and creamy, yet still delivers on flavor. Enjoy every scoop and savor the deliciousness while keeping these numbers in mind!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the perfect lemon icebox pie ice cream? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up, along with my best answers to ensure your ice cream adventure is a sweet success.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, I really recommend using fresh lemons for the best flavor. Fresh juice has a brightness that bottled juice just can’t match. Plus, zesting fresh lemons adds a wonderful aroma and extra zing to your ice cream!
How do I store leftover ice cream?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), just transfer your lemon icebox pie ice cream to an airtight container. Make sure to smooth the top to minimize air exposure, then pop it back in the freezer. It should stay fresh for about a week, but I doubt it’ll last that long!
Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, give it a good stir with a fork to break up any ice crystals until it’s fully frozen. It’ll take a bit longer, but you’ll still end up with a tasty treat!
What can I serve with lemon icebox pie ice cream?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can serve it with a sprinkle of extra lemon zest, a dollop of whipped cream, or even some fresh berries for a tart contrast. Crushed graham crackers on top add a fun crunch too! Get creative and enjoy pairing it with your favorite flavors!
Can I adjust the sweetness of the ice cream?
Yes, you can definitely adjust the sweetness! If you prefer a tangier flavor, feel free to decrease the sugar a bit. Just remember to taste as you go, so you find that perfect balance that suits your palate!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 15 minutes plus freezing time!
- Refreshing tangy lemon flavor that’s perfect for warm weather.
- Combines the classic taste of lemon icebox pie with the creaminess of ice cream.
- Minimal ingredients but maximum flavor—simple yet impressive!
- Customizable sweetness to suit your taste buds—make it just right for you!
- A fun twist on a beloved dessert that will wow your friends and family.
- Great for serving at gatherings, barbecues, or just enjoying on a quiet evening.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) store well for later indulgence.
Lemon icebox pie ice cream: 5 reasons to savor summer
- Gesamtzeit: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Ertrag: 6 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A refreshing dessert combining the flavors of lemon icebox pie and ice cream.
Zutaten
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Anweisungen
- In a bowl, mix lemon juice and sugar until dissolved.
- Add heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Stir well.
- Fold in lemon zest and crushed graham crackers.
- Pour mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Transfer to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours.
- Serve in bowls and garnish with additional lemon zest if desired.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are chilled before mixing.
- Adjust sweetness based on personal preference.
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 0 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Churning
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1/2 cup
- Kalorien: 300
- Zucker: 25g
- Natrium: 50mg
- Fett: 18g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 10g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 30g
- Faser: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterin: 60mg
Keywords: lemon icebox pie ice cream, lemon dessert, ice cream recipe
