Yogurt and whipped cream ice cream

Yogurt and whipped cream ice cream is undoubtedly one of the simplest and most refreshing summer delights. This recipe will not only delight your senses but also give you the opportunity to experiment with fresh and healthy ingredients. Get ready to discover how you can transform a few basic ingredients into a delicious dessert, perfect for warm days or moments when you want to cool off!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Freezing time: 3 hours
Total: 3 hours and 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

- 1 liter of natural yogurt (or Greek yogurt for a creamier texture)
- 500 g of powdered sugar (or less, depending on preferences)
- Juice from 1 lemon (about 50 ml)
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 300 g of whipped cream (ideally, cream-based whipped cream)
- Optional: 200 g of berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries) for an extra flavor boost

Tips and Advice

- Choosing yogurt: Opt for a quality yogurt, preferably without additives. Greek yogurt offers exceptional creaminess, but natural yogurt will work perfectly as well.
- Sugar: Powdered sugar dissolves much better in the mixture, but you can also use granulated sugar. If you prefer a less sweet version, adjust the amount of sugar to taste.
- Fresh fruits: You can incorporate any seasonal fruits into the recipe, from peaches to mangoes, turning the dessert into a unique experience every time.

Preparation

1. Prepare the base mixture: In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Use a whisk or a hand mixer to achieve a smooth composition. Make sure the sugar is completely dissolved. This yogurt base will give the ice cream a fresh flavor and delicious taste.

2. Add the whipped cream: In another bowl, whip the cream until it becomes firm, but not overly stiff. Then, take a spatula and gently fold the whipped cream into the yogurt mixture, using a folding motion. This will help keep the air in the mixture, giving it a fluffy texture.

3. Optional - Adding fruits: If you want to add extra flavor and vitamins, you can add a berry puree. Blend the desired fruits in a blender and then carefully fold them into the ice cream mixture. This step will not only enrich the flavor but also add a vibrant color to your dessert.

4. Fill the molds: Pour the mixture into ice cream molds or a plastic container. Ensure the mixture is evenly distributed.

5. Freezing: Cover the molds with plastic wrap or a lid, then place them in the freezer. Let them sit for at least 3 hours or until the ice cream is well solidified.

Serving

Once the ice cream has hardened, remove it from the freezer and let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature before serving. This will make serving easier and will help the ice cream become creamier. Scoop the ice cream with a warm spoon for perfect balls.

For an elegant finish, decorate each serving with fresh fruits, fruit sauce, or mint leaves. This yogurt and whipped cream ice cream can be served plain or alongside a glass of lemonade or iced tea for a complete refreshing experience.

Nutritional Benefits

This ice cream is not only tasty but also healthy! Yogurt provides beneficial probiotics for digestion, while lemon adds a boost of vitamin C. The cream, although higher in calories, adds a rich and creamy flavor. In total, each serving of yogurt and whipped cream ice cream contains approximately 180-220 calories, depending on the chosen ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use vanilla or chocolate ice cream instead of yogurt?
- While the recipe is based on yogurt, you can experiment with different ice cream flavors, but the result will be different.

2. Can the ice cream be stored for a longer period?
- Yes, the ice cream can be stored in the freezer for up to a month, but I recommend consuming it within two weeks to enjoy its fresh taste.

3. How can I make vegan ice cream?
- You can replace the yogurt and cream with plant-based alternatives, such as coconut yogurt or coconut cream.

Variations

- Coffee-flavored ice cream: Add 1-2 tablespoons of instant coffee to the yogurt mixture for a coffee note.
- Chocolate ice cream: Incorporate a few tablespoons of cocoa powder into the yogurt mixture for a decadent flavor.
- Nut ice cream: Add ground or roasted nuts to the mixture for extra crunch and a unique flavor.

This yogurt and whipped cream ice cream recipe is perfect for sharing with family and friends, bringing a touch of joy in every spoonful. So, don’t hesitate to try this simple and delicious recipe, and at the end, don’t forget to share your impressions with us!