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Lemon Ice Cream (Easy Blender Recipe)

Lemon ice cream is so refreshing, and this recipe is so incredibly easy to make! It’s not real gelato, by the actual definition, but an Italian recipe, so give it a try! You don’t even need an ice cream maker.

Lemon ice cream in an espresso cup

If you have lemons, cream, milk and sugar, you can be eating this lemon ice cream tonight! 

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lemon ice cream in lemon shell

Yes, it’s so simple because there’s no cooking involved as well as no need for an ice cream maker. What you will need is a blender, and a freezer, of course! It’s so creamy and smooth and not too sweet. Everyone will love it!

Basket of freshly picked Meyer lemons
If you can get your hands on Meyer lemons, use them for this recipe!

Why is this not True Lemon Gelato?

Gelato is the word used to translate ice cream from English to Italian, however, the two are quite different. They are made using a different process and gelato usually has less calories, is served at a warmer temperature than ice cream, and is quite difficult to make at home.

Are you a lemon lover? Many of us, are! Check out this great collection of lemon desserts I curated!

luscious lemon desserts collage

Oh my goodness, this recipe is too easy, I’ve also added blender peach ice cream!

peach ice cream overhead

Don’t worry about the specifics, though, just try this recipe and I bet you will be making it all summer long!

lemon ice cream in lemon shell

EDITED August 2020 – here’s the orange version!

three scoops of orange ice cream and a wafer in a martini glass

For another ice cream recipe, check out my chocolate custard ice cream recipe, but be forewarned, it is not nearly as easy as this lemon ice cream recipe and requires an ice cream maker. However, it is well worth the effort for the end result!

Best ever chocolate custard ice cream in bowls with pink roses

Let’s make ice cream in the easiest way possible!

lemon ice cream in lemon shell

Lemon Ice Cream (Lemon Gelato)

slightly adapted from Spadellandia.it              serves 8

FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW

Ingredients

  • heavy whipping cream (UK: double cream)
  • milk
  • sugar
  •  freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • grated lemon zest (organic)

Special equipment: metal pan, I used one like this

Directions for Blender Lemon Ice Cream

Pour the cream and milk into the blender container with the sugar. Then add the lemon juice.

pouring lemon juice into blender

Blend for about 20 seconds then add the grated lemon zest. 

adding lemon peel into blender

Pulse for a few seconds, making sure not to overdo it or you’ll end up with sweet lemon butter! Pour into a metal pan and place in the freezer for about an hour.

pouring cream mixture into pan

Remove from the freezer and stir with a spoon. Repeat this two more times (twice in two hours.) 

scooping ice cream in metal tin

You will see the mixture begin to take on the texture of ice cream. When it’s ready, scoop into bowls, cups, or cones to serve.

scoop of lemon ice cream

You can use a frozen lemon skin as a serving bowl, too. I demonstrated how to make them in my lemon granita post recently.

ice cream in frozen lemon shell

Or even serve it with another dessert, like my peach cobbler.

Peach cobbler with scoop of gelato

However you choose to serve it, enjoy! Here’s the printable recipe. Please leave a star rating/review (just above the print button) if you make this lemon ice cream, thank you!

spoonful of ice cream

lemon ice cream in a frozen lemon rind

Lemon Ice Cream (Lemon Gelato)

Yield: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

A super easy, Italian lemon ice cream recipe.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups (400 ml) heavy whipping cream (UK: double cream)
  • 1/2 cup + 1 Tbsp (150 ml) whole milk
  • 2/3 cup (160g) sugar
  • a little less than 1 cup (225 ml) lemon juice
  • 4 Tbsp grated lemon zest (organic)

Instructions

Special equipment: metal pan, I used one like this

  1. Pour the cream and milk into the blender container with the sugar. Then add the lemon juice.
  2. Blend for about 20 to 30 seconds then add the grated lemon zest.
  3. Blend again for a few seconds. Pour into a metal pan and place in the freezer for about an hour.
  4. Remove from the freezer and stir with a spoon. Repeat this two more times (twice in two hours.) You will see the mixture begin to take on the texture of ice cream. When it's ready, scoop into bowls, cups, or cones to serve.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 152Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 20gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 36mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 0gSugar: 4gProtein: 1g

All nutrition information is only an estimate.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a review by clicking on the 5 stars above, in the purple header (a form will appear) or tag me on Instagram! 😍

Another great recipe for Coconut Toasted Almond Ice Cream from What a Girl Eats.

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26 Comments

  1. Yes, I mix all ingredients butcthe lemon juice until the sugar is dissolved. I put the juice in then add the mixture to the ice cream maker & turn on. I know this as Zitrone Eis and this is how the German side is my family makes it.

  2. Can this gelato be churned in an ice cream maker if I prefer to do it that way, or would it not work?

  3. I absolutely love this recipe! It’s super simple and tastes delicious, I always use the lemons as little bowls for the ice cream ( I scoop out the insides first) it makes it look super cute and the kids love them! Thanks for sharing

    1. Fantastic, Kate!! You made my day, thank you! (Could you click on the 5 stars above the PRINT button? This is the comment section and doesn’t help with Google.) Thanks again!