Fresh Mint Ice Cream
This Fresh Mint Ice Cream recipe brings a refreshing, creamy treat right into your kitchen with the vibrant flavor of fresh mint leaves. Whether you're enjoying it on a hot summer day or serving it as a delightful dessert to guests, this homemade ice cream will quickly become a favorite. It combines the cool, aromatic mint flavor with a rich, smooth base of heavy cream and milk, making every bite indulgent yet refreshing.
Equipment
- 1 medium saucepan
- 1 Fine-Mesh Strainer
- 1 mixing bowl
- (1) Whisk
- 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 Ice cream maker (optional, but recommended)
- 1 Airtight container (for storage)
Ingredients
- 2 cups 480 ml Heavy Cream
- 1 cup 240 ml Whole Milk
- 1 cup packed Fresh Mint Leaves
- ¾ cup 150 g Granulated Sugar
- 4 Large Egg Yolks optional for custard base
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Pinch of Salt
Instructions
Prepare the Mint Infusion
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and whole milk. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is steaming, but not boiling. Add the fresh mint leaves and bruise them lightly to release their oils. Let the mixture steep for 10-15 minutes. Once done, remove and discard the mint leaves.
Make the Custard Base
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and egg yolks until light and smooth. Gradually pour the warm mint-infused cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture, stirring constantly to avoid cooking the eggs. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
Cool the Base
- Once thickened, strain the custard through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl to remove any egg solids. Allow the custard to cool at room temperature for a few minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight until thoroughly chilled.
Churn the Ice Cream
- Pour the chilled custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually for 20-25 minutes, until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Freeze and Set
- Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container, smooth the top, and cover with plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals from forming. Freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
Serve
- Once fully frozen, scoop and serve your homemade fresh mint ice cream in bowls or cones. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or chocolate shavings, if desired.
Notes
- Mint Flavor Strength: If you prefer a stronger mint flavor, you can steep the mint leaves for longer or use a few extra leaves in the infusion process.
- No Ice Cream Maker?: If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can use a freezer method. Pour the chilled base into a shallow dish and freeze it, stirring every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals until the ice cream is firm and creamy (this may take several hours).
- Storage: Store your ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks for optimal freshness.
- Customizing: Feel free to add chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or even a ribbon of fudge or caramel to the ice cream just before the final freezing stage.