Frozen Key Lime Pie Ice Cream

A symphony of tart and sweet, Frozen Key Lime Pie Ice Cream is a delightful treat that tantalizes your taste buds and awakens your senses. This recipe transforms the beloved flavors of key lime pie into a creamy, icy indulgence, perfect for warm days and sweet cravings. Picture the coolness of smooth ice cream, combined with zesty lime notes, all while evoking the sunny vibes of a tropical paradise. This step-by-step guide will take you through making this refreshing dessert that promises joy in every bite.

History / Fun Fact

The origins of key lime pie date back to the early 20th century in the Florida Keys, where the small and tart key limes grew abundantly. Traditionally made with a crust from graham crackers, a filling of key lime juice, and sweetened condensed milk, this pie quickly became a signature dish of the region, capturing the essence of its coastal beauty. As time passed, innovative home cooks started to explore different adaptations, giving birth to fabulous iterations like this ice cream version. With its combination of textures and flavors, this frozen delight is a tribute to the classic key lime pie that we all know and love.

Ingredients

To craft this heavenly Frozen Key Lime Pie Ice Cream, gather the following ingredients:

2 cups heavy cream, rich and creamy, offering a velvety texture that blends beautifully.
1 cup sweetened condensed milk, honeyed and smooth, providing the perfect sweetness to balance the tanginess.
1/2 cup key lime juice, zesty and aromatic, capturing the spirit of tropical bliss.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract, fragrant and warm, adding depth to the overall flavor.
1/2 teaspoon salt, an essential element to enhance all the other flavors.
Graham cracker crumbs, crunchy and sweet, serve as the delightful topping.
Lime slices, vibrant and fresh, ideal for a beautiful garnish.

Cooking Time & Tips For Frozen Key Lime Pie Ice Cream

Whether you’re in a rush or have time to spare, this recipe can adapt to your schedule. The quick version sees you using an ice cream maker, allowing the flavors to meld effortlessly. However, if you’re up for a slow, chilled adventure, consider letting the mixture sit for a little longer before churning, enriching the flavors.

For success: ensure your heavy cream is cold, and your ice cream maker’s bowl is pre-frozen if required. Having everything chilled aids in achieving that creamy, luscious texture you aim for.

Step-by-Step Directions

In a large mixing bowl, delve into the joy of combining ingredients by adding the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk together until the mixture becomes smooth and harmonious, visualizing the creamy swirl come to life under your whisk.
Pour this tantalizing mixture into an ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully as you watch the magic happen – the transformation from liquid to soft-serve delight unfolds. The scent of lime and cream wafts through the air, teasing your taste buds.
Once your ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency, transfer it to an airtight container, channeling excitement as you prepare it for the freezer.
Let your icy creation freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm, dreaming of the refreshing treat that awaits you.
When ready to serve, scoop generous portions into bowls, topping each one with crunchy graham cracker crumbs. The satisfying crunch complements the smooth ice cream perfectly.
Garnish with lime slices, adding a splash of color and additional zing. Serve immediately and revel in the creamy, tangy, and utterly refreshing key lime pie ice cream experience!

Serving Suggestions & Occasions

This Frozen Key Lime Pie Ice Cream is an exceptional dessert for summer gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying on a warm evening. It pairs beautifully with tropical fruits or can even be served alongside a slice of traditional key lime pie for an extraordinary dessert table. Imagine family and friends gathered around, laughing and indulging in this delightful treat as the sun sets.

Common Mistakes For Frozen Key Lime Pie Ice Cream

Creating the perfect Frozen Key Lime Pie Ice Cream requires attention to detail. One common mistake is overwhipping the heavy cream; instead, whisk until stiff peaks form to maintain a creamy texture. Also, forgetting to chill your mixture before churning can lead to a less-than-ideal consistency. Lastly, don’t rush the freezing process – give it enough time to solidify for the best scoopability and flavor.

Healthier Alternatives & Variations

If you’re looking for healthier options, try using low-fat whipped topping as a substitute for heavy cream. You can balance out flavors with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of sweetened condensed milk. For variations, consider adding shredded coconut for a tropical twist or folding in crushed pineapple for an added fruity flavor. Experiment and make this delightful recipe your own!

FAQs

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Yes, regular limes can be used, though key limes provide a unique and more aromatic flavor.
How long does this ice cream last in the freezer?
Properly stored in an airtight container, it can last up to two weeks.
Is it necessary to use an ice cream maker?
While an ice cream maker produces the best texture, you can also freeze the mixture directly in a container, stirring every 30 minutes until firm.
Can I make this ice cream vegan?
Yes, you can use coconut cream and a plant-based sweetened condensed milk as alternatives.
How can I ensure my ice cream is creamy and not icy?
Keep your ingredients cold and ensure to churn the mixture thoroughly in an ice cream maker to incorporate air.
Can I customize the toppings?
Absolutely! You can enhance your key lime ice cream with fresh fruits, whipped cream, or even a chocolate drizzle.

Conclusion

With its refreshing tang and creamy texture, this Frozen Key Lime Pie Ice Cream is destined to become a favorite. Each spoonful brings joy and a taste of summer bliss, inviting you to experience the intersection of tradition and innovation. Don’t wait; gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on this delightful journey together – a cool escape that’s just a whisk away!

Frozen Key Lime Pie Ice Cream

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Author: eliana-quinn
Total Time: 240 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing frozen treat that captures the flavors of key lime pie in a creamy ice cream form, perfect for warm days.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup key lime juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
Graham cracker crumbs for topping
Lime slices for garnish

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Instructions

Combine heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, vanilla extract, and salt in a large mixing bowl and whisk until smooth.
Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Transfer the soft-serve mixture to an airtight container.
Freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
Scoop into bowls, topping with graham cracker crumbs.
Garnish with lime slices and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, ensure all ingredients are cold and properly chilled before preparation. Consider healthier options like low-fat whipped topping and natural sweeteners.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Chilling
Cuisine: American