London Fog Ice Cream

If you’re looking for a delightful way to cool off, let me introduce you to my favorite treat: London Fog Ice Cream! Inspired by the classic London Fog tea latte, this creamy, no-churn ice cream is a dream come true for Earl Grey fans. It’s simple to make and brings all those comforting flavors right into a scoopable dessert. Whether you’re hosting friends, enjoying a family movie night, or just treating yourself after a long day, this ice cream will surely lift your spirits.

What makes this recipe special is not just its unique taste but also how easy it is to whip up. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can create a luxurious dessert that feels indulgent yet approachable. Trust me; once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With no churning required, you can prepare this ice cream in just 15 minutes!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and unique flavor of Earl Grey.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This ice cream sets in just a few hours, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile Treat: Serve it in cones, bowls, or even on top of your favorite dessert for an extra special touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious London Fog Ice Cream, you only need four simple ingredients. Each one plays a significant role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and creaminess that makes this dessert so irresistible.

For the Ice Cream Base

• 2 cups Heavy whipping cream (35%)
• 2 teaspoons Earl Grey tea
• 1 cup Sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Variations

This London Fog Ice Cream recipe is quite flexible! If you’re feeling adventurous or want to tailor it to your taste preferences, here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Some Zest: Incorporate a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright twist that complements the bergamot flavor of Earl Grey.
• Mix In Chocolate Chips: Fold in some dark chocolate chips before freezing for a delightful contrast.
• Incorporate Flavor Swirls: Add ribbons of lavender syrup or caramel sauce before freezing for an extra layer of flavor.
• Try Different Teas: Experiment with other flavored teas like chai or chamomile for unique variations.

How to Make London Fog Ice Cream

Step 1: Infuse the Cream

In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream and loose Earl Grey tea. Heating the cream helps release those aromatic flavors from the tea leaves. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally. This step is crucial as it allows the tea to infuse its essence into the cream.

Step 2: Steep and Cool

Once simmering, remove the cream from heat and allow it to steep for two more minutes. Straining out the tea leaves afterward ensures that you have smooth ice cream without any gritty bits. After straining, place your infused cream in a mason jar and refrigerate until completely chilled—about two hours. Chilling is important as it helps achieve that perfect creamy texture later on.

Step 3: Whip It Good

In a large bowl, take out your chilled heavy cream and beat it with an electric mixer until soft peaks form—this should take about 4-6 minutes. Whipping introduces air into the mixture, making your ice cream light and fluffy. Once you’re satisfied with the peaks, gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract using a spoon or spatula.

Step 4: Freeze Your Delight

Now it’s time to transfer your mixture into a freezer-safe container. Fold it out gently to avoid deflating all that wonderful air you’ve incorporated. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and place in the freezer for at least four hours or until completely set. Waiting can be tough, but trust me—it will be worth every minute when you finally scoop into that creamy goodness!

Pro Tips for Making London Fog Ice Cream

Making ice cream at home can be a delightful experience, and with these simple tips, you’ll ensure your London Fog Ice Cream is a hit!

• Use fresh tea leaves – Freshly sourced Earl Grey tea will provide the best flavor. The aromatic oils in the tea leaves are more pronounced, giving your ice cream a richer taste.
• Chill your equipment – For an extra creamy texture, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream. This helps the cream whip up faster and hold its shape better.
• Be patient while steeping – Allowing the tea to steep for just the right amount of time (2 minutes) ensures you extract the perfect balance of flavor without bitterness.
• Fold gently – When combining the whipped cream with sweetened condensed milk, use a gentle folding technique. This keeps air in the mixture, creating a light and airy ice cream.
• Freeze overnight for best results – If you can wait, letting your ice cream freeze overnight will enhance its texture and flavor as it allows all the ingredients to meld beautifully.

How to Serve London Fog Ice Cream

Serving your homemade London Fog Ice Cream can be as creative as you like! Here are some ideas to impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Crushed biscotti – A sprinkle of crushed biscotti adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture of the ice cream.
• Zest of lemon or orange – A hint of citrus zest on top brightens up the flavors and adds a refreshing note that complements the Earl Grey.

Side Dishes

• Shortbread cookies – These buttery treats pair excellently with ice cream, offering a sweet and crumbly texture that balances out each spoonful.
• Fruit compote – A warm fruit compote made from berries or stone fruits provides a sweet-tart contrast to the rich ice cream, enhancing every bite.
• Tea cakes – Light and fluffy tea cakes serve as a lovely accompaniment, echoing the flavors of Earl Grey in a delightful way.
• Chocolate-covered almonds – The nuttiness and slight bitterness of chocolate-covered almonds add an indulgent twist that pairs wonderfully with this dessert.

Enjoy crafting this delicious treat and making it truly your own with these serving suggestions!

Make Ahead and Storage

This London Fog Ice Cream is a fantastic option for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and have a delightful dessert ready whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
• It’s best consumed within one week for optimal flavor and texture.

Freezing

• For long-term storage, you can freeze the ice cream in a freezer-safe container.
• Make sure to press a piece of parchment paper on the surface of the ice cream before sealing with the lid to prevent ice crystals.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat this ice cream, but if it’s too hard when you take it out of the freezer, let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes for easier scooping.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making London Fog Ice Cream.

Can I use different types of tea for London Fog Ice Cream?

Absolutely! While Earl Grey tea is traditional, you can experiment with other flavored teas like chai or herbal blends to create your unique version of London Fog Ice Cream.

How long does it take to make London Fog Ice Cream?

The total time for making this delicious London Fog Ice Cream is approximately 15 minutes, plus chilling and freezing time. It’s a simple process that yields delightful results!

What makes London Fog Ice Cream so special?

London Fog Ice Cream is special because it combines the rich flavors of Earl Grey tea with creamy sweetness, creating a dessert that feels both indulgent and comforting.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the heavy whipping cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free condensed milk to create a dairy-free version of this lovely treat.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful London Fog Ice Cream as much as I do! It’s a charming way to indulge in a classic beverage transformed into a creamy dessert. Whether you’re enjoying it on a warm day or serving it at your next gathering, it’s sure to bring smiles all around. Happy scooping!