Imagine creating a heavenly, restaurant-quality dessert without an ice cream machine, complicated techniques, or hours of preparation. This Refrigerator Fruit Ice Cream is your ticket to instant dessert gratification! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can transform fresh fruits into a luscious, creamy treat that will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe is your shortcut to dessert perfection.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Dessert
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh fruit (strawberries, bananas, etc.)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Wash and prepare the fresh fruit by removing any stems, leaves, or bruised parts. If using strawberries, hull them; if using bananas, peel them.
- Chop the fruit into small, uniform pieces to ensure smooth blending and even distribution throughout the ice cream.
- Place the chopped fruit in a blender or food processor and pulse until the fruit is finely chopped or pureed, depending on your texture preference.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk the mixture until smooth and well incorporated.
- Add the prepared fruit puree to the cream mixture and gently fold until completely combined, creating a uniform color and texture.
- Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid. Ensure the container is large enough to allow for some expansion during freezing.
- Cover the container and place it in the refrigerator freezer compartment. Freeze for approximately 4-6 hours, or until the mixture reaches a firm, scoopable consistency.
- Every 1-2 hours during freezing, remove the container and stir the mixture with a fork to break up any ice crystals, ensuring a smoother final texture.
- Once fully frozen, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes before scooping to soften slightly.
- Serve in chilled bowls and garnish with fresh fruit pieces or a mint leaf if desired.
Tips
- Fruit Selection: Choose ripe, sweet fruits at peak freshness for the most intense flavor. Strawberries, bananas, and peaches work wonderfully, but don't be afraid to experiment!
- Texture Matters: For a smoother ice cream, puree your fruit completely. If you prefer fruit chunks, pulse the blender briefly to maintain some texture.
- Freezing Hack: The key to creamy ice cream is preventing large ice crystals. Stirring every 1-2 hours during freezing breaks up these crystals, ensuring a silky-smooth consistency.
- Make Ahead: This ice cream can be stored in the freezer for up to a week. Pro tip: Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before covering to prevent ice crystal formation.
- Flavor Boosters: Experiment by adding a pinch of cinnamon, a splash of liqueur, or a drizzle of honey to customize your ice cream.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes before scooping to achieve the perfect scoopable consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 55mg
