No-Bake Lemon Ice Cream

The summer heat brings with it the craving for something light, refreshing, and utterly delicious. Enter the "Citrusy Delight: No-Bake Lemon Ice Cream," a dessert that perfectly captures the essence of sunny days with its zesty flavor and creamy texture. This delightful treat not only cools you down but also offers a burst of citrus that awakens the palate. Best of all, it requires no baking—making it an effortless choice for warm weather gatherings, picnics, or simply a relaxing evening at home.

Beat the summer heat with this refreshing no-bake lemon ice cream that perfectly captures the essence of sunny days. With its creamy texture and zesty flavor, this dessert is as easy to make as it is delicious. Just whip together heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and freshly squeezed lemon juice for a light treat. Perfect for picnics or relaxing evenings, this is the ultimate summer dessert. Explore variations and toppings to make it your own!

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Ingredients

2 cups heavy whipping cream

1 cup sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2-3 medium lemons)

Zest of 2 lemons

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

1/2 cup crushed graham crackers (optional, for crust)

Whipped cream and lemon slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until well combined and set aside.

Whip the Cream: In another bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.

Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the lemon mixture into the whipped cream. Use a rubber spatula to incorporate the ingredients slowly to maintain the whipped texture. Be careful not to over-mix.

Prepare the Base: If you want the ice cream to have a crust, you can layer the bottom of a freezer-safe dish with crushed graham crackers. Pour the lemon mixture on top of the crust. If you prefer a crustless option, simply pour the mixture directly into the dish.

Freeze: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the freezer for at least 4-6 hours or until the ice cream is firm. For best results, freeze overnight.

Serve: Once frozen, scoop the lemon ice cream into bowls or cones. Garnish with whipped cream and lemon slices if desired. Enjoy your refreshing treat!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 6 hours | Serves 6-8