Beneath the shimmering summer sun, who wouldn’t crave a scoop of something creamy and dreamy? Enter my No-Churn London Fog Ice Cream—a delightful twist on the classic drink we all adore. With the aromatic notes of Earl Grey tea mingling harmoniously with rich vanilla, this treat is a blissful way to cool down while enjoying the comforting flavors of a cozy cafe. The best part? It’s perfect for those of us without an ice cream machine, making it a wonderfully easy homemade dessert. With minimal prep time and a refreshing, creamy texture, this ice cream is destined to become your new favorite summer indulgence. Ready to discover how effortless it is to whip up this frozen delight? Let’s dive in!
Why Is This Ice Cream a Must-Try?
No-Churn Simplicity: This recipe requires no special equipment, making it perfect for anyone looking to whip up a quick treat at home.
Luxurious Flavor: The unique blend of Earl Grey tea and vanilla creates a flavor profile that’s both aromatic and indulgent.
Creamy Texture: Experience the smooth, creamy goodness that will melt in your mouth, providing a delightful escape from typical ice cream.
Versatile Variations: Feeling adventurous? You can easily customize this recipe by trying different flavored teas or adding in mix-ins to suit your taste!
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Serve this ice cream at gatherings, and watch it disappear as friends and family rave about the comforting, cafe-inspired taste! If you enjoy homemade desserts, this London Fog Ice Cream is as welcoming as a warm hug on a rainy day!
London Fog Ice Cream Ingredients
• Gather everything you need for this delightful treat!
For the Ice Cream Base
- Heavy Cream – A rich, high-fat cream (around 36%) gives the ice cream its creamy texture.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – This sweetener stabilizes the mix, allowing for a smooth, no-churn result.
For the Flavoring
- Loose Leaf Earl Grey Tea – Infusing this tea will mimic the beloved London Fog drink, offering a robust flavor that tea bags can’t match.
- Vanilla Bean – Real vanilla enhances the sweet notes, making the ice cream even more luxurious; it’s worth the upgrade from extract!
This no-churn London Fog ice cream is not only easy to prepare but also promises a creamy delight that will transport you to your favorite café with every scoop!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for London Fog Ice Cream
Step 1: Heat the Cream
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and loose leaf Earl Grey tea over medium heat. Stir gently and heat the mixture until it’s warm but not boiling, approximately 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when you see steam rising from the surface. Remove from heat to avoid curdling.
Step 2: Cool and Strain
To cool the tea-infused cream, place the saucepan in an ice water bath for around 10 minutes, stirring until it reaches room temperature. Once cooled, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to remove the tea leaves, ensuring a smooth texture for your London fog ice cream.
Step 3: Chill Thoroughly
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the strained tea-infused cream for at least 1 hour, or until it’s very cold. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect creamy consistency when whipping, so don’t skip it!
Step 4: Whip the Cream
Once chilled, scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean pod into the cold cream. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3-5 minutes. The cream should be fluffy and hold its shape, ready for the next step of the London fog ice cream.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk into the whipped cream. Use a large spatula to combine them until fully incorporated, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream. This mixture will yield a smooth and creamy base for your no-churn London fog ice cream.
Step 6: Freeze the Mixture
Pour the final mixture into a metal container, smoothing the top with a spatula. Seal it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and place in the freezer for at least 5-6 hours, or until completely solid. This will create a delightful texture that’s reminiscent of the creamy London Fog experience!
Step 7: Serve and Savor
Once frozen, scoop out the London fog ice cream and serve it in bowls. Enjoy the rich, creamy flavors enhanced by Earl Grey and vanilla as you indulge in this homemade treat. For an extra touch, garnish with a sprinkle of your favorite crushed cookies or enjoy alone!
Make Ahead Options
Making your No-Churn London Fog Ice Cream ahead of time is a fantastic way to save time during busy summer days! You can prepare the tea-infused cream up to 24 hours in advance by chilling it in the refrigerator, as this ensures a smooth and creamy texture. Additionally, the entire mixture can be frozen for up to 3 weeks without losing its delightful flavor and creamy mouthfeel. To maintain quality, make sure to store it in an airtight container and smoothly compress the top to reduce air exposure. When you’re ready to serve, scoop it out and enjoy—your London Fog Ice Cream will be just as delicious as the day you made it!
Expert Tips for London Fog Ice Cream
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Chill Your Cream: Ensure the heavy cream is thoroughly chilled before whipping—this helps achieve the perfect fluffy texture for your no-churn London Fog ice cream.
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Careful Heating: Heat the cream gently and avoid boiling it to prevent curdling. Watch for steam rather than bubbling for best results.
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Strain Well: Straining the tea leaves after infusing is vital. This step guarantees a smooth ice cream texture, free from any gritty bits.
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Use Metal for Freezing: Freeze the mixture in a metal container, as it conducts cold better than plastic, resulting in a creamier ice cream.
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Flavor Tweaks: Feel free to experiment with flavored teas or add chocolate chips to personalize your London fog ice cream to your taste!
Storage Tips for London Fog Ice Cream
Fridge: Store any leftover London fog ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 weeks for optimal freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, keep the ice cream in a tightly sealed metal container. Make sure to smooth out the top before sealing to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Reheating: If your ice cream becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before scooping. This will help achieve that creamy texture once again!
