You know that feeling when you’re curled up on the couch with a good book, and a comforting cup of tea just doesn’t quite satisfy that sweet tooth? I remember the first time my craving struck hard on a rainy afternoon. I needed something refreshing yet infused with the familiar warmth of my beloved Earl Grey. That’s when the lightbulb went off—how about making London fog ice cream?
Many home cooks might feel a little daunted by the prospect of creating homemade ice cream, especially when the term “no churn” is tossed around like it’s an easy breeze. The fear of ruining the texture or battling complicated steps can be overwhelming. You might be thinking, “What if my ice cream turns into a brick?” or “Can I even pull this off in my little kitchen?” Well, I’m here to reassure you that this London fog ice cream recipe is simple, stress-free, and totally doable—even if it’s your very first attempt.
Highlights
Why I Love This Recipe of London Fog Ice Cream (No Churn)
This recipe holds a special place in my heart for several reasons. First off, there’s something undeniably cozy about taking a classic tea blend and transforming it into an ice cream treat. Every spoonful is like a hug on a warm summer night or a sweet comfort on a chilly day.
Additionally, anyone can make it, even those who might shy away from more elaborate baking projects. You won’t need any fancy ice cream machines or complicated techniques. All it takes is a few pantry staples, some patience, and a bit of joy in the process. Trust me—once you whip this up, you’ll find it hard to go back to store-bought ice cream!
Ingredients You’ll Need for London Fog Ice Cream (No Churn)
Before we dive into the making process, let’s gather our ingredients:
Essentials
480 ml heavy cream: This is the base of our ice cream and creates that rich, creamy texture. It’s essential for making your ice cream luscious and smooth.
395 g sweetened condensed milk: This ingredient not only sweetens the ice cream but also adds creaminess without the need for a traditional custard or cooking.
2 tsp loose leaf Earl Grey tea: The star of our dish! The fragrant notes of bergamot in Earl Grey provide a distinctive flavor that makes this ice cream dreamy and sophisticated.
1/2 vanilla bean: Fresh vanilla bean adds depth and warmth. It may feel like an extra step, but trust me—it’s worth it!
Optional Add-Ons
Chocolate chips: If you want to add a bit of texture or sweetness, consider folding in a handful of chocolate chips once the mixture is prepared.
Candied orange peel: For a zesty twist that complements the bergamot in the Earl Grey, add a little chopped candied orange peel before freezing.
Substitutions and Shortcuts
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute with a mix of half and half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
The sweetened condensed milk can be swapped with a homemade version using milk and sugar if you prefer to avoid the canned version.
If you’re pressed for time, you can use a store-bought vanilla extract instead of the vanilla bean.
How to Make London Fog Ice Cream (No Churn) Step-by-Step
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s walk through the process of creating this delightful ice cream.
Step 1: Brew the Creamy Earl Grey
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the 480 ml heavy cream and 2 tsp loose leaf Earl Grey tea. Set the heat to medium. As the cream heats up, gently stir from time to time. You’ll start noticing the tea’s beautiful color and fragrant aroma wafting into the air.
Step 2: Cool the Mixture
When the cream is just about to boil—right before it starts producing bubbles—remove it from the heat completely. Transfer the saucepan to an ice water bath to cool down to room temperature. This step is crucial, as it’ll help preserve the delicate flavor of the Earl Grey tea.
Step 3: Strain and Chill
Once the mixture has cooled, strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove the tea leaves, leaving you with a fragrant cream. At this point, you’ll want to place the cream in the fridge or freezer for a complete chill. If using the freezer, remember to give it a stir every now and then to avoid any icy patches or a frozen layer on the surface.
Step 4: Add the Vanilla
Once cooled, cut the 1/2 vanilla bean pod in half and scrape the tiny seeds into the chilled cream using the back of a knife. The specks of vanilla bean not only enhance the flavor but also add a lovely rustic look to your ice cream.
Step 5: Whip It Up
Using an electric mixer, whip the cream until you reach hard peaks—this step is key to achieving that airy, soft texture. Just a hint: be careful not to overbeat, as you don’t want to turn it into butter!
Step 6: Fold in Sweetened Condensed Milk
Slowly pour the 395 g sweetened condensed milk into the whipped cream. Gently fold it in using a spatula. This part is so satisfying as the cream and milk blend to create a velvety mixture.
Step 7: Freeze
Once everything is combined, pour your luscious ice cream mixture into a suitable container and place it in the freezer. Allow it to set for about 5-6 hours before serving. During this time, the flavors will meld beautifully, creating the ultimate treat!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
As simple as this recipe is, there are a few common pitfalls that might catch you off guard. Here’s what to watch out for:
Be Mindful of Temperature
When heating the cream, keep an eye on it! The goal is to infuse the flavor of the tea without letting the cream reach a rolling boil. If it gets too hot, the texture can be affected.
