London Fog Ice Cream

If you’re looking for a cool treat to enjoy on a warm day or a delightful dessert to share with friends, then you have to try this London Fog Ice Cream. Inspired by the classic London Fog tea latte, this recipe brings the comforting flavors of Earl Grey tea into a creamy, dreamy ice cream. It’s perfect for everything from cozy family gatherings to busy weeknights when you just need a little something special to brighten your day.

What makes this ice cream so special is how easy it is to make—no churn required! The lovely infusion of tea combined with sweetened condensed milk creates a unique flavor that will have everyone coming back for more. Trust me, once you taste this luscious dessert, it will become a favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious ice cream without any fancy equipment.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and aromatic flavor of Earl Grey.
• Make-Ahead Treat: Prepare it ahead of time and store it in the freezer for whenever that ice cream craving strikes!
• Delicious Flavor: This ice cream offers a unique twist on traditional flavors, making it a standout dessert at any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this London Fog Ice Cream is as easy as pie! You probably already have most of these simple, wholesome items in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and add your personal touch. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add Some Zest: Try incorporating lemon or orange zest for an extra citrusy twist that complements the tea beautifully.
• Mix in Chocolate Chips: For chocolate lovers, folding in mini chocolate chips before freezing adds a delightful crunch.
• Explore Different Teas: Swap out Earl Grey for chai or matcha if you’re feeling adventurous—each will give you a completely different flavor profile!
• Top with Extras: Serve with fresh berries or crushed cookies on top for added texture and taste.

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. Slowly bringing the cream to a simmer allows those fragrant tea flavors to fully infuse into the cream. Stir occasionally, watching carefully so it doesn’t boil over.

Step 2: Steep and Chill

Once you’ve reached a gentle simmer, remove the cream from heat and let it steep for two additional minutes. This step is key because it enhances the depth of flavor. After steeping, strain out the tea leaves using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth—what you want is that smooth, creamy base! Place the strained mixture into a mason jar and refrigerate until completely chilled, about 2 hours.

Step 3: Whip It Up!

After chilling, take out your infused cream and beat it with an electric mixer in a large bowl until soft peaks form—this should take about 4-6 minutes. The whipped cream gives your ice cream that light and airy texture we all love!

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract using a spoon or spatula. This part is important because we want to maintain as much air in the whipped cream as possible while ensuring everything is nicely combined.

Step 5: Freeze Time

Pour your ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe container. Spread it evenly and cover tightly. Now comes the hardest part—waiting! Freeze for about 4 hours or until completely set. When it’s ready, scoop yourself some London Fog Ice Cream and enjoy this delightful treat!

Pro Tips for Making London Fog Ice Cream

Making ice cream at home can be a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll take your London Fog Ice Cream to the next level!

• Use fresh Earl Grey tea: Fresh tea leaves will provide a more robust flavor compared to older tea bags. The quality of the tea directly impacts the taste of your ice cream.

• Chill your ingredients: Ensuring that your cream is completely chilled before whipping helps create a lighter, fluffier texture. This step is essential for achieving that decadent ice cream consistency.

• Don’t rush the steeping: Allowing the Earl Grey to steep for the full two minutes enhances the flavor. This extra time ensures that all those lovely tea essences are infused into your cream.

• Fold gently: When combining the whipped cream with the sweetened condensed milk, use a gentle folding motion. This technique preserves the airiness of the whipped cream, resulting in a creamy texture.

• Freeze overnight if possible: For the best flavor and texture, let your ice cream freeze overnight. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and creates an irresistibly creamy scoop.

How to Serve London Fog Ice Cream

Serving your homemade London Fog Ice Cream can be as creative as you want! Here are some ideas to make this treat even more special.

Garnishes

• Crushed pistachios: Their nutty flavor and vibrant green color add a lovely crunch and contrast to the creamy ice cream.
• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of this dairy-free alternative not only looks beautiful but also complements the tea-infused ice cream perfectly with its light sweetness.
• Drizzle of honey or maple syrup: A touch of natural sweetness enhances each bite, making it even more indulgent.

Side Dishes

• Shortbread cookies: These buttery treats provide a delightful crunch that pairs wonderfully with the smoothness of the ice cream.
• Fresh berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a refreshing tartness that balances out the rich flavors of the London Fog Ice Cream.
• Chocolate chip scones: The slight sweetness and crumbly texture of scones make them an excellent accompaniment for this creamy dessert.
• Tea-infused cakes: Pairing your ice cream with a slice of Earl Grey cake will elevate your dessert experience while keeping with the theme!

Enjoy crafting and serving this delightful London Fog Ice Cream—it’s sure to become a favorite among friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

This London Fog Ice Cream is not only a delightful treat but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and enjoy its creamy goodness whenever you crave something sweet.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep any leftover ice cream in an airtight container to maintain its texture.
• Store in the freezer for up to 2 weeks for optimal freshness.
• Allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping if it gets too hard.

Freezing

• Ensure the ice cream is thoroughly frozen for at least 4 hours or until set.
• If you want to freeze in smaller portions, use ice cream molds or small containers for easy serving later.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat ice cream, but if it becomes too hard, let it soften at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making this delicious treat!

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

Absolutely! While Earl Grey is traditional, feel free to experiment with other flavored teas like chamomile or chai for a unique twist.

How can I make my London Fog Ice Cream even creamier?

For an extra creamy texture, ensure that your heavy whipping cream is whipped just to soft peaks before folding in the condensed milk. This will keep your ice cream light and airy!

Is this London Fog Ice Cream suitable for vegans?

This recipe uses heavy whipping cream and sweetened condensed milk, which are dairy products. For a vegan version, consider using coconut cream and a plant-based sweetened condensed milk substitute.

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

From preparation to freezing, this recipe takes about 15 minutes of active time plus a chilling time of around 4 hours. So plan ahead but know that it’s worth the wait!

Final Thoughts

I hope this London Fog Ice Cream brings a little joy into your kitchen! It’s so special because it combines the comforting flavors of tea with the indulgence of ice cream. Enjoy making this delightful treat and savor each creamy spoonful. Don’t forget to share your experience—I would love to hear how you enjoyed it!