Description
Lemon Ice Cream Bars are a refreshing and tangy homemade frozen dessert combining bright lemon flavor with a smooth, creamy texture. Easy to make with simple ingredients, these bars are perfect for sunny days, parties, or anytime you crave a citrusy treat. The recipe includes options for customization and is designed for no ice cream maker needed, delivering luscious, fluffy bars that freeze firm yet remain delectably creamy.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (approx. from 2–3 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 14 oz (about 1 can) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream or whipping cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Lemon Base: Zest and juice fresh lemons until you have about 1/2 cup of juice and 1 tablespoon of zest. In a bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt until the sugar is mostly dissolved, creating a bright citrus foundation.
- Mix the Creamy Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until smooth and well blended, creating a velvety creamy mixture.
- Whip the Heavy Cream: Using a hand or stand mixer, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. This airy cream adds lightness essential to the bars’ texture.
- Fold Everything Together: Gradually fold the lemon juice mixture into the creamy base, then carefully fold in the whipped cream, taking care to keep as much air as possible to maintain fluffiness and prevent iciness.
- Freeze and Set: Pour the blended mixture into a lined loaf pan or silicone mold, smoothing the top. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight until completely firm and scoopable.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the frozen block from the pan by lifting the parchment paper or mold. Slice into individual bars using a warm, sharp knife. Serve immediately or keep frozen for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for maximum citrus brightness and aroma.
- Fold whipped cream gently to keep the mixture airy and prevent icy texture.
- Taste the mixture before freezing to adjust sugar according to preference.
- A loaf pan shape is ideal for uniform setting and easy slicing.
- Let the bars soften at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing to prevent crumbling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approximate)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: lemon ice cream bars, frozen dessert, lemon dessert, no ice cream maker, homemade ice cream bars, gluten free dessert, creamy lemon bars