There is something about summer that makes ice cream feel essential. A scoop in the garden, dessert after dinner, a sweet treat after a sunny day out, or a homemade tub waiting in the freezer for when the craving hits.
And the best part? Making ice cream at home is easier than it looks.
If you have difficulty digesting lactose, homemade ice cream also gives you more control over what goes into your recipe. By preparing your milk with Milkaid Drops before you start, you can make lactose-reduced milk at home and use it in your favourite summer recipes.
Because ice cream should feel fun, not complicated.
How to make lactose-reduced milk with Milkaid Drops
Before making your homemade ice cream, you will need to prepare your milk with Milkaid Drops.
Simply add 3 drops of Milkaid Drops to 500ml of milk, gently shake and refrigerate for 24 hours. This helps reduce the lactose level by approximately 70%.
For an even greater reduction, add 10 drops to 500ml of milk, gently shake and refrigerate for 24 hours to reduce lactose by approximately 99%. Once treated, the milk can be used just like ordinary milk, including in drinks, cereals, cooking and recipes like homemade ice cream.
Do not use more than 64 drops in any 24-hour period.
Easy homemade vanilla ice cream recipe
This simple homemade vanilla ice cream recipe is a great base for summer. You can enjoy it as classic vanilla, or add your favourite toppings and flavours.
Ingredients
- 500ml whole milk prepared with Milkaid Drops
- 200ml lactose-free double cream
- 100g caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A small pinch of salt
Method
1. Prepare your milk the night before
Add Milkaid Drops to your milk, gently shake and refrigerate for 24 hours.
2. Mix the ice cream base
In a bowl, whisk together the lactose-reduced milk, lactose-free double cream, caster sugar, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until smooth.
3. Chill the mixture
Place the mixture in the fridge for at least 1 hour. A colder base helps create a better texture.
4. Freeze and stir
Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 30 minutes, then stir well with a fork or whisk to break up ice crystals. Repeat every 30 minutes for 3 to 4 hours, until creamy and scoopable.
5. Serve and enjoy
Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
That is it. Homemade ice cream, done.
Make it your flavour
Once you have the base, you can make it match your summer mood.
Try:
- Strawberry: add blended strawberries or strawberry sauce
- Chocolate: add cocoa powder and chocolate chips
- Salted caramel: swirl in caramel sauce and a pinch of sea salt
- Coffee: add a shot of cooled espresso
- Pistachio: add pistachio paste or crushed pistachios
- Cookies and cream: stir through crushed biscuits before the final freeze
Vanilla classic? Chocolate main character? Pistachio bold energy? Whatever your flavour, homemade ice cream is one of the easiest ways to make summer feel a little more delicious.
Tips for creamier homemade ice cream
Homemade ice cream is simple, but a few small details can make it even better.
Use whole milk
Whole milk gives a creamier texture than skimmed milk.
Do not skip the chilling step
A cold mixture freezes better and helps the final texture feel smoother.
Stir regularly if you are not using an ice cream maker
This helps reduce ice crystals and keeps the ice cream softer.
Add toppings near the end
Chocolate chips, fruit, biscuits and nuts are best stirred in once the mixture has started to thicken.
Store it properly
Keep your ice cream in an airtight container and press a layer of baking paper on top before closing the lid to help protect the texture.
Why make ice cream at home?
Making ice cream at home means you can choose your flavour, control your ingredients and create a summer dessert that works for your routine. It is also a fun recipe to make for sunny days, family treats, garden plans or weekend desserts.
With Milkaid Drops, you can prepare lactose-reduced milk at home and use it in recipes like homemade ice cream, iced lattes, smoothies and other dairy favourites.
So yes, the ice cream plan is still on.
Summer tastes better with Milkaid.
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