Are you ready to transform your dessert game with a mind-blowing, tangy-sweet treat that's not just delicious but also surprisingly healthy? Our Lemon Kefir Ice Cream is about to become your new summer obsession! Imagine a creamy, zesty dessert that combines the probiotic goodness of kefir with the bright, citrusy punch of fresh lemons - it's like a cool breeze of flavor that will instantly transport you to a sunny paradise.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups kefir
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of kefir, 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice, 1/2 cup of honey, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Ensure that your lemon juice is freshly squeezed for the best flavor.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the kefir, lemon juice, honey, lemon zest, and salt. Use a whisk to blend the ingredients together until the honey is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or tartness if needed. If you prefer a sweeter ice cream, you can add more honey. If you want it tangier, add a bit more lemon juice.
- Once the mixture is well combined and to your liking, pour it into an ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for churning the ice cream. This process usually takes about 20-25 minutes.
- After churning, the ice cream will have a soft-serve consistency. Transfer the ice cream into an airtight container. Smooth the top with a spatula and cover it tightly.
- Place the container in the freezer and let it freeze for at least 4 hours, or until it reaches your desired firmness.
- Before serving, allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping.
- Serve the lemon kefir ice cream in bowls or cones, and enjoy your refreshing treat! You can also garnish with additional lemon zest or fresh berries if desired.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality kefir for the best flavor and probiotic benefits. Homemade or artisan kefir works best.
- Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice - bottled juice can taste flat and lack the vibrant citrus notes.
- For an extra smooth texture, strain your mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before churning to remove any potential zest or pulp.
- If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can use the freeze-and-stir method: freeze the mixture for 45 minutes, then whisk vigorously to break up ice crystals. Repeat this process 3-4 times.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add a drop of lemon extract to the mixture before churning.
- Store the ice cream in the coldest part of your freezer and consume within 1 week for optimal taste and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg
