Refreshingly zesty and delightfully creamy, Lemon Ice Cream Surprise is the ultimate homemade dessert that balances tangy citrus with a sweet, buttery crunch. Made with fresh lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, and a touch of vanilla extract, this no-cook ice cream base delivers vibrant, summery flavors in every velvety scoop. But the real magic lies in its irresistible surprise: layers of crushed butter cookies coated in honey, adding a delightful crunch to every bite. Perfect for warm days or special occasions, this easy-to-make frozen treat comes together in just 25 minutes of prep time and is ideal for serving a crowd. Add an extra drizzle of honey for a stunning finishing touch and savor the sweet-tart symphony of Lemon Ice Cream Surprise!
In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and lemon zest until the sugar dissolves completely.
Add the fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract, and whisk to combine. The mixture may thicken slightly because of the acidity in the lemon, which is normal.
Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. This typically takes about 20-25 minutes.
While the ice cream is churning, prepare the 'surprise' crunch layer by combining the crushed butter cookies and honey in a small bowl. Set aside.
Once the ice cream has reached a soft-serve consistency, transfer half of it into a freezer-safe container.
Sprinkle half of the cookie crumble mixture evenly over the ice cream layer.
Add the remaining ice cream on top and sprinkle the rest of the cookie crumble mixture for the final surprise layer.
Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and freeze the ice cream for at least 3-4 hours, or until firm.
Scoop and serve your Lemon Ice Cream Surprise with an extra drizzle of honey if desired.
Calories |
3402 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 213.5 g | 274% | |
| Saturated Fat | 127.9 g | 640% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 599 mg | 200% | |
| Sodium | 975 mg | 42% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 324.6 g | 118% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.7 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 244.2 g | ||
| Protein | 18.9 g | 38% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 376 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 739 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.