If you are looking for a refreshing and delightfully tangy treat that’s both creamy and healthier than traditional ice cream, this Homemade Greek Yogurt Ice Cream Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Combining the luscious thickness of Greek yogurt with the rich texture of heavy cream and the natural sweetness of honey, this dessert is irresistibly smooth, bursting with flavor, and perfectly balanced by a touch of lemon juice and vanilla extract. Once you make it at home, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each plays a crucial role in making this ice cream both creamy and flavorful. From creamy dairy to natural sweeteners and bright citrus, every element elevates the final dessert experience.
- Greek yogurt: The star ingredient that gives a thick, creamy texture and a tangy flavor base.
- Heavy cream: Adds smooth richness and a velvety mouthfeel.
- Whole milk: Lightens the mixture slightly while maintaining creaminess.
- Honey: A natural sweetener that imparts floral sweetness and depth.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and aromatic complexity.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the flavor with a subtle citrus zing.
How to Make Homemade Greek Yogurt Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Dairy
Start by taking a medium-sized mixing bowl and adding 2 cups of Greek yogurt, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 1/2 cup of whole milk. These three ingredients create the creamy foundation for your ice cream, mixing thickness and smoothness together perfectly.
Step 2: Whisk Until Smooth
Use a whisk to blend the dairy until you have a homogeneous, smooth mixture. This step ensures the texture will be silky and even once churned.
Step 3: Sweeten It Up
Next, add 1/2 cup of honey to your bowl and stir until it has completely dissolved. Honey not only sweetens this recipe naturally but also adds a lovely floral note that complements the tang of the yogurt beautifully.
Step 4: Add Flavor Enhancers
Pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, then stir again. These simple additions elevate the ice cream by enhancing both sweetness and brightness, giving the recipe more layers of flavor.
Step 5: Chill the Mixture
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling helps the ingredients marry and ensures that your ice cream churns up nicely, creating that perfect texture.
Step 6: Pour into Ice Cream Maker
Once chilled, take your mixture out and pour it into your ice cream maker. This step starts the transformation from creamy liquid to indulgent ice cream.
Step 7: Churn to Soft-Serve Consistency
Follow your ice cream maker’s instructions to churn the mixture until it reaches a soft-serve like texture. This is where the magic happens, as the ice cream thickens and air is incorporated to lighten the texture.
Step 8: Transfer to Airtight Container
After churning, move the ice cream into an airtight container, smoothing the top with a spatula. This keeps your ice cream protected and ready for freezing.
Step 9: Freeze Until Firm
Cover the container and freeze the ice cream for at least four hours so it becomes fully set and scoopable. This final chill transforms it into the perfect treat for warm days or any time you crave something cool and delicious.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
When the Homemade Greek Yogurt Ice Cream Recipe is frozen firm, scoop it out and enjoy immediately. The creamy texture with hints of lemon and honey will have you coming back for more!
How to Serve Homemade Greek Yogurt Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
This ice cream shines on its own but can be made even more special with inventive garnishes. Sprinkle toasted nuts like pistachios or almonds for crunch, drizzle with a little honey or fruit compote for extra sweetness, or add fresh berries for a burst of color and tartness that complements the tangy yogurt beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pairing this ice cream with warm fruit crisps, fresh-baked cookies, or honey-drizzled baklava can create a dessert experience that elevates any meal. The cool creaminess contrasts beautifully with warm, spiced desserts or crunchy textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve scoops in hollowed-out fresh fruit like oranges or pineapples to impress guests. You could also layer it in parfait glasses with granola and fresh fruit for a visually stunning and delicious treat perfect for brunch or afternoon gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover ice cream from your Homemade Greek Yogurt Ice Cream Recipe should be stored in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and preserve the fresh flavors. Keeping it tightly sealed maintains its creamy texture and prevents ice crystals from forming.
Freezing
This ice cream freezes well for up to two weeks when stored correctly. Allow it to soften slightly at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Although ice cream is best served cold, letting it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes after removing from the freezer makes scooping easier and enhances the creaminess. Avoid any high-heat methods, as they’ll ruin the texture.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?
Yes! While an ice cream maker produces the smoothest results, you can still make this recipe without one by freezing the mixture in a shallow container and stirring it vigorously every 30 minutes until it’s firm. This manual churning helps prevent ice crystals and keeps it creamy.
Is Greek yogurt ice cream healthier than regular ice cream?
Greek yogurt ice cream typically has more protein and less fat than traditional ice cream, making it a slightly lighter option. Plus, the live cultures in yogurt add probiotics that support digestion.
Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?
Absolutely! You can swap honey for maple syrup, agave nectar, or even granulated sugar, but keep in mind the subtle difference in flavor and sweetness level each alternative brings.
How long does Homemade Greek Yogurt Ice Cream Recipe take to make?
The prep time is very short—about 10 minutes to mix everything—but the chilling and freezing times combined will take several hours, so plan ahead for the best texture and flavor.
Can I add mix-ins like fruit or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Fold in fresh berries, chocolate chips, or nuts after the ice cream has churned but before freezing it solid. This adds exciting textures and flavors to your homemade treat.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Greek Yogurt Ice Cream Recipe is truly a joy to make and even more delightful to eat. With its creamy texture, balanced tang, and natural sweetness, it’s the perfect dessert to impress family and friends or enjoy a refreshing treat yourself. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy and rewarding homemade ice cream can be!
Print
Homemade Greek Yogurt Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 0m
- Total Time: 5h 10m
- Yield: About 1 quart (4 servings)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning with Ice Cream Maker
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Homemade Greek Yogurt Ice Cream recipe is a delightful and creamy frozen dessert made with simple ingredients like Greek yogurt, heavy cream, and honey. It’s a refreshing treat with a tangy twist from lemon juice and the smoothness of vanilla, perfect for a healthy yet indulgent dessert at home.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base
- 2 cups Greek yogurt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine Dairy Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, heavy cream, and whole milk, mixing the base of your ice cream.
- Whisk Smooth: Whisk the mixture together vigorously until it becomes smooth and well-blended with no lumps.
- Add Sweetener: Stir in the honey thoroughly, ensuring it dissolves completely into the dairy blend for even sweetness.
- Incorporate Flavors: Pour in the vanilla extract and lemon juice, stirring once again to fully incorporate these flavor enhancers.
- Chill Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least one hour to chill the mixture, prepping it for churning.
- Pour into Ice Cream Maker: After chilling, transfer the mixture into your ice cream maker bowl to start the freezing process.
- Churn Ice Cream: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your ice cream maker, churning the mixture until it reaches a soft-serve texture.
- Transfer to Container: Once churned, move the ice cream into an airtight container, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Freeze Firm: Cover the container with a lid and freeze for at least four hours or until the ice cream is fully firm and scoopable.
- Serve: Scoop out the frozen Greek yogurt ice cream and serve immediately for the best creamy and refreshing experience.
Notes
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can pour the mixture into a shallow container, freeze it, and stir every 30 minutes until firm to mimic the churning process.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the honey amount according to your taste preference.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for creamier texture; low-fat versions will yield a less creamy ice cream.
- The lemon juice adds a subtle tang to balance the sweetness — do not skip it for best flavor.
- For added texture, consider folding in fresh fruit or nuts after churning, before final freezing.