Serving: To enhance presentation, consider garnishing your London fog ice cream with a sprinkle of crushed cookies or a drizzle of chocolate sauce just before serving.
London Fog Ice Cream Variations
Get ready to put your own spin on this delightful no-churn dessert and take your taste buds on a journey!
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Herbal Twist: Replace Earl Grey with chamomile or hibiscus tea for a calming, herbal flavor that’s perfect for summer evenings. This twist brings a floral lightness that complements the creamy base beautifully.
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Chai Spice: Use chai tea instead of Earl Grey for a warming spice profile. The combination of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger will transform your ice cream into a cozy, spiced treat that’s reminiscent of a winter afternoon.
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Lavender Infusion: Add dried lavender flowers along with the tea for a floral and aromatic touch. This variation creates a soothing flavor that pairs well with the creaminess, turning this dessert into a spa-like indulgence.
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Decadent Chocolate: Fold in mini chocolate chips or swirls of chocolate fudge as you combine ingredients for added richness. Chocolate’s bitterness will create a perfect harmony with the sweet and creamy Earl Grey base.
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Nutty Crunch: Toss in crushed walnuts or almonds for a delightful crunch. This variation not only adds texture but also a nutty flavor that beautifully complements the ice cream’s creaminess.
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Sweet Citrus: Incorporate a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest into the mix for a refreshing citrus brightness that cuts through the richness. The zesty notes elevate the overall flavor profile and add complexity.
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Caramel Swirl: Drizzle in some salted caramel before freezing for a sweet and salty finish. This combination creates an explosive flavor contrast that makes every scoop a heavenly experience.
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Fiery Spice: For the adventurous, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of cinnamon for a surprising kick. This unexpected heat will awaken your senses, transforming the typical creaminess into an exciting taste adventure.
Feel free to mix and match these variations—after all, customizing is half the fun! And if you’re in the mood for more delightful recipes, why not try serving this ice cream alongside some Cajun Chicken Pasta or a decadent Pistachio Cream Chocolate? Enjoy your culinary creativity!
What to Serve with No-Churn London Fog Ice Cream?
Imagine a gathering filled with laughter, warmth, and delicious flavors, leaving everyone longing for a sweet end to the meal.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: These classic treats add a delightful crunch and sweet contrast, making every scoop of ice cream even more indulgent.
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Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or blueberries lightens the richness of the ice cream, creating a refreshing balance that awakens your taste buds.
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Shortbread Crumbles: Crushed shortbread cookies sprinkled on top provide a buttery crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of the ice cream. The subtle sweetness enhances the Earl Grey flavor, making each bite unforgettable.
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Mint Tea: A warm cup of mint tea complements the herbal notes of the Earl Grey, creating a soothing and aromatic drink that sums up a perfect ending to a cozy meal.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce will add a luscious touch that brings out the deep notes of the vanilla, turning your ice cream into a luxurious dessert.
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Homemade Waffles: Serve the ice cream atop a warm, fluffy waffle for a decadent twist. The crispy exterior and soft interior offer a lovely contrast to the silky ice cream.
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Caramelized Peaches: These sweet, caramelized fruits provide a delightful, summery flavor and natural sweetness that contrasts well with the tea infusion in the ice cream.
London Fog Ice Cream Recipe FAQs
What type of cream should I use for the best results?
Absolutely! For this London Fog ice cream, opt for a heavy cream with a fat content of around 36%. This high-fat cream creates a rich, creamy base that results in a luxurious texture, yielding the best no-churn consistency.
How long can I store my London Fog ice cream?
You can keep your ice cream fresh in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 weeks. Just make sure to smooth the top before sealing to avoid ice crystals, which can develop if air gets trapped.
Can I freeze this ice cream for a longer duration?
Certainly! For optimal storage, transfer your London Fog ice cream to a tightly sealed metal container. This ensures it stays delicious for up to 3 months, although the texture may slightly change over time.
What should I do if my ice cream is too hard to scoop?
No worries! If you find your ice cream is rock-solid, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes to soften. This allows for easier scooping while retaining the creamy texture.
Can I use other types of tea for this recipe?
Very much so! The beauty of this no-churn London Fog ice cream is in its versatility. Try experimenting with flavored teas such as lavender or chai for unique twists on the original recipe. Just make sure to adjust the steeping time if you’re using a stronger or weaker tea blend!
Is this ice cream safe for those with dairy allergies?
Keep in mind that this recipe contains dairy due to its use of heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk. If you or someone you’re serving has a dairy allergy, consider using non-dairy alternatives, like coconut cream or soy condensed milk, but be aware that this may affect the flavor and texture!
Creamy London Fog Ice Cream: No-Churn Delight at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and loose leaf Earl Grey tea over medium heat. Stir gently and heat until warm but not boiling, about 5 minutes.
- Place the saucepan in an ice water bath for around 10 minutes, stirring until it reaches room temperature. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove tea leaves.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until very cold.
- Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean pod into the cold cream. Whip the cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3-5 minutes.
- Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk into the whipped cream until fully incorporated.
- Pour the mixture into a metal container, smoothing the top. Seal and freeze for at least 5-6 hours, or until solid.
- Once frozen, scoop out and serve in bowls, optionally garnish with crushed cookies or chocolate sauce.
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