If you adore tangy, creamy desserts that brighten up any day, this Lemon Curd Ice Cream Recipe is about to become your new obsession. It’s a luscious blend of zesty lemon curd and rich, fluffy cream that melts in your mouth with each bite. Whether you’re craving something refreshing for a warm afternoon or a delightful finale to a dinner party, this homemade lemon curd ice cream hits all the right notes with its perfect balance of sweet and tart. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients that combine into pure magic!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl holds a smooth, pale yellow creamy mixture with a metal whisk sitting inside it. The bowl rests on a white cloth with red stripes, placed on a textured wooden surface. Behind the bowl, there are three lemon pieces, one whole and two cut, resting on a small wooden board. A glass jar filled with white powder is slightly blurred in the background. A wooden spoon lies on the cloth in front of the bowl. The scene is warm and natural with soft lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

With just a few simple but essential ingredients, this Lemon Curd Ice Cream Recipe comes together effortlessly. Each component plays a vital role in creating the luscious texture, bright flavor, and delightful creaminess that you’ll love.

Lemon curd: Provides the star tangy, citrusy flavor that makes this recipe shine, whether homemade or store-bought.
Heavy whipping cream: Creates the smooth, creamy base when whipped to stiff peaks, offering the perfect airy texture.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and richness, helping to achieve a velvety mouthfeel without the need for an ice cream maker.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle warmth, balancing the tartness of the lemon curd.

How to Make Lemon Curd Ice Cream Recipe

Step 1: Whip the Cream to Perfection

Begin by pouring the heavy whipping cream into a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat it until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the beaters, the cream holds firm peaks without drooping — this airy whipped cream is what gives your ice cream its light, fluffy texture.

Step 2: Mix the Lemon Curd Base

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon curd, and vanilla extract until the mixture is velvety smooth. This blend delivers the core lemon flavor and a luscious sweetness that balances beautifully with the cream.

Step 3: Combine the Mixtures Gently

Now comes the fun part: folding the lemon curd mixture into your whipped cream. Be gentle as you combine them — you want to maintain that fluffy texture, so avoid overmixing. For an extra burst of lemon goodness, add a few extra spoonfuls of lemon curd and gently swirl them in to create vibrant ribbons throughout the ice cream.

Step 4: Freeze Until Set

Pour the combined mixture into a loaf pan or freezer-safe container, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 6 hours, or better yet, overnight. This slow freeze time allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set to a creamy, scoopable perfection.

Step 5: Serve and Relish

Before scooping, let your lemon curd ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften slightly. This makes scooping easier and enhances the creamy mouthfeel. Serve in cones, bowls, or alongside buttery shortbread cookies for a dessert experience you won’t forget.

How to Serve Lemon Curd Ice Cream Recipe

The image shows a silver rectangular loaf pan filled with smooth, creamy lemon ice cream with bright yellow swirls running through it in neat waves. A spoon is scooping up a round portion from the center, lifting the soft texture of the ice cream. In the background, there is a white bowl with thin lemon slices arranged on a white marbled surface. The colors are soft yellows and whites, and the scene is well lit. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Consider adding a few fresh lemon zest curls or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers on top for a delightful contrast in texture and a pop of bright color. A few mint leaves or edible flowers can also elevate the presentation, making your ice cream as beautiful as it is delicious.

Side Dishes

This lemon curd ice cream pairs beautifully with light, buttery desserts like shortbread or sugar cookies. It’s also fantastic alongside fresh berries or a simple pound cake slice, bringing a refreshing citrus twist that balances richness and sweetness in every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Lemon Curd Ice Cream Recipe as part of a layered parfait with crunchy granola and fresh fruit. Alternatively, use it as a creamy filling for lemon-flavored hand pies or ice cream sandwiches using soft cookie layers — an unexpected but unforgettable treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover lemon curd ice cream tightly covered in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals and preserve flavor. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks in the freezer.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully because of the sweetened condensed milk, which helps keep the ice cream creamy and scoopable even after freezing. Just be sure to cover it well and avoid freezer burn by sealing it tightly.

Reheating

You don’t actually want to reheat lemon curd ice cream, but letting it thaw at room temperature for about five minutes before serving ensures the best texture for scooping and enjoying every spoonful without it being rock hard.

FAQs

Can I use homemade lemon curd for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade lemon curd works wonderfully and adds a fresh, vibrant flavor to the ice cream. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before mixing it in for the best texture.

Do I need an ice cream maker to make this Lemon Curd Ice Cream Recipe?

No ice cream maker needed here. The whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk base create a creamy no-churn ice cream, making this recipe incredibly easy and accessible for any home cook.

How long should I whip the cream?

Whip the cream until stiff peaks form, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes with a mixer on medium-high speed. The cream should hold stiff peaks without collapsing when you lift the beaters.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can experiment with dairy-free heavy cream substitutes and sweetened condensed coconut milk, but results may vary in texture and flavor. Classic dairy ingredients will yield the creamiest and most authentic taste.

What if I want a stronger lemon flavor?

Feel free to add a little extra lemon curd in the folding step or swirl in zest ribbons to intensify the lemony punch in your ice cream. Just be gentle to keep that fluffy consistency intact.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Curd Ice Cream Recipe is truly a bright spot in any dessert lineup. Its dreamy creaminess paired with the vibrant citrus tang makes every spoonful feel like a sunny day captured in a bowl. I can’t wait for you to try it and add your own special twist. Trust me, once you taste this silky treat, you’ll want to make it again and again!