Homemade Blueberry Ice Cream

This homemade blueberry ice cream is a delightful summer treat bursting with fruity flavor. Creamy, sweet, and easy to make, it’s perfect for cooling down on a hot day or indulging in a refreshing dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Blueberry Flavor: Fresh or frozen blueberries make this ice cream irresistibly fruity.
• Rich and Creamy: Made with heavy whipping cream and whole milk for a luscious texture.
• Easy to Make: Requires minimal hands-on time and simple equipment.
• Perfect for Summer: A refreshing way to enjoy ripe blueberries.
• Make-Ahead Dessert: Prepare it in advance and enjoy whenever you like.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups blueberries
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1½ cups whole milk

Directions

1. Cook the Blueberries
   In a medium saucepan, combine blueberries, lemon juice, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves.
2. Simmer and Thicken
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
3. Cool and Blend
   Let the blueberry mixture cool completely. Use an immersion blender, food processor, or blender to process it until smooth.
4. Combine with Cream and Milk
   Stir the blueberry puree into the heavy whipping cream and whole milk until well combined.
5. Churn the Ice Cream
   Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Freeze Until Solid
   Transfer the churned ice cream to freezer-safe containers and freeze for at least 3 hours, or until fully solid.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 servings (approximately 3 quarts)
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Churn and Chill Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes

Variations

• Vegan Option: Replace heavy cream and milk with coconut cream and almond milk.
• Berry Mix: Use a combination of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
• Lemon Blueberry Swirl: Add a swirl of lemon curd before freezing for an extra tangy touch.
• Vanilla-Blueberry: Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for added depth of flavor.
• Sugar-Free: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep ice cream in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 2 weeks.
• Reheating: To soften frozen ice cream for scooping, leave it at room temperature for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, frozen blueberries work just as well as fresh ones for this recipe.

2. Do I need an ice cream maker?

Yes, this recipe requires an ice cream maker to churn the mixture into a creamy texture.

3. Can I substitute the sugar?

Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like honey, maple syrup, or a low-calorie sweetener.

4. How long does homemade ice cream last?

Stored properly, it will last up to 2 weeks in the freezer.

5. Can I add mix-ins to the ice cream?

Absolutely! Add white chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or nuts during the last few minutes of churning.

6. How do I prevent ice crystals?

Ensure the mixture is thoroughly chilled before churning, and store the ice cream in an airtight container.

7. Can I make this recipe without lemon juice?

Lemon juice enhances the blueberry flavor, but you can omit it if preferred.

8. What can I do if the mixture is too thick to churn?

Thin it with a little more milk until it reaches a pourable consistency.

9. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this ice cream recipe is naturally gluten-free.

10. How can I make it extra creamy?

Using a higher fat content cream or chilling the mixture overnight before churning can result in a creamier texture.

Conclusion

Homemade blueberry ice cream is a creamy, fruity treat that captures the essence of summer. With its vibrant blueberry flavor and smooth texture, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you enjoy it on its own or paired with a slice of pie, this recipe is a sweet delight you’ll want to make again and again.

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