Don’t Skip Straining
Skipping the straining step is a mistake you don’t want to make. Those tea leaves will give your ice cream an unwanted chewy texture if left in!
Whip with Care
When whipping the cream, be cautious not to overbeat. Once you see stiff peaks, stop. Overwhipping can cause the cream to turn grainy, and nobody wants that.
Check the Freezing Process
Make sure to stir your cream regularly if you’re chilling it in the freezer. This ensures even cooling and avoids those icy barriers that can form.
Print
London Fog Ice Cream (No Churn)
- Total Time: 360 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful no-churn ice cream infused with the aromatic flavors of Earl Grey tea, perfect for cozy evenings.
Ingredients
- 480 ml heavy cream
- 395 g sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tsp loose leaf Earl Grey tea
- 1/2 vanilla bean
- Chocolate chips (optional)
- Candied orange peel (optional)
Instructions
- Brew the Creamy Earl Grey: Combine heavy cream and Earl Grey tea in a saucepan and heat over medium, stirring occasionally.
- Cool the Mixture: Remove from heat when just about to boil and cool in an ice water bath.
- Strain and Chill: Strain the mixture to remove tea leaves and chill in the fridge or freezer.
- Add the Vanilla: Scrape seeds from the vanilla bean into the chilled cream.
- Whip It Up: Whip the cream until hard peaks form.
- Fold in Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gently fold in sweetened condensed milk.
- Freeze: Pour the mixture into a container and freeze for 5-6 hours before serving.
Notes
Be mindful of the cream’s temperature while brewing and avoid overwhipping for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: ice cream, no churn, London fog, Earl Grey, dessert, cozy treat
Serving Suggestions for London Fog Ice Cream (No Churn)
Now that your homemade London fog ice cream is ready and waiting, let’s talk about how to serve it up!
Classic Bowl of Joy
A simple bowl of this ice cream is delightful on its own. Each spoonful brings the aromatic flavors of Earl Grey right to your taste buds. You can enjoy it plain or with a sprinkle of chocolate chips or candied orange peel for an added touch.
Affogato Twist
Serve a scoop or two of your London fog ice cream with a shot of warm espresso poured over it. This delightful contrast of hot and cold combined with the creaminess of the ice cream is simply divine!
Ice Cream Sandwiches
Fold a scoop of the ice cream between two soft-baked cookies for a nostalgic treat. Think of vanilla cookies or even chocolate chip for an unexpected twist.
On a Cake or Pie
This ice cream pairs beautifully with cakes and pies—especially citrus ones! A generous scoop on top of a slice of lemon drizzle cake or berry pie will take dessert to the next level.
Pro-Level Tips for When You’re Ready
Once you’ve mastered the basics of this London fog ice cream, here are some pro tips for the next level:
Experiment with Flavors
Feel free to mix and match the base recipe with different herbs or teas. Lavender or chamomile can create unique flavor profiles. Always be curious and creative!
Add Crunch
For texture, think about adding in ingredients like crushed cookies or toasted nuts when folding in the condensed milk. Just ensure they’re finely chopped so they don’t interrupt the creamy texture.
Keep it in the Freezer
If you have some leftover ice cream (although it’s hard to believe!), keep it tightly sealed in an airtight container in the freezer. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften it up.
Pair With Seasonal Fruit
Consider topping your ice cream with seasonal fruits when serving. Fresh berries, peaches, or even compotes can elevate the dish and add freshness.
Conclusion
And there you have it, my friends! Making your own London fog ice cream (no churn) is much easier than it looks, and it produces a deliciously cozy dessert you can enjoy at home. From the inviting aroma of Earl Grey to the creaminess of the whipped mixture, this recipe is truly beginner-approved.
Now, I invite you to roll up those sleeves, gather your ingredients, and give this delightful ice cream a try. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how a few simple steps can lead to something so utterly satisfying. If you love it, share your experience with family and friends, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your own delicious variations.
Did you try the recipe? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! What variations did you come up with? Let’s inspire each other in our culinary journeys!
FAQs About London Fog Ice Cream (No Churn)
1. What is London fog ice cream?
London fog ice cream is a no-churn ice cream flavored with Earl Grey tea, offering a unique blend of creamy sweetness and aromatic notes.
2. Can I use a different type of tea instead of Earl Grey?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other loose-leaf teas, such as lavender or chai, for a different twist.
3. How long can I store remaining London fog ice cream?
If properly sealed in an airtight container, your homemade London fog ice cream can last for up to 2 weeks in the freezer without losing texture and flavor.
4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and almond condensed milk to create a delightful dairy-free version.
5. What if I over-whip the cream?
If you accidentally over-whip the cream, you may end up with a grainy texture. You can try folding in a bit of fresh cream to balance it out, but it may still affect the final texture.
This comprehensive guide not only walks you through making London fog ice cream but also fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma and a cozy dessert experience. So why not whisk up a batch today?
