Lemon Ice Cream – No Churn
This lemon ice cream is bursting with rich lemon flavors. This simple, easy, and effortless no-churn ice cream recipe uses only three ingredients, including lemon curd, and takes less than five minutes to prepare. As a result, it is the ultimate refreshing summer dessert.

Have you tried my no-fail lemon curd recipe yet? If you haven’t, you absolutely must! That is this ice cream – OMG!!
I am so proud of that recipe. It’s simple, easy, and really delicious. That lemon curd recipe is like a little Ginny that keeps appearing everywhere, in tarts, bars, cake filling, and, of course, this ice cream.
What does no-churn mean?
I think no-churn is not a very common term in all parts of the world. No-churn simply means that you don’t need an ice cream maker. It refers to the paddle in an ice cream maker that turns (churns) the ice cream mixture from a liquid state to a creamy ice cream consistency.
About this ice cream
I love lemon, but I don’t like it when its flavor is so strong that it hits you in the face (tongue). I like lemon’s flavor when it’s smooth and soft. It’s robust and bright, yet not harsh and zingy.
Unlike normal lemon ice cream, which is made by adding lemon juice and can sometimes be really strong, this one uses lemon curd. So, it’s got that lemon flavor all nestled into a rich, cream-custard-based curd. It’s absolute heaven. I know you will love this more than any other lemon ice cream you’ve ever made or eaten.
I must admit that I’m always upset that my three-ingredient ice cream pictures come out all melted. And yet, the truth is that these ice creams are so darn creamy that even with the air conditioning on, they just melt away. So, I have no choice but to show you these almost-melted pictures!! You have to admit they do look rather delish.

If you like making no-churn ice creams, then you must read my tips for no-churn ice creams.
Ingredients and substitutes
- Whipping cream – The higher the fat, the creamier your ice cream. I use whipping cream with 38% fat. With this recipe, I’m not calculating calories, so it’s got to be full-fat cream. You can, of course, use low-fat cream, but it will produce ice crystals, so your ice cream will be a bit icy. There is nothing wrong with that, just as long as you know what to expect.
- Condensed milk – Condensed milk is sweetened, so we do not add any additional sugar. I always use my homemade condensed milk recipe, which takes just 5 minutes to make. The best thing about that recipe is that you can reduce the sugar. I highly recommend tasting the ice cream before you freeze it to ensure it’s sweet. If necessary, add a tablespoon or two of powdered sugar.
- Vanilla – I do not add more vanilla because condensed milk already contains vanilla. But feel free to add some more vanilla extract.
- Lemon curd – You can use store-bought lemon curd, but homemade lemon curd is easier than you think. Here’s my step-by-step tutorial to make your own homemade lemon curd.


Step-by-step instructions
- Whip cream until it forms almost stiff peaks.

- Add the condensed milk and mix for a minute more to combine.

- Combine the lemon curd well into the whipped cream mixture.
- I like to save a little of the whipped cream and fold it after I have combined the lemon curd. This creates a lovely white-and-yellow swirl effect.

- Pour into an ice cream container and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- For the creamiest ice cream, thaw the container for at least 10 minutes before you attempt to scoop.
- Enjoy!
Did you LIKE this recipe? Save it for later on Pinterest.
Follow on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok
Subscribe to receive new recipes right to your inbox.

3 Ingredients Lemon Ice Cream No Churn
This lemon ice cream is bursting with rich lemon flavors. This simple, easy, and effortless no-churn lemon ice cream recipe uses only three ingredients and takes less than five minutes to prepare. This lemon ice cream uses lemon curd and is the ultimate refreshing summer dessert.
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup (250 ml) Whipping cream
- ½ cup (120 ml) Condensed milk
- 1 cup (250 ml) Lemon curd
Method
- Whip cream until it forms almost stiff peaks.
- Add the condensed milk and mix for a minute more to combine.
- Combine the lemon curd well into the whipped cream mixture.
- I like to save a little of the whipped cream and fold it after I have combined the lemon curd. This creates a lovely white and yellow swirl effect.
- Pour into an ice cream container and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- For the creamiest ice cream, thaw the container for at least 10 minutes before you attempt to scoop.
- Enjoy!










I’m so with you about that strong lemon bite from fresh juice! What a great idea to use curd instead. I need to remember that when I do recipes with lemon where that method will work. Thanks for the tip!
Thanks, Karyl. Yes, I love a light and refreshing lemon curd flavor.
No churn ice creams are so great for the summer; such a super simple summer treat. This lemon recipe sounds amazing, super fresh ingredients and flavors.
Absolutely, Jennifer. Simple ingredients and lots of flavors.
Yes it does look delicious melted and creamy! Lemon is my grandmother favorite! Thank you for the recipe!
You are welcome Gina. Let me know how you like it.
Ahhh, Veena!! You know my dessert weakness. A while back I was wanting to make no-churn lemon ice cream. Well, I thought that the lemon curd would be the perfect addition to get to that lemony taste we like. For some reason every store I went to didn’t have any in a jar. I gave up on the idea but it’s always stuck in the back of my mind. Now that we’re closer to our kids I’ll have to whip up a batch using your homemade lemon curd recipe. Can’t wait!!
Thanks, Marisa. Yes, this ones really easy with lemon curd and does not have a crazy lemon sting to it.
Lemon curd is such a special treat. This looks like such a fun way to use it, and an awesome way to up the lemon flavor in that ice cream!
Thank you, Ashley. Definitely a fun way to up the flavor in ice cream.
This looks like the perfect summer dessert! I love how easy it looks to put together, and using the lemon curd (if you don’t eat it all up first!) sounds like the perfect creamy flavor, not too tart!
Thank you Whitney. yes, definitely very easy.
I love lemon in everything. Lemon ice creams looks absolutely delicious. Love that it’s made of lemon curd. This is exciting recipe
Me too Jyothi. Thanks
I am totally with you Veena, I don’t like strong citrus flavors in my ice cream…I like it subtle and just enough to balance the sweetness. Your ice cream looks fabulous though! You can really see how creamy and soft it is…it looks refreshing and delicious!
Thank you, Tammy. Yes, I love a subtle lemon flavor. You will enjoy this.
Mmm. Homemade lemon ice cream with lemon curd? Sign me up. Your recipe looks delicious and super easy!! And, I have lemon curd in my fridge, so I know what I’ll be making this weekend!
Absolutely Elaine. This one is really so easy. And yes, we often have lemon curd lying in the fridge this is a great way to use it up lol.
Looks amazing and lemony!
Thanks Tammy. Really delish, you must ry.