Refreshing Lemon Gelato

Recipe

Refreshing Lemon Gelato

Zesty Citrus Delight: Homemade Lemon Gelato Recipe

Indulge in the taste of Italy with this homemade lemon gelato recipe. Bursting with tangy citrus flavors, this refreshing frozen treat is the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day.

Jan Dec

20 minutes

10 minutes

6 hours 30 minutes

4 servings

Easy

Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Nut-free, Soy-free, Egg-free (if using an egg substitute)

Dairy, Eggs

Vegan, Dairy-free

Ingredients

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
  • Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 12g
  • Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 32g, 28g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    In a saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and half of the sugar. Heat over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
  2. 2.
    In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, remaining sugar, and salt until well combined.
  3. 3.
    Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
  4. 4.
    Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
  5. 5.
    Remove the mixture from heat and stir in the lemon juice and zest until well incorporated.
  6. 6.
    Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  7. 7.
    Once chilled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  8. 8.
    Transfer the gelato to a lidded container and freeze for an additional 2-3 hours to firm up.
  9. 9.
    Serve the lemon gelato in chilled bowls or cones and garnish with additional lemon zest, if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Lemons — Choose ripe and juicy lemons for the best flavor. Roll them on the countertop before juicing to extract more juice.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a creamier texture, you can add a tablespoon of vodka or limoncello to the gelato mixture before churning.
  • To intensify the lemon flavor, add a few drops of lemon extract along with the lemon juice and zest.
  • If you prefer a smoother gelato, strain the mixture before chilling to remove any zest or egg bits.
  • Experiment with different citrus fruits like lime or orange to create unique variations of this gelato.
  • To prevent ice crystals from forming, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the gelato before freezing.

Serving advice

Serve the lemon gelato in chilled bowls or cones. For an extra touch, garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a drizzle of lemon syrup.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, serve the gelato in transparent glass bowls or dessert glasses. You can also sprinkle some lemon zest on top for an added pop of color.