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As the summer sun blazes, the craving for something cool and refreshing becomes almost irresistible. Frozen desserts have long been a favorite way to beat the heat, offering a delightful reprieve from the sweltering temperatures while satisfying our sweet tooth. Among the myriad of frozen treats available, one stands out with its bright, invigorating flavor and creamy texture: the Zesty Frozen Delight. This recipe not only embodies the essence of summer but also showcases the vibrant essence of lemon, making it a perfect indulgence for warm days.

No-Bake Lemon Ice Cream

Beat the summer heat with a refreshing Zesty Frozen Delight! This easy no-bake recipe features the vibrant flavors of lemon, combined with creamy heavy whipping cream and sweetened condensed milk, resulting in a treat that's both indulgent and invigorating. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet escape on a hot day, this delightful dessert is simple to make and can be customized with your favorite fruits or herbs. Get ready to enjoy a slice of summer bliss!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups heavy whipping cream

1 cup sweetened condensed milk

Zest of 2 medium lemons (approximately 1 tablespoon)

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for additional sweetness)

Pinch of salt

Lemon slices and fresh mint for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Prep the Citrus: Begin your journey by finely grating the zest of the two lemons into a medium mixing bowl. Aim to collect about 1 tablespoon of vibrant lemon zest. Next, cut the lemons in half and juice them until you have approximately 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice. Set both the zest and juice aside for later use.

    Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream on high speed for about 3-5 minutes until it forms stiff peaks. Keep an eye on it to prevent overwhipping, as you want to achieve a light and airy texture—overwhipping can cause the cream to turn into butter.

      Mix Cream Base: In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, previously prepared lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. If you prefer a sweeter treat, add the powdered sugar at this stage. Stir all the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and smooth.

        Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the whipped cream into the lemon mixture using a rubber spatula. This step is crucial; use a light hand to maintain the airy texture of the whipped cream. Continue folding until no white streaks from the whipped cream remain, ensuring a uniform and fluffy mixture.

          Transfer to Container: Carefully pour the creamy lemon mixture into an airtight container. Use the spatula to smooth the top, making sure it is evenly distributed.

            Freeze: Cover the container securely with a lid or plastic wrap. Place it in the freezer and allow it to freeze for at least 6 hours, or until it achieves a solid, scoopable consistency.

              Serve: Once fully frozen, scoop out generous portions of your creamy lemon delight into bowls or cones. Enhance the presentation with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves for a refreshing touch.

                Enjoy: Serve immediately and indulge in the refreshing, creamy goodness of your homemade no-bake lemon ice cream!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 6+ hours | 6 servings