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Lemon Ice Cream is a rich, creamy taste of spring. Make this refreshing no-churn Lemon Ice Cream Recipe for a memorable sweet and tart treat you’ll love!
What is it about spring weather that makes everything lemon-flavored sound so good? I literally can’t get enough! It’s something about that sweet, tart citrus flavor that keeps me coming back for more.
When I have a craving for something simple and sweet, we often whip up a batch of my favorite no-churn ice cream. It’s so simple to make and it’s easy to create any flavor you might be dreaming of in the moment.
If you love ice cream as much as we do, don’t miss this incredible round up of 18 of the BEST no churn ice cream flavors. So easy and so good.
I created this lemon ice cream on a whim recently when I was craving that cool, creamy lemon flavor. Believe me when I say this ice cream is easy… actually too easy! My hips don’t lie!
One of my favorite winter time tricks for bringing a cheery touch into our home is a lemon tree! That’s right – you can grow your very own Meyer lemons right in your living room.
Find out how to grow your own, and you’ll be making the most delicious lemon ice cream in no time flat. Then you can make these adorable frosted lemon cookies, too!
The secret to making homemade ice cream without churning? Just two ingredients are the basis for all my flavor combos. Yes, that’s it! And the best part? You don’t need an ice cream maker!
First: Really cold heavy whipping cream. You may not have it in your fridge at all times (but perhaps that’s for the best?), but it’s one of my favorite staples. I use it to make Homemade Whipped Cream, to make my Best Cinnamon Roll Recipe ultra moist and Banana Cream Pie.
And second: Sweetened condensed milk. It’s easy to keep it in your pantry for ice cream cravings and a variety of baking needs. No judgement from me if you make this homemade ice cream for a big birthday party or just a regular Tuesday night.
These two ingredients combined make ice cream so creamy!
Table of Contents
Lemon Ice Cream Ingredients
- Heavy Cream
- Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Lemon Extract or Lemon Zest
- Lemon Juice
QUICK TIP: I used lemon zest when I made this recipe, but lemon extract is an easy substitute. It saves time and eliminates the texture of zest. It’s a powerful flavor substitute. Generally, you’ll use half the amount of the measurement suggested for zest. In this situation, that would be 1 tablespoon of extract vs. the 2 tablespoons of zest.
You can make this no churn ice cream in a loaf pan or 4 miniature loaf pans, but any mixing bowl or dish will do.
How To Make Lemon Ice Cream
Are you ready? It’s so simple.
- In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Blend in sweetened condensed milk, lemon extract (or lemon zest) and lemon juice.
- Pour into loaf pan and freeze until solid.
- Serve and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- While this no-churn lemon ice cream is delicious served on it’s own, it’s the perfect accompaniment to other desserts as well. Consider serving it with a slice of my favorite blueberry loaf cake. The combination of tart lemon, sweet cream and blueberry flavor is out of this world! It’s a delicious choice to serve with cakes and a variety of pies.
- With Brownies
- Topped with Raspberry Sauce
- Topped Strawberry Sauce
- With a bowl of berries
- Garnish with mint
To Store
It will keep in an airtight container like this ice cream container in the back of the freezer for 2 weeks or until crystallization forms.
No Churn Ice Cream Recipes
Easy, creamy no churn ice cream recipes that have all the flavor, without the fuss!
Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Peanut Butter Ice Cream is incredibly creamy and made with just 3 ingredients in minutes. It’s the perfect dessert on it’s own but also pairs well with chocolate cakes, brownies and more!
3 Ingredient Marshmallow Ice Cream Recipe
The creamiest, dreamiest ice cream recipe! This no churn ice cream has rich marshmallow flavor and is perfect on it's own or to top your favorite peanut butter or chocolate dessert.
Snow Ice Cream Recipe
How to make Snow Ice Cream that tastes as creamy and delicious as the original. This Snow Ice Cream Recipe to add to your snow day fun!
