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    Home » Desserts » No-Churn Lime Ice Cream

    No-Churn Lime Ice Cream

    Published: Apr 24, 2022 by Alexandra Cook

    For the full recipe including quantities and method, click the "jump to recipe" button, or scroll through and read our helpful tips along the way.

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    Easy, creamy and so delicious, my No-Churn Lime Ice Cream is so simple to prepare and tastes fantastic! Containing just three ingredients, this recipe will have you enjoying tangy, smooth ice cream with minimum preparation time.

    Bowl with several scoops of ice cream, garnished with lime zest.
    Jump to:
    • Why you’ll love this recipe:
    • Ingredients in this recipe:
    • Step by step instructions:
    • Tips for success and FAQs:
    • Variations and Substitutions:
    • More delicious recipes for you to try:
    • No-Churn Lime Ice Cream
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    Why you’ll love this recipe:

    Inspired by my Lemon Ice Cream Recipe, which was gifted to me by my Godmother, this tangy Lime Ice Cream could not be simpler to prepare.

    There are no special techniques required – you just whiz all the ingredients together in a food processor and then freeze. It could not be simpler.

    Just three ingredients are required, and the recipe contains no eggs or condensed milk!

    You will love this No-Churn Lime Ice Cream because:

    • It only takes about 15 minutes of minimal effort before placing it in the freezer.
    • No technical skills are necessary. If you don’t have any kitchen experience, you can still make this No-Churn Lime Ice Cream.
    • You do not require an ice cream machine to make this delicious dessert – it is made in a food processor.
    • It is not necessary to stir it to prevent ice crystals from forming.
    • The texture is rich and creamy, the flavour is of bright, tangy lime.
    • It is made in advance; a great help when entertaining.

    Ingredients in this recipe:

    Please see the recipe card further along in the post for exact quantities of ingredients and the full method.

    Ingredients in this recipe on a white background.

    Fresh limes – we use the zest and juice.

    Caster/superfine sugar – it dissolves more readily than granulated.

    Whipping cream – we have used heavy whipping/thickened cream, which contains a minimum of 35% milk fat.

    Step by step instructions:

    Please see the recipe card further along in the post for exact quantities of ingredients and the full method.

    Steps 1-2 of preparing this recipe - the sugar, zest and juice in a food processor and the blended mixture.

    1 – Add the citrus and sugar to the food processor:
    Zest then juice your limes, and add to the bowl of a food processor, along with your caster/superfine sugar.

    2 – Mix the citrus and sugar:
    Mix the lime zest, juice and sugar together to combine.

    Steps 3-4 of preparing this recipe - adding the cream through the feed tube and letting the mixture blend.

    3 – Start to add the cream:
    With the motor of your food processor running, slowly add the cream to the citrus and sugar mixture.

    4 – Mix until thick:
    Process just until the mixture thickens to a texture similar to whipped cream.

    Steps 5-6 of preparing this recipe - the thickened cream mixture in the processor and in a dish ready for the freezer.

    5 – The consistency of whipped cream:
    When your mixture is thick and creamy, just like whipped cream, it is ready.

    6 – Add the mixture to your dish:
    Spoon the ice cream into an airtight freezer container or a dish.

    Steps 7-8 of preparing this recipe - topping the dish with cling film and scooping a serve of ice cream once frozen.

    7 – Cover in cling wrap:
    Place a lid on the dish, or cover in two layers of cling wrap.

    8 – Scoop and enjoy:
    Freeze for approximately 4 hours. Remove from the fridge 15 minutes prior to serving. Scoop and enjoy your No-Churn Lime Ice Cream.

    Spoon dipping into bowl with several scoops of ice cream, garnished with lime zest.

    Tips for success and FAQs:

    This is a very simple recipe to prepare. I recommend removing the Lime Ice Cream from the freezer about 10-15 minutes before serving to allow it to soften a little.

    How long does the No-Churn Lime Ice Cream last?

    Without the additives found in commercial ice cream, I have found that homemade ice cream does not keep well. It is best enjoyed within 5 days for the optimal texture and flavour.

