This Easy Homemade Key Lime Pie Ice Cream brings sunshine to your bowl! It combines zesty key lime flavor with creamy goodness, making it a perfect treat for warm days.
Plus, it’s super simple to whip up! I love enjoying this ice cream after a BBQ. Just grab a scoop, and you’ll feel like you’re on a sunny beach in no time! 🍦☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Heavy Cream: This adds richness and creates a creamy texture. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the texture will be less creamy.
Key Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed key lime juice is best for flavor. If you can’t find key limes, regular limes work too. Just remember, they will give a slightly different taste!
Lime Zest: The zest adds a burst of lime flavor. If you’re out of fresh lime, lime zest can also be found in the spice aisle. It’ll still give you that citrus kick!
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar keeps it classic. You could use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute if you prefer a less sweet option.
Graham Crackers: These are key for the pie crust texture. If gluten-free, try gluten-free graham crackers or crushed almonds for a nutty flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Chill the Mixture Before Churning?
Chilling the mixture is crucial for a smooth ice cream. When it’s cold, the ice cream machine can whip more air into it, creating a fluffier texture. Follow these tips:
- Allow the mixture to chill in the fridge for at least one hour; overnight is even better!
- Make sure to cover it to prevent any odors from your fridge from affecting the flavor.
Taking the time to chill really enhances the flavor and allows the lime to shine through in every scoop!
Easy Homemade Key Lime Pie Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice (or regular lime juice)
- 2 teaspoons lime zest (preferably key lime zest for authentic flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers (for texture and pie crust flavor)
- Optional: A pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of active prep time. You’ll need to chill the mixture for at least 1 hour before churning, and then freeze the ice cream for another 3–4 hours. So, in total, plan for about 4 to 5 hours, but most of that time is just waiting for it to chill and set!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base:
In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, key lime juice, lime zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Keep mixing until the sugar dissolves completely. This creates a creamy base full of tangy lime flavor!
2. Chill the Mixture:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 1 hour. This step is super important as it enhances the flavor and helps the ice cream churn to a smoother consistency.
3. Churn Away!
After chilling, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker. Turn on the machine and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
4. Add the Graham Crackers:
In the last few minutes of churning, gradually add the crushed graham crackers into the ice cream mixture. This will give you those delightful bites of crust that make key lime pie so special!
5. Freeze to Firm Up:
After churning, transfer the soft ice cream to an airtight container. Spread it out evenly and smooth the top. Freeze for at least 3-4 hours, or until it is firm enough to scoop.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy your homemade ice cream, scoop it into bowls or cones. If you like, garnish with a sprinkle of extra lime zest for a pop of color and flavor. Dig in and enjoy this refreshing treat!
This no-cook recipe captures the creamy tartness of key lime pie in a smooth ice cream with delightful graham cracker bites, perfect for a homemade frozen treat on warm days!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Key Lime Pie Ice Cream
Can I Use Other Types of Lime Juice?
Yes! While key lime juice provides a unique flavor, you can substitute it with regular lime juice if needed. Just keep in mind that the taste may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It should keep well for up to 2 weeks, but the texture may change slightly. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before scooping.
Can I Make This Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Stir it every 30 minutes for the first 2–3 hours to break up ice crystals until it’s firm. It will take longer but will still turn out tasty!
Can I Add Other Mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to add in chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or even fresh berries for extra flavor. Just fold them in during the last few minutes of churning or right before you freeze it.