Bubble Gum Ice Cream
Bubble Gum Ice Cream recipe with just 4 ingredients in 5 minutes hands on time and 0 special “tools” – the stuff childhood dreams are made of.
Peppermint Ice Cream
Sweet, minty ice cream that's amazing on a hot fudge brownie.
Egg Nog Ice Cream
The flavors of egg nog blended into a rich, creamy ice cream for a one of a kind treat!
Cake Batter Ice Cream Recipe
Every kids' favorite is also a hit with adults! A blend of funfetti and cake mix into frozen fun!
Easy Spiced Apple Ice Cream {3 Ingredient Apple Butter Ice Cream}
Fabulous fall flavors of cinnamon and apple spice.
No Churn Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
Strawberry Cheesecake in frozen form!
3 Ingredient Creamy Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe
The easiest, creamiest chocolate ice cream.
2 Ingredient No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
An easy, classic vanilla ice cream recipe.
Cream Cheese Ice Cream
Calling all cheesecake lovers, you'll love this easy 3 ingredient Cream Cheese. Ice Cream.
If you enjoy this lemon ice cream, I’d love to hear from you! Come back and leave a five star review, or share your results in a comment! What’s your very favorite flavor of ice cream?
More Lemon Recipes
Check out all these delicious lemon-inspired recipes to feed your lemon cravings!
Did you make this? Rate the recipe and tag me on social @julieblanner!
Lemon Ice Cream Recipe (No-Churn Lemon Ice Cream)
Lemon Ice Cream is a rich, creamy taste of spring. Make this refreshing no-churn Lemon Ice Cream Recipe for a memorable sweet and tart treat you’ll love!YieldIngredients
- 2 cups heavy cream cold
- 10 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon extract 2 tbsp lemon zest
- ½ cup lemon juice
Instructions
- Beat heavy cream until peaks form.
- Blend in sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon extract.
- Pour into a loaf pan or any freezer safe dish and freeze until solid – about 4+ hours.
Tips
Tips
I used lemon zest when I made this recipe, but it’s so easy to substitute with lemon extract. If you don’t want the texture of the lemon zest, use extract instead! It’s a powerful flavor substitute. (Generally, you’ll use half the amount of the measurement suggested for zest. In this situation, that would be 1 tablespoon of extract vs. the 2 tablespoons of zest.)Nutrition Information
Calories: 214kcal (11%), Carbohydrates: 14g (5%), Protein: 2g (4%), Fat: 16g (25%), Saturated Fat: 10g (50%), Cholesterol: 62mg (21%), Sodium: 45mg (2%), Potassium: 127mg (4%), Sugar: 13g (14%), Vitamin A: 645IU (13%), Vitamin C: 4.8mg (6%), Calcium: 93mg (9%)Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
Angie says
My daughter and I love lemon. This ice cream is so refreshing. Peyton says it reminds her of a frozen lemonade.
Julie Blanner says
Lemon makes everything better! I can’t get enough! So glad you all enjoyed it. Thanks for making my day!
Marguerite says
This looks so delicious, lemon is one of my favorite flavors. Just one question though :When you say “Blend in condensed milk etc” after you’ve whipped the cream (I will use a Kitchen Aid)…..do you mean blend it into the whipped cream with the machine quickly , or whisk it / fold it in by hand? Thanks in advance!
Julie Blanner says
Great question – Either way works well, it’s a no fail recipe. Enjoy!
Just found you and so glad I did says
I love the ceramic dish you put your homemade ice cream in. Where did you get it?
Julie Blanner says
The loaf pans? Michael’s. The mini ice cream dishes are Staub. Enjoy!
Toni says
My kids really loved it! A new favorite summer treat!
Sam says
This was such a great recipe. So easy to make and oh so flavorful. I used meyer lemons and my friends kept asking me the recipe. SO GOOD.
Julie Blanner says
So glad you enjoyed it!