Sipping on a warm cup of Earl Grey tea is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a chilly day, but did you know you can transform that delightful experience into a refreshing dessert? Enter my No-Churn London Fog Ice Cream, which harmoniously combines the floral notes of Earl Grey with rich vanilla to create a captivating treat. The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its luxurious flavors but also in its simplicity: no special equipment is required, and it requires just a handful of ingredients. Perfect for summer gatherings or a quiet evening on the couch, this ice cream is truly a joy to make. So, are you ready to savor something that feels like a warm hug on a hot day? Let’s dive into this delightful concoction!
Why is London Fog Ice Cream so special?
Indulgent, creamy delight: This no-churn London Fog ice cream combines the elegance of Earl Grey tea with velvety vanilla, offering a flavor sensation unlike any other.
Effortless preparation: With simple ingredients and no special equipment needed, this dessert is accessible for any home chef looking to impress.
Versatile serving options: Perfect in cones, cups, or even as an exquisite topping for other desserts, this ice cream adapts to any occasion.
A unique twist: Experience a soft fusion of traditional tea with ice cream, bringing comfort and sophistication to your summer treats—just like my easy Lasagna Soup brings warmth to chilly nights.
Crowd-pleasing favorite: Whether for a family gathering or a cozy dinner with friends, you’ll find this tempting treat is a sure crowd-pleaser.
London Fog Ice Cream Ingredients
• Discover the key ingredients to craft your London Fog Ice Cream with ease.
For the Base
- Heavy Cream – Provides a rich, creamy texture for a delightful scoop; using whipping cream works as a great substitute.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – Acts as a sweetener and stabilizer, ensuring a smooth, creamy finish; you can swap it for evaporated milk with added sugar for a lighter option.
For the Flavor
- Loose Leaf Earl Grey Tea – Infuses the ice cream with aromatic, floral notes; if you can’t find loose leaf, use Earl Grey tea bags, adjusting the amount based on your taste preference.
- Vanilla Bean – Elevates the flavor with sweet floral accents; for convenience, use 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract instead if fresh beans are unavailable.
Get ready to blend these delightful ingredients into a sumptuous treat that’s sure to impress!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for London Fog Ice Cream
Step 1: Infuse the Cream
In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream and loose leaf Earl Grey tea. Heat over medium, stirring gently until the cream warms and the tea begins to release its fragrant aroma, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat just before boiling, allowing the floral notes to infuse fully into the cream.
Step 2: Cool the Mixture
Transfer the saucepan to an ice water bath to cool the tea-infused cream to room temperature, stirring occasionally for even cooling. This process should take about 10-15 minutes. Once cooled, strain out the tea leaves using a fine mesh sieve, ensuring a smooth texture for your London Fog ice cream.
Step 3: Add Vanilla
Once the cream is completely chilled, split your vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add the seeds to the cooled cream mixture, whisking them in until well blended. The aromatic quality of the vanilla will enhance the overall flavor profile of your London Fog ice cream.
Step 4: Whip the Cream
Using an electric mixer, whip the tea-flavored cream on medium-high speed until it reaches hard peaks, which typically takes 3-5 minutes. Be cautious not to overbeat, as the cream can turn grainy. This whipped base forms the light and airy texture essential for a delightful no-churn ice cream.
Step 5: Incorporate Sweetened Condensed Milk
Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk using a spatula. Aim for an even mixture without deflating the whipped cream; this will ensure your London Fog ice cream remains light and creamy. Combine until fully incorporated, creating a luscious blend of flavors.
Step 6: Freeze the Mixture
Pour the mixture into a suitable container, preferably metal, and smooth the top with a spatula. Cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, ensuring no air can enter. Freeze for 5-6 hours, or until the ice cream is firm and ready to scoop, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Expert Tips for Perfect London Fog Ice Cream
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Chill Everything: Ensure your heavy cream and mixing bowl are well-chilled before whipping; this helps achieve a better texture for your London Fog ice cream.
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Mind the Peaks: Whip the cream until hard peaks form, but stop before it turns grainy; overwhipping can ruin the silky mouthfeel of your ice cream.
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Strain Thoroughly: After infusing the cream with Earl Grey, make sure to strain out all tea leaves; any residue can compromise the smoothness of your final product.
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Use Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality loose leaf Earl Grey tea and fresh vanilla bean; they will elevate your London Fog ice cream to new heights.
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Adjust for Sweetness: Taste the mixture before freezing and adjust the sweetness if necessary; everyone’s palate is different, and a dash more sweetened condensed milk can make a delightful difference.
How to Store and Freeze London Fog Ice Cream
Fridge: Keep any leftover London Fog ice cream in the fridge for up to 3 days, but note that it’s best enjoyed fresh from the freezer for optimal texture.
Freezer: Store the ice cream in an airtight container for up to 2-3 weeks. Ensure it’s tightly sealed to avoid ice crystals forming, which can affect creaminess.
Reheating: If the ice cream hardens too much, let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before scooping. This will restore its velvety consistency.
What to Serve with London Fog Ice Cream
Savoring a scoop of this velvety dessert opens the door to a world of delightful pairings that enhance its charming flavors.
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Buttery Shortbread Cookies: These rich, crumbly treats balance the creaminess of the ice cream, adding a delightful texture contrast.
