Refreshing Mint Leaf Ice Cream

If you’re a fan of mint ice cream, you’ll absolutely love this homemade Mint Leaf Ice Cream recipe. It’s creamy, refreshing, and made with fresh mint leaves for an authentic flavor that store-bought versions just can’t match. This homemade version uses a custard base with egg yolks, giving it a rich texture and the perfect minty bite. It’s the perfect dessert for a warm summer evening or any time you’re craving something cool and refreshing.

The mint leaves infuse the cream and milk with their bright, aromatic flavor, making each scoop of this ice cream truly special. Plus, making it yourself ensures you’re getting the freshest ingredients possible, so you can customize it to your liking. Whether you’re serving it as a sweet treat after dinner or pairing it with your favorite baked goods, this mint ice cream will definitely be a hit.

For other refreshing desserts, try making Mint Sorbet or a Cucumber Ice Cream for an even more unique twist on frozen treats.

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Why You’ll Love This Mint Leaf Ice Cream

This Mint Leaf Ice Cream is the epitome of refreshing and creamy. The use of fresh mint gives it a much more vibrant and intense flavor compared to mint extract, providing a pure and natural mint experience. The egg yolk custard creates a smooth and rich texture that will melt in your mouth. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and herbal, and you’ll love the natural specks of mint throughout the ice cream.

Plus, this recipe is easy to follow, requiring only a few basic ingredients like whole milk, heavy cream, egg yolks, and fresh mint leaves. It’s a perfect dessert for when you want to impress guests or enjoy a sweet treat at home.

For another cool dessert idea, check out Homemade Mint Ice Cream or Mint Foam to explore more creative ways to use fresh mint.

Ingredients Breakdown and Measurements

To make this Mint Leaf Ice Cream, gather the following ingredients:

For the Ice Cream Base:

• 1 cup whole milk
• Pinch of salt
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 packed cups of fresh mint leaves
• 2 cups of heavy cream
• 4 egg yolks

These simple ingredients come together to create a luscious, flavorful base for the mint ice cream. The egg yolks provide richness, while the mint leaves give a refreshing taste that’s perfect for a summer dessert.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Mint Leaf Ice Cream

Step 1: Infuse the Mint in the Milk and Cream

Start by combining the milk, salt, sugar, and 1 cup of heavy cream in a medium-sized pot. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring often, until the sugar dissolves and everything is well combined. Add the mint leaves to the mixture and stir to help them wilt in the hot liquid. Once the mint is wilted, turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the mixture cool down to room temperature. Afterward, place it in the fridge and chill overnight to allow the mint flavor to infuse fully.

Chilling the mixture overnight helps to extract the maximum flavor from the fresh mint. If you love mint, try experimenting with Mint Sorbet for a refreshing twist without the cream.

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Step 2: Strain the Mixture

The next day, strain the mint-infused mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. It’s okay if a few tiny mint leaf specks make it through; they’ll add to the texture and visual appeal of the ice cream. After straining, you’ll be left with a fragrant minty liquid ready for the next step.

For another easy dessert idea, consider making Mint Ice Cream with Chocolate Chips for a fun twist.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Custard Base

Reheat the strained mint mixture over medium-low heat. While it’s warming, whisk the egg yolks in a separate bowl. In another bowl, pour the remaining cup of heavy cream and set a fine-mesh strainer over the bowl to catch any curdles.

Once the mint-cream mixture reaches about 150°F, you’re ready to temper the eggs. Slowly pour a ladle of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly. Repeat this process three times to temper the eggs without scrambling them. Finally, pour the egg-cream mixture back into the pot and stir to combine.

Pro Tip: Tempering the eggs helps to create a smooth, creamy texture and prevents them from curdling.

Step 4: Cook the Custard

Continue cooking the mixture on medium-low heat, stirring often, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon and reaches about 160°F. Remove it from the heat. Then, pour it through the fine-mesh sieve into the bowl with the remaining cream to cool the mixture quickly.

Chill the mixture for at least 4 hours or until it’s completely cold. This will help ensure the ice cream churns to the right consistency.

For other creamy dessert ideas, you may want to try Cream Cheese Pancake Topping or Cream Cheese Spaghetti for rich and smooth textures.

Step 5: Churn the Ice Cream

Once the mixture is cold, transfer it to your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most machines will take around 20-30 minutes to achieve the perfect consistency. Once done, you can serve the ice cream immediately for a soft-serve texture, or transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for several hours for a scoopable consistency.

This mint ice cream is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with desserts like Chocolate Protein Brownies or Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Bites for a sweet treat combo.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once your Mint Leaf Ice Cream is fully churned and set, serve it in bowls or cones. For an extra indulgent treat, top it with some chocolate chips or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

Pro Tip: If you want to add extra flavor, sprinkle some crushed mint leaves on top for added texture and minty freshness.

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Tips for Perfect Mint Leaf Ice Cream

• Use fresh mint: Fresh mint provides the best flavor for this ice cream. If you can’t find fresh mint, you can try using dried mint, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant.
• Infuse overnight: Let the mint steep in the milk and cream overnight for the most intense mint flavor.
• Don’t rush the tempering process: When tempering the eggs, take your time. This step ensures a creamy, smooth custard without curdling.

If you’re looking for more homemade ice cream recipes, try making Peach Iced Tea Ice Cream or Frozen Strawberry Sorbet for more cool treats.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store your leftover Mint Leaf Ice Cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 weeks. Let it soften for a few minutes before serving if it becomes too hard in the freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this without an ice cream maker?
Yes! You can make this ice cream without an ice cream maker by placing the chilled mixture into a container and freezing it. Every 30 minutes, stir it vigorously with a fork to break up any ice crystals until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.

Can I add chocolate chips to this mint ice cream?
Absolutely! Add some chocolate chips or chocolate chunks during the last few minutes of churning for a mint chocolate chip version.

Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, you can substitute the whole milk with almond milk or coconut milk, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different.

Conclusion & Call to Action

This Mint Leaf Ice Cream is a refreshing and creamy homemade treat that’s sure to impress anyone who loves mint. With fresh mint and a rich, custard-based ice cream, it’s a luxurious dessert you can enjoy all year round.

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