Lemon Gelato

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. Process: 20 min./batch + freezing

Makes

1-1/2 quarts

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
On a recent trip to Italy, I became addicted to gelato. My favorite choice was lemon because Italian lemons have an intense flavor. This recipe brings back memories of our vacation. —Gail Wang, Troy, Michigan

Ingredients

  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 5 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
  • 3 tablespoons grated lemon zest
  • 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 5 lemons)
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream

Directions

  1. In a small heavy saucepan, heat milk to 175°; stir in sugar until dissolved. Whisk a small amount of hot mixture into egg yolks. Return all to the pan, whisking constantly. Add lemon zest. Cook over low heat until mixture is just thick enough to coat a metal spoon and a thermometer reads at least 160°, stirring constantly. Do not allow to boil.
  2. Remove immediately from heat; stir in lemon juice and cream. Place in a bowl. Press plastic wrap onto surface of custard; refrigerate several hours or overnight.
  3. Fill cylinder of ice cream maker two-thirds full; freeze according to the manufacturer’s directions. (Refrigerate remaining mixture until ready to freeze.) Transfer ice cream to freezer containers, allowing headspace for expansion. Freeze 2-4 hours or until firm. Repeat with remaining mixture.

Nutrition Facts

2/3 cup: 361 calories, 26g fat (15g saturated fat), 213mg cholesterol, 40mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.