Zesty Greek Lemon Ice Cream Recipe You’ll Love!
Lemon is a staple ingredient in Greek cuisine and is often used in summer recipes. One of the most delightful ways to enjoy its zesty taste is in a refreshing Greek-style lemon ice cream.
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Creamy yet light, this homemade dessert combines the tangy brightness of lemons with the smooth texture of ice cream, creating the perfect treat for warm days.
This article will guide you through a simple yet delicious recipe for Greek lemon ice cream and provide tips on enhancing its flavor and texture.
Lemon Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients to Make Greek Lemon Ice Cream
- 500g strained Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
- 120g honey (or powdered sugar)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 2 lemons (about 60g)
- 100ml cold whole milk (or plant-based milk for a lighter version)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, enhances flavor)
- 1 pinch of salt
Steps to Make Greek Lemon Ice Cream
Prepare the base
- In a bowl, whisk the Greek yogurt, honey (or powdered sugar), lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Slowly add the cold milk and continue whisking until the mixture is creamy.
Freeze the mixture
- Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container and cover with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Freeze for 30 minutes, then stir with a fork to break up ice crystals.
- Repeat every 30 minutes for about 3-4 hours until it reaches a creamy ice cream texture.
Serve
- Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 minutes to soften.
- Scoop into bowls or hollowed-out lemon halves for an elegant presentation.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of honey.
Why This Ice Cream Recipe Works
This is a winning recipe because Greek yogurt keeps it creamy without heavy cream. Besides, honey adds natural sweetness and prevents iciness. Finally, the lemon zest and the natural juice give a bright, refreshing flavor.
This method creates a light and refreshing lemon ice cream that’s naturally creamy without eggs or cream!
MORE ICE CREAM IDEAS:
– Creamy Greek-Style Mango Ice Cream Recipe
– Refreshing Watermelon Ice Cream Recipe
Tips for Making the Best Greek Lemon Ice Cream
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor, as bottled lemon juice lacks the same brightness and depth.
- Greek yogurt adds a slight tang and creaminess, making the texture smoother and enhancing the lemony taste.
- Chilling the ice cream base thoroughly before churning helps achieve a silkier consistency. For extra zest, add crushed pistachios before freezing. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, freeze the mixture in a shallow dish, stirring every 30 minutes until it reaches the desired texture.
This Greek lemon ice cream is a refreshing, creamy dessert that balances tart citrus with rich dairy flavors. You can serve the ice cream alone, topped with fresh berries, or drizzled with honey.
Give this homemade recipe a try this summer!
Greek Lemon Ice Cream
Equipment
- Ice cream maker
Ingredients
- 500 grams strained Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
- 120 grams honey (or powdered sugar)
- 2 lemons zest
- 2 lemons juice
- 100 ml cold whole milk (or plant-based milk for a lighter version)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, enhances flavor)
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk the Greek yogurt, honey (or powdered sugar), lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Slowly add the cold milk and continue whisking until the mixture is creamy.
- Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container and cover with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Freeze for 30 minutes, then stir with a fork to break up ice crystals.
- Repeat every 30 minutes for about 3-4 hours until it reaches a creamy ice cream texture.
- Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 minutes to soften.
- Scoop into bowls or hollowed-out lemon halves for an elegant presentation.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of honey.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor, as bottled lemon juice lacks the same brightness and depth.
- I suggest this affordable and efficient Ice cream maker
Pin for Later!
Greek Lemon Ice Cream Recipe
Gabi Ancarola
Gabi is a travel writer who has lived in Crete for over a decade. Through her blog, Crete Insider, she has helped travelers uncover local experiences. Passionate about food and Cretan cuisine, she now attends Greek cooking lessons to bring the island’s flavors straight to your kitchen!
>> Interested in learning to cook in Crete, or discovering all of the top spots to eat in Chania and around the island? Book a food tour or plan your trip with me.
