Indulge your senses with a delightful twist on a classic dessert—Lemon Balm and Crème Fraîche Ice Cream! This refreshing treat combines the bright, citrusy notes of lemon balm with the creamy richness of crème fraîche, creating a luxurious ice cream that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched terraces of France. Perfect for warm summer evenings or as a sophisticated finale to any meal, this ice cream is not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make at home. Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s dive into this enchanting recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup crème fraîche
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup lemon balm leaves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Gently wash the lemon balm leaves and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, and lemon balm leaves. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar completely.
- Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the pan from heat and let the mixture steep for 20 minutes to allow the lemon balm to infuse its flavor into the cream.
- Strain the cream mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the lemon balm leaves to extract maximum flavor. Discard the used leaves.
- Whisk in the crème fraîche, lemon juice, and pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until completely chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- 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, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Cover the container with plastic wrap or a lid and freeze for at least 4 hours or until the ice cream is firm.
- Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping.
- Garnish with fresh lemon balm leaves if desired and serve chilled.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh lemon balm leaves. If you can’t find lemon balm, you can substitute with mint for a different yet refreshing taste.
- Steeping Time: Allow the lemon balm to steep in the cream mixture for the full 20 minutes to maximize the infusion of flavor. The longer the steeping time, the more aromatic your ice cream will be.
- Chill Thoroughly: Make sure to chill the mixture for at least 2 hours before churning. This helps achieve a smoother texture and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Ice Cream Maker Tips: Follow your ice cream maker’s instructions carefully for the best results. If you don’t have one, you can still make this ice cream by placing the mixture in a shallow dish and stirring every 30 minutes until firm.
- Serving Suggestion: For an elegant presentation, serve your ice cream in chilled bowls and garnish with fresh lemon balm leaves or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 281kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 81mg