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Earl Grey Tea: For a cohesive experience, serve a warm cup alongside your ice cream, complementing the fragrant floral notes.
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Lavender Honey Drizzle: A drizzle of this sweet, floral-infused honey on top brings an elegant touch, enhancing the ice cream’s aroma and flavor.
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Fresh Berries: Tart raspberries or sweet blueberries provide a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness, offering a delightful contrast.
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Chocolate Ganache: A rich and glossy ganache adds a decadent chocolatey flavor, creating a luscious combination with the Earl Grey and vanilla.
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Toasted Almonds: Sprinkling these nutty, crunchy morsels on your scoop introduces a delightful crunch and earthy flavor, making every bite exciting.
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Sparkling Lemonade: This refreshing drink not only cleanses the palate but also invigorates the senses with its bright, citrusy zing, perfect for warm days.
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Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of salted caramel provides a sweet and salty finish, making the combination utterly irresistible and comforting.
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Coconut Macaroons: These sweet, chewy delights pair wonderfully, echoing the ice cream’s sweetness while adding a tropical twist with chewy texture.
London Fog Ice Cream Variations
Feel free to switch things up with these delightful variations that will elevate your homemade ice cream experience!
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Herbal Twist: Swap in chamomile tea for a calming, floral flavor that beautifully complements the vanilla.
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Lavender Infusion: Add a teaspoon of culinary lavender along with Earl Grey for a fragrant, aromatic touch that enhances the overall experience.
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Chai Spice: Substitute Earl Grey with chai tea for a spiced flavor explosion—perfect for those chilly evenings.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Top the finished ice cream with a warm chocolate sauce to create a luxurious contrast to the tea-infused base.
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in some crushed toasted nuts like almonds or pistachios for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
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Minty Freshness: Incorporate a handful of crushed mint leaves with the cream to bring a refreshing twist that tingles your taste buds.
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Berry Bliss: Blend in some pureed berries right before freezing for a fruity burst in every scoop, enhancing the ice cream’s silky smoothness.
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Serving Suggestion: Pair your luscious ice cream with a homemade waffle cone or serve it atop a slice of warm, decadent cake, like this delicious Crab Pasta Cajun for a truly indulgent dessert experience.
Make Ahead Options
These delicious London Fog ice cream treats are perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time for your convenience! You can infuse the cream with Earl Grey tea and combine it with the sweetened condensed milk, then store the mixture in the freezer for up to 24 hours. To maintain that creamy texture, be sure to whip the cream just before incorporating it with the other ingredients, as preparing everything else in advance will save you time when you’re ready to serve. When you’re ready to enjoy your ice cream, simply pour the mixture into a suitable container and freeze for 5-6 hours until firm, allowing you to savor this delightful treat with minimal effort.
London Fog Ice Cream Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best Earl Grey tea for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for loose leaf Earl Grey tea with high-quality bergamot oils, as this will deliver more expressive flavors. Check for vibrant leaves and a fresh aroma; if you’re choosing tea bags, ensure they contain whole leaves rather than dust for the best infusion.
What’s the best way to store leftover London Fog ice cream?
To keep your London Fog ice cream fresh, store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 weeks. Be sure to seal it tightly to prevent ice crystals from forming, which can compromise the creamy texture. If you notice hardening, let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before scooping for that perfect serve!
Can I freeze London Fog ice cream for longer?
While you can technically freeze it for up to 3 months, it’s best enjoyed within 2-3 weeks for optimal taste and texture. The longer it sits, the more likely ice crystals will develop. If freezing for longer, make sure to tightly wrap the container with plastic wrap before sealing it to maintain freshness.
What if I accidentally overwhip the cream?
Very common! If your cream appears grainy after whipping, you can gently fold it back into the mixture with a spatula or try adding a tablespoon of room temperature milk to smooth it out. Just be cautious to not overmix, as this can also deflate the airiness needed for a delightful no-churn texture.
Can I make this ice cream dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can use full-fat coconut milk as a substitute for heavy cream, and replace sweetened condensed milk with a homemade dairy-free version made from coconut cream and sugar or a store-bought option. Do remember that this will create a different flavor profile, but will still be delicious!
Can I add additional flavorings to my London Fog ice cream?
The more the merrier! Try incorporating a teaspoon of dried lavender for an aromatic twist or substitute some of the Earl Grey with chai tea for a spiced flavor. Just be cautious with the quantities to avoid overpowering the primary flavors!
Indulge in Creamy London Fog Ice Cream – No Churn Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream and loose leaf Earl Grey tea. Heat over medium, stirring gently until the cream warms and the tea begins to release its fragrant aroma, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat just before boiling.
- Transfer the saucepan to an ice water bath to cool the tea-infused cream to room temperature, stirring occasionally. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Strain out the tea leaves using a fine mesh sieve.
- Once cooled, split your vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add the seeds to the cooled cream mixture, whisking them in until well blended.
- Using an electric mixer, whip the tea-flavored cream on medium-high speed until it reaches hard peaks, which takes about 3-5 minutes. Be cautious not to overbeat.
- Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk using a spatula until fully incorporated.
- Pour the mixture into a suitable container, smooth the top, and freeze for 5-6 hours, or until firm.
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