Imagine indulging in a refreshing, creamy treat that perfectly balances the coolness of cucumber with the invigorating essence of fresh mint. Welcome to the world of Cucumber and Mint Ice Cream—a unique dessert that will surprise and delight your taste buds! This American-inspired ice cream is not only a feast for the senses but also an eye-catching addition to any summer gathering. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create a frozen masterpiece that will have your friends and family begging for seconds. Ready to elevate your dessert game? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumber by peeling and finely chopping it into small, uniform pieces.
- In a blender, combine the chopped cucumber, fresh mint leaves, sugar, and lemon juice. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and the ingredients are well incorporated.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract until they are fully combined.
- Strain the cucumber-mint mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any large pieces, ensuring a smooth base for the ice cream.
- Gently fold the strained cucumber-mint mixture into the cream mixture, stirring until completely integrated and consistent in color and texture.
- Cover the mixture and refrigerate for about 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the base to chill thoroughly.
- Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically 20-25 minutes.
- Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for an additional 2 hours to firm up the texture.
- Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, select ripe cucumbers and fresh mint leaves. The quality of your ingredients will significantly enhance the final taste of your ice cream.
- Chill Your Equipment: If you have time, chill your ice cream maker bowl in the freezer for a few hours before churning. This helps the ice cream freeze faster, resulting in a creamier texture.
- Strain Well: Make sure to strain the cucumber-mint mixture thoroughly to avoid any unwanted chunks in your ice cream. A fine-mesh sieve works best for this step.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar based on your personal preference. If you prefer a less sweet ice cream, start with half the sugar and taste before adding more.
- Experiment with Add-ins: For a fun twist, consider adding chocolate chips, crushed pistachios, or a splash of lime juice for an extra zing!
- Serve with Style: When serving, garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a slice of cucumber for a beautiful presentation that will impress your guests.
- Storage Tips: To keep your ice cream fresh, store it in an airtight container. When you're ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before scooping.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 50mg
