Easy Homemade Blueberry Ice Cream Recipe

Posted on

Desserts

Difficulty

Prep time

Cooking time

Total time

Servings

This Easy Homemade Blueberry Ice Cream is a creamy treat bursting with fruity flavor. Fresh blueberries mixed into a smooth base make it a delightful dessert on warm days!

Making ice cream at home is a fun project. I love seeing those juicy blueberries swirl through the mix—it’s like art for your taste buds! 🍦💙

What I enjoy most is how simple it is! Just blend, freeze, and scoop. It’s a great way to use up extra blueberries, too. Ice cream for breakfast? Why not! 😉

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Blueberries: Fresh blueberries bring a vibrant flavor to this ice cream. If you can’t find fresh ones, frozen blueberries work great too! Just make sure to thaw them first before cooking.

Sugar: Granulated sugar is used for sweetness. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute with honey or agave syrup. Remember to adjust the amount since these are sweeter than sugar.

Lemon Juice: This adds brightness to the ice cream. If you don’t have lemon, lime juice can be a refreshing alternative!

Heavy Cream and Whole Milk: This combination creates a creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, consider using half-and-half or a non-dairy milk, like coconut milk, for a different twist.

How Do I Properly Cook My Blueberry Mixture?

Cooking the blueberries is key for that rich flavor in your ice cream. Here’s how to do it right:

  • Combine the blueberries, half of the sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan.
  • Cook over medium heat, stirring gently for about 8–10 minutes.
  • Watch for the blueberries to burst and form a thick, syrupy mixture.
  • Let it cool completely—this is when you can choose to leave it chunky or puree it for a smooth texture.

Taking this time in cooking helps release that sweet blueberry flavor, making your ice cream delicious!

Easy Homemade Blueberry Ice Cream Recipe

Easy Homemade Blueberry Ice Cream

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Ice Cream:

  • 2 cups fresh blueberries (plus extra for garnish)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

For Serving:

  • Waffle bowls or cones (optional)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This refreshing ice cream recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes of cooking and churning time. Plus, it needs about 4 hours to freeze until firm. In total, you’re looking at about 4 hours and 45 minutes until you can enjoy your delicious blueberry ice cream!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Blueberries:

Start by combining the fresh blueberries, half of the sugar (about 3/8 cup), and lemon juice in a medium saucepan. Cook this mixture over medium heat for about 8–10 minutes. You want the blueberries to release their juices and thicken slightly, creating a lovely syrup. Keep stirring gently to avoid burning.

2. Cool the Blueberry Mixture:

Once the blueberries are cooked down and thickened, remove the pan from heat and let it cool. After it cools, you can choose to leave the mixture chunky or blend it for a smoother texture. The blending option is great if you prefer a creamy ice cream!

3. Prepare the Cream Mixture:

In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Ensure that the sugar is fully dissolved and combined with the other ingredients. This mixture will create a rich and creamy base for your ice cream!

4. Combine and Mix:

Pour the cooled blueberry mixture into the cream mixture, mixing thoroughly to incorporate all the flavors. This is where that beautiful blueberry color begins to blend with the creamy base.

5. Churn the Ice Cream:

Now, pour the combined mixture into your ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which usually takes about 20–25 minutes, until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency.

6. Freeze the Ice Cream:

Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container. Place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours or until it becomes firm. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect scoopable texture!

7. Serve and Enjoy:

When you’re ready to enjoy your homemade blueberry ice cream, scoop it into waffle bowls or cones. Don’t forget to garnish with extra fresh blueberries on top for a delightful touch!

8. Savor Every Bite:

Enjoy each creamy spoonful of your delicious blueberry ice cream, and share with friends or keep it all to yourself—no judgment here!

Easy Homemade Blueberry Ice Cream Recipe

FAQ

Can I Use Frozen Blueberries Instead of Fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery mixture.

How Long Does Homemade Blueberry Ice Cream Last in the Freezer?

Homemade blueberry ice cream can last up to 2-3 weeks in the freezer when stored in an airtight container. For the best texture, aim to consume it within a week!

Can I Make This Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker?

Absolutely! After mixing all the ingredients and pouring them into a container, simply place it in the freezer. Stir the mixture every 30 minutes for the first 2-3 hours to break up any ice crystals for a smoother texture.

What Other Flavors Can I Add?

Feel free to experiment! You can add a swirl of lemon curd, a splash of almond extract, or even mix in chocolate chips for a fun twist. Just ensure any additions complement the blueberry flavor!

Tags:

You might also like these recipes

Leave a Comment