No-Churn Lemon Ice Cream

This creamy no-churn lemon ice cream recipe is tangy, sweet, and bursting with citrus flavor. Made with just 6 ingredients and no ice cream machine, it’s the perfect refreshing summer dessert!

If summer had a flavor, it would taste just like lemon ice cream—bright, tangy, and refreshingly sweet. This no-churn lemon ice cream is a dream come true for anyone who loves citrusy desserts but doesn’t want the hassle of an ice cream machine. With just a handful of ingredients and a loaf pan, you can whip up a batch of creamy, zesty ice cream that tastes like sunshine in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No Ice Cream Maker Needed: A stand mixer or hand mixer does the work.

• Quick & Simple: Only 10 minutes of prep.

• Bright & Refreshing: Lemon zest and juice add the perfect tang.

• Creamy & Smooth: Thanks to the sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream base.

• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for summer barbecues, dinner parties, or an easy make-ahead dessert.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s look at why each ingredient matters in this no-churn recipe:

1. 2 Cups Cold Heavy Cream

This is the foundation of the ice cream base. Cold heavy cream whips up into soft peaks, creating the light and airy texture needed for smooth ice cream without churning.

2. 1 (14 oz) Can Sweetened Condensed Milk

Sweetened condensed milk acts as both the sweetener and stabilizer. It ensures the ice cream freezes creamy rather than icy, eliminating the need for egg yolks or custard-making.

3. ⅓ Cup Fresh Lemon Juice

Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavor with its natural tang. Bottled lemon juice won’t deliver the same vibrant freshness.

4. 3 tsp Lemon Zest (Packed)

Lemon zest is where the true essence of lemon lives. The oils from the peel intensify the citrus flavor and add fragrance. A little extra on top before freezing makes for a beautiful garnish.

5. 1 ½ tsp Vanilla Extract

Vanilla enhances the sweetness and rounds out the tartness of the lemon. It also adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.

6. ⅛ tsp Salt

A pinch of salt balances the flavors, cutting through the sweetness and enhancing the lemon’s brightness.

7. ½ tsp Lemon Extract (Optional)

For those who want an extra punch of citrus, lemon extract amplifies the flavor and makes the ice cream taste even more lemony.

Recipe Card

No-Churn Lemon Ice Cream Recipe
Servings: 8 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Freeze Time: 5 hours | Total: 5 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cold heavy cream

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

• ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice

• 3 tsp lemon zest, packed + extra for topping

• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

• ⅛ tsp salt

• ½ tsp lemon extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, add heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Beat with a stand mixer or hand mixer until stiff peaks form.

2. Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk.

3. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and lemon extract (if using). Stir until well combined.

4. Transfer mixture to a loaf pan. Smooth the top and sprinkle with extra lemon zest.

5. Cover with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for at least 5 hours (overnight is best).

6. Scoop, serve, and enjoy! 🍋

Tips for Perfect No-Churn Lemon Ice Cream

• Use Cold Cream: Heavy cream must be very cold to whip properly. Chill your mixing bowl for extra stability.

• Fold, Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the condensed milk into the whipped cream to keep the mixture airy.

• Fresh Lemon Juice Only: Bottled lemon juice lacks the brightness of fresh citrus.

• Zest Before Juicing: Always zest lemons first—zesting a squeezed lemon is nearly impossible!

• Overnight Freezing: Although 5 hours works, overnight freezing develops the best texture.

Variations & Serving Ideas

• Blueberry Lemon Swirl: Swirl in blueberry jam before freezing for a fruity twist.

• Lemon Poppyseed Ice Cream: Add 1 tbsp poppy seeds for a fun texture.

• Graham Cracker Crunch: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top for a lemon pie vibe.

• Coconut Lemon Ice Cream: Replace half the heavy cream with coconut cream for a tropical flavor.

• Affogato-Style: Pour a shot of espresso over a scoop for a bold flavor combo.

Nutritional Benefits

• Lemon Juice & Zest: Provides vitamin C and antioxidants.

• Heavy Cream & Condensed Milk: Rich in calcium and energy (best enjoyed in moderation).

• Homemade: You control the ingredients—no artificial preservatives.

Suggested Pairings

This no-churn lemon ice cream is versatile and pairs well with:

• Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries.

• Dessert Wines: Moscato or a late-harvest Riesling.

• Cookies: Shortbread or biscotti.

• Cakes: Pound cake, angel food cake, or lemon loaf.

Why You’ll Enjoy This Dish

There’s something magical about the combination of sweet and tart in this ice cream. The lemon provides a refreshing brightness, while the heavy cream and condensed milk make it indulgently creamy. Best of all, it’s simple enough for beginners yet elegant enough to serve at a dinner party.

If you love desserts that are refreshing, homemade, and just a little bit gourmet, this no-churn lemon ice cream will quickly become a staple in your freezer.

Yield: 8

Author: CookSnapBake.com

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No-Churn Lemon Ice Cream

This creamy no-churn lemon ice cream recipe is tangy, sweet, and bursting with citrus flavor. Made with just 6 ingredients and no ice cream machine, it’s the perfect refreshing summer dessert!

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 5 HourTotal time: 5 H & 10 M

Ingredients

• 2 cups cold heavy cream
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
• 3 tsp lemon zest, packed + extra for topping
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ⅛ tsp salt
• ½ tsp lemon extract (optional)

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, add heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Beat with a stand mixer or hand mixer until stiff peaks form.
2. Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk.
3. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and lemon extract (if using). Stir until well combined.
4. Transfer mixture to a loaf pan. Smooth the top and sprinkle with extra lemon zest.
5. Cover with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for at least 5 hours (overnight is best).
6. Scoop, serve, and enjoy! 🍋

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @cooksnapbake on instagram and hashtag it #No-Churn Lemon Ice Cream

🍋✨ Ready to whip up the easiest ice cream ever? Try this No-Churn Lemon Ice Cream today and wow your family and friends with a dessert that looks—and tastes—like it came from a gelato shop. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me so I can see your beautiful creations!