This homemade lemon curd ice cream is the easiest no-churn ice cream recipe to make! Lemon curd not only adds flavor but it takes this ice cream to a whole new level of creaminess!
Jump To:
It is finally summer and our family is going into relaxation mode. It is time to hang out outside and cool off with homemade lemon curd ice cream. If you love easy ice cream recipes as much as I do, you will want to see all of these amazing no-churn Gluten Free Ice Cream Recipes!
This is the ice cream that everyone is going to hold up their bowls and ask you for seconds. It is creamy with a rich sweet lemon flavor. You won't believe how easy this no-churn lemon ice cream recipe is to make.
All you have to do is dump your ingredients into your Vitamix or blender, then freeze the mixture. I will show you how easy this lemon curd ice cream is to make with this quick video!!
Lemon curd also works beautifully in between layers of cake like in this gluten free lemon layer cake.
Why Lemon Curd Ice Cream Is The Best:
- The beauty of this lemon custard ice cream recipe is the simple base ingredients (heavy cream, condensed milk, and your favorite fillings).
- You can make this ice cream in any flavor, and use any mix-in. It can be chocolate chip, cookie dough, or M&M ice cream. Look in your cabinet and see what you have to mix in.
- The ingredients mix up in just seconds, then it is just a few hours in the freezer. No ice cream machine is needed to make this lemon ice cream recipe!
If you love lemon curd as we do, then you may like these gluten free dessert recipes. We love these gluten free lemon curd-filled cupcakes and they are one of our favorite cupcakes.
Ingredients and notes:
- Lemon Curd - Lemon curd is creamy and full of delicious lemon flavor. You can use store-bought lemon curd, it is available in most grocery stores. You can also make your own lemon curd from scratch if you prefer
- Condensed Milk - You can use regular dairy condensed milk or coconut condensed milk.
- Heavy Cream- Use heavy whipping cream, NOT half and half. This is what adds the magic so you have ice cream!
- Lemon Zest- This is totally optional. Lemon zest adds a lot of nice flavor that cuts into some of the sweetness of the ice cream but some don't like the texture of lemon zest.
How To Make Lemon Curd Ice Cream:
Here ar the step by step directions and photos to walk you through making this easy no-churn ice cream.
Step 1: Add condensed milk to your Vitamix or blender. (Sorry the picture is a little blurry, I did a screenshot from the video so you could see the steps even if you don't have time to watch the video.)
Step 2: Add the lemon curd, lemon zest, and heavy cream to the Vitamix. Put the cover on and blend the ingredients on high until the mixture becomes thick and creamy.
Step 3: You can freeze the ice cream in several different containers. You can use a plastic food grade storage container if it is labeled freezer safe.
I like to use loaf pans to freeze my homemade ice cream. Pour the ice cream mixture into a bread pan. Use a large spoon so spread out the mixture so that it is evenly disbursed.
Step 4: Use a small spoon to drop dollops of lemon curd on top of the ice cream. Use the spoon to swirl in the lemon curd on top of the ice cream.
Step 5: Cover the top of the container with plastic wrap. Use a large rubber band to fasten the plastic wrap to the sides of the container. Place the tub in the freezer for 2-3 hours until frozen.
Step 6: Use a large ice cream scoop to scoop out ice cream into a bowl or gluten free cone.
Enjoy!! This gluten free lemon ice cream is thick and creamy and perfect for any time! Top with gluten free sprinkles. Make sure you use gluten free sprinkles as some brands are made on shared equipment with wheat.
If you need an easy homemade gluten free cone for your ice cream? Here is an easy tutorial to make your own Gluten Free Waffle Cones. My son came up with this genius idea, and it is an easy NO mess ice cream cone recipe that anyone can make.
Tips and Recipe FAQ:
Lemon curd is a thick lemon custard made with eggs. You can make it from scratch or buy it in a jar. Trader Joe's sells a really good lemon curd as do many grocery stores.
No-churn ice cream uses a shortcut to making homemade ice cream. It means you do not have to use an ice cream maker to make your ice cream. The Vitamix or a high speed blender does some of this for you, making no-churn ice cream a much faster way to make ice cream.
I have not tested this recipe dairy-free, but I know many folks use very cold canned full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream to make no-churn ice cream. Also, use condensed coconut milk instead of regular condensed milk.
If you keep the ice cream covered, this no-churn ice cream should keep fresh (no freezer burn) for up to a month in the freezer.
This post was updated with more information from an older July 2019 post.
More Delicious No-Churn Ice Cream Recipes:
- Caramel Chip No-Churn Ice Cream
- Earl Grey Ice Cream
- White Chocolate Raspberry Ice Cream
- Use the lemon curd ice cream to make these delicious Gluten Free Ice Cream Sandwiches!
Tools:
- Vitamix or another blender.
- Bread loaf pans to freeze the ice cream in.
Recipe
No-Churn Lemon Curd Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 2 pints heavy cream
- ½ cup lemon curd
- 11.25 ounces coconut condensed milk * see note
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons lemon curd to swirl on top
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a Vitamix or blender.
- Blend on high for 30 seconds until it is thick.
- Pour into a freezer safe container and swirl the remaining lemon curd over the top. Freeze for 2+ hours.
Video
Notes
- Optional: Add lemon zest to the Vitamix or blender to add more lemon flavor.
- You can use regular or coconut condensed milk.
- This ice cream will keep up to a month in the freezer. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn.
- If you top with sprinkles, make sure to use gluten free sprinkles.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.
If you love the recipes you find on my blog, I would love for you to sign up for my newsletter (and get my free gluten free lemon dessert e-cookbook!)
(**Note, this post was updated from an older May 2017 post.)
Kortney
I LOVE how simple this looks to make. I never make ice cream because I don't have a maker, and just don't have the space for one. I will need to give the a go asap!
Sandi Gaertner
Those ice cream makers can be huge! I totally get the space thing.
Noelle
It is so simple! What a great dessert for all summer long, kids are going to love this!
Sandi Gaertner
Have a great summer Noelle 🙂
Celeste Noland
I LOVE that you added lemon curd to this recipe! Delish.
Sandi Gaertner
I am so glad you like this 🙂
Lynn
Where do you buy coconut sweetened condensed milk?
Sandi Gaertner
Hi Lynn, our local grocery stores have it. (Safeway, Sprout, Whole Foods.)
Beth
What is lemon curd
Sandi Gaertner
Lemon curd is a creamy lemon custard. Here is a recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/lemon-curd-recipe-1941910