    Can I reduce the sugar?

    We do not recommend reducing the sugar for this recipe. Sugar plays an important part in the setting and thickness of the recipe. It helps prevent the formation of ice crystals, thus keeping it smooth and creamy.

    How should I store the ice cream?

    Store the No-Churn Lime Ice Cream in the freezer in a freezer-safe, shallow, airtight container. As an extra precaution against the formation of ice crystals, press a piece of plastic wrap onto the surface of the Ice Cream.

    Star

    Variations and Substitutions:

    Food Processor – if you do not have a food processor, you can also prepare this recipe in a stand mixer or use electric hand beaters.

    Lime Juice – no limes on hand, or prefer the taste of lemon? Simply switch out the lime zest and juice to the same amount of lemon zest and juice.

    Bowl with several scoops of ice cream, garnished with lime zest, with a spoon sitting in it.

    More delicious recipes for you to try:

    Try our other favourite ice cream recipes:

    • Lemon Ice Cream
    • Vanilla Ice Cream
    • Orange Ice Cream
    • Affogato

    Enjoy this creamy, tangy and vibrant No-Churn Lime Ice Cream, and be sure to let me know in the comments below what you think!

    Alex xx

    Stay in touch! Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram and subscribe to my newsletter.

    Bowl with several scoops of ice cream, garnished with lime zest.

    No-Churn Lime Ice Cream

    Easy, creamy and so delicious, my No-Churn Lime Ice Cream is so simple to prepare and tastes fantastic! Containing just three ingredients, this recipe will have you enjoying tangy, smooth ice cream with minimum preparation time.
    5 from 61 votes
    Print Pin Review
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: International
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Freezer Time: 4 hours
    Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
    Servings: 6 people
    Calories: 474kcal
    Author: Alexandra Cook – It’s Not Complicated Recipes

    Ingredients

    • 2 teaspoon lime zest – very finely zested See Note 1
    • ¼ cup (60 ml) lime juice – freshly squeezed and strained
    • 1 cup (220 g) caster/superfine sugar
    • 2 ½ cups (600 ml) thickened/heavy whipping cream See Note 2

    Recipe Measurements:

    For accuracy, we recommend weighing your ingredients. This will produce the best results.

    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Add the lime zest, juice and caster/superfine sugar to the bowl of a food processor and whiz them together.
    • With the motor running, gradually add the cream through the feed tube.
    • Process just until the mixture thickens to a texture similar to whipped cream. Spoon the ice cream into a shallow, airtight, freezer container or dish covered with two layers of cling film.
    • Freeze for approximately 4 hours. The length of time will vary, depending on the temperature of your freezer and the size of the container.
    • Remove from the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to allow the ice cream to soften a little.
    • To maintain the fresh flavour and creamy texture, it is best if consumed within 5 days.

    Video

    Notes

    1. I needed 3 limes to get the required amount of juice and zest. The natural oils in the zest impart more flavour than the juice. Just remove the thin, coloured skin; do not use any of the white pith as it has a bitter flavour. I find a very fine microplane is best. The number of limes used will vary, depending on their size and how juicy they are.
    2. We have used heavy/whipping cream, which contains a minimum of 35% milk fat.
    3. Please note, the nutritional information is based on six serves. It does not include what the ice cream is served with. The nutritional information is an estimate only. 

    Nutrition Estimate:

    Calories: 474kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 136mg | Sodium: 38mg | Potassium: 87mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 34g | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Please rate and leave a comment!
    Nutritional Disclaimer:

    The nutritional information is an estimate only, and is derived from online calculators. For accurate results, we recommend calculating the nutritional information based on the ingredients and brands you use.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. avital

      January 14, 2023 at 9:23 am

      Can I do this with a handmixer if I don’t have a food processor or stand mixer?

      Reply
      • Alexandra

        January 14, 2023 at 9:30 am

        You sure can! Let me know if you give it a try. 🙂

        Reply
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    I’m Alex.

    I am a full-time blogger, passionate foodie and writer who loves to travel.

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