London Fog Ice Cream

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings the cozy vibes of a tea shop right to your home, then this London Fog Ice Cream is just what you need! Inspired by the beloved London Fog tea latte, this creamy dessert offers a unique twist that Earl Gray fans will absolutely adore. With its soft, velvety texture and hints of bergamot, you’ll find it’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a busy weeknight dessert or a sweet ending to a family gathering.

This no-churn ice cream recipe is not only simple to make, but it also allows you to indulge without any complicated steps. So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s dive into this deliciously creamy creation together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: No ice cream maker needed! Whip it up with just a few simple steps.
• Tea-Infused Flavor: The Earl Gray tea gives this ice cream an aromatic twist that’s truly special.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this unique flavor—perfect for everyone!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and store it in your freezer for those spontaneous cravings.
• Decadent Treat: Rich and creamy, this dessert feels indulgent without being overly sweet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how straightforward these ingredients are! They come together to create a lush and creamy ice cream that captures the essence of a London Fog latte. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Ice Cream Base

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it to suit your taste. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Some Spice: Sprinkle in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra warming flavor.
• Chocolate Lovers Unite: Fold in some chocolate chips before freezing for a delightful contrast.
• Fruit Infusion: Swirl in some fresh berries for a fruity kick that pairs beautifully with the tea.
• Nutty Delight: Add crushed almonds or hazelnuts for a crunchy texture that complements the creaminess.

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 Gray tea. Bring the cream to a simmer while stirring occasionally. This step is essential as it allows the flavors of the tea to fully infuse into the cream, creating that signature London Fog taste.

Step 2: Steep the Tea

Remove the cream from heat and allow it to steep for two more minutes. Letting it steep enhances the flavor, making sure each scoop has that lovely bergamot essence that makes Earl Gray so special.

Step 3: Strain and Chill

Strain out the tea leaves from your cream mixture and discard them. Transfer the cream into a mason jar and refrigerate until completely chilled—this should take about 2 hours. Chilling is crucial here; cold ingredients help achieve that perfect texture when whipping later on!

Step 4: Whip It Good

In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form, which takes about 4-6 minutes. This step adds volume and airiness to your ice cream base, making it light yet rich.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract using a spoon or spatula. Be careful not to deflate your whipped cream too much—this keeps your ice cream fluffy!

Step 6: Freeze It Up

Fold the entire mixture into your freezer container and place it in the freezer for about 4 hours, or until completely set. Once frozen, you’ll have smooth and creamy London Fog Ice Cream ready to enjoy!

With every scoop of this delightful treat, you’ll experience all those cozy feelings reminiscent of sipping on your favorite tea latte—right in ice cream form! Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making London Fog Ice Cream

Making London Fog Ice Cream is a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll ensure your ice cream turns out perfectly creamy and delicious every time!

• Use high-quality tea: The flavor of your ice cream heavily relies on the quality of Earl Gray tea. Opt for loose leaf or premium bagged tea to truly elevate the taste.
• Cool it down thoroughly: Refrigerating the cream mixture until it’s completely chilled not only enhances the flavors but also helps achieve a smoother texture in the final product.
• Don’t rush the whipping: Be patient when whipping the heavy cream; soft peaks should form gradually. This adds air to your ice cream and contributes to its creamy consistency.
• Fold gently: When incorporating the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, fold gently to maintain the airiness of the whipped cream, which is key to a light texture.
• Plan for freezing time: Allow at least 4 hours in the freezer for your ice cream to set completely. Planning ahead ensures you won’t be left waiting impatiently when cravings hit!

How to Serve London Fog Ice Cream

Serving your homemade London Fog Ice Cream can be as fun as making it! Here are some creative ideas to make your dessert even more special.

Garnishes

• Fresh Lavender Sprigs: A small sprig adds an aromatic touch that complements the Earl Gray notes beautifully.
• Chocolate Shavings: A sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings provides a delightful contrast and enhances visual appeal.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free option that still feels indulgent, top with whipped coconut cream for added richness.

Side Dishes

• Shortbread Cookies: These buttery cookies have a delightful crumbly texture that pairs beautifully with the rich ice cream, providing a lovely crunch.
• Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad with berries or citrus balances out the creamy sweetness of the ice cream.
• Chai Spiced Nuts: Spiced nuts add a savory crunch and warmth that harmonizes with the flavors of Earl Gray tea.
• Scones with Clotted Cream: Traditional scones offer a lovely tea-time pairing, especially when enjoyed alongside a scoop of your London Fog Ice Cream.

With these garnishes and side dishes, you’ll create an unforgettable dessert experience for yourself or your guests! Enjoy every creamy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This London Fog Ice Cream is perfect for meal prep! You can whip it up in advance and have a delightful treat waiting for you in the freezer whenever you crave something sweet.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Place a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly on the surface of the ice cream before sealing to prevent ice crystals.
• Enjoy within two weeks for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

• Ensure your ice cream is fully set before serving, which typically takes about 4 hours.
• For longer storage, consider portioning into smaller containers for easy access.
• Label your containers with the date so you can track freshness.

Reheating

• If your ice cream is too hard, let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before scooping.
• Alternatively, use a warm ice cream scoop under hot water to help serve it more easily.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful dessert:

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

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

How long does homemade London Fog Ice Cream last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, your London Fog Ice Cream can last up to two weeks in the freezer while maintaining its creamy texture.

Can I make London Fog Ice Cream without heavy cream?

For a lighter version, you could substitute with a non-dairy whipped topping or coconut cream. However, this may alter the texture slightly.

What should I serve with London Fog Ice Cream?

Pair it with some shortbread cookies or fresh berries for a lovely dessert combo that complements the tea flavors beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this luscious London Fog Ice Cream as much as I do! It’s a special treat that combines creamy goodness with the fragrant notes of Earl Gray tea. Whether you’re celebrating a sunny day or cozying up on a chilly evening, this recipe is sure to brighten your mood. Happy scooping!