Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Velvety Brown Butter Lemon Ice Cream Recipe

Velvety Brown Butter Lemon Ice Cream Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Creamy brown butter lemon ice cream blends nutty and citrus notes for a sophisticated dessert. Rich Mediterranean flavors combine delicate sweetness with tangy brightness. You’ll savor each luxurious spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (18 oz/510 g) heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1 can (14 oz/397 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • ¼ cup (2 oz/57 g) salted butter, browned and cooled
  • ¼ cup (2 oz/57 g) lemon juice, freshly-squeezed
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
  • ¼ cup (1.8 oz/50 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsps (25 g) light brown sugar
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • 3 tbsps (42 g) unsalted butter, softened or melted
  • Tiny pinch fine sea salt (for lemon curd)
  • Tiny pinch fine sea salt (for ice cream)

Instructions

  1. Lemon Curd Creation: Blend granulated sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, unsalted butter, and salt in a nonstick saucepan over medium-low heat, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and coats a wooden spoon.
  2. Curd Refinement: Strain the hot lemon curd through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container, then allow to cool to room temperature.
  3. Brown Butter Transformation: Melt butter cubes in a light-colored saucepan, stirring consistently and scraping the bottom to achieve a rich amber hue without burning.
  4. Cream Preparation: Whip heavy cream in a stand mixer, progressing from medium to high speed until stiff peaks form, then blend in sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and salt.
  5. Flavor Infusion: Gently fold cinnamon, brown sugar, half of the lemon curd, and cooled brown butter into the whipped cream, creating a delicate marbled effect.
  6. Layering and Swirling: Pour half the ice cream base into a freezer-safe container, dot with remaining lemon curd and brown butter, then use a knife to create elegant swirls. Repeat the layering process.
  7. Freezing and Setting: Seal the container and refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours, allowing flavors to meld and texture to solidify.

Notes

  • Prevent Curdling: Continuously whisk the lemon curd mixture to avoid scrambling eggs and ensure a smooth, silky texture.
  • Brown Butter Technique: Use a light-colored pan to easily monitor the browning process and prevent burning, which can create bitter flavors.
  • Whipping Cream Precision: Achieve stiff peaks by gradually increasing mixer speed and watching for the right consistency to maintain volume.
  • Swirling Strategy: Create gentle, random swirls when incorporating lemon curd and brown butter to achieve a beautiful, marbled appearance without overmixing.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks, Drinks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 36 g
  • Sodium: 160 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg