Temperatures are rising, days are longer, there's no doubt about it, summer is in the air. And when we say summer, we mean... Ice cream and sorbets. For the delight of the most indulgent. But how do you make homemade ice cream? And how do you make sorbet or ice cream without an ice cream maker? Don't worry, we're sharing all our tips in this article. Finally, have you thought about toppings? They will make the tasting even more delicious and memorable.
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How to make an ice cream recipe without an ice cream maker?
Do you want to make homemade ice cream but don't have an ice cream maker or churn? Even though it's preferable to use one, you can definitely manage without. Here are our tips, to successfully make your ice creams and sorbets at home.
L'Ecole Valrhona's technique for successful homemade ice creams
Who said you can't make ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Sure, the task is easier if you have a machine, but it's completely possible to do without one.
Here are the steps to make your homemade ice cream without an ice cream maker:
- Freeze the mix in flat freezer bags
- Roughly cut into pieces
- Blend
- Retrieve the mix in a chilled container
- Store in the freezer
- Wait until the mix is frozen and firm
- And there you go!
Why is my homemade ice cream too hard or forming crystals?
First, it's important to understand why ice cream or sorbet hardens. The main reason is that water freezes faster than the other ingredients in the mix. It forms crystals, which clump together and harden the ice cream or sorbet. Hence the importance of other ingredients:
- Ingredients providing fat: cream, milk, egg yolks
- Ingredients providing dry matter: powdered milk, sugar, glucose
These act as stabilizers by trapping the water. They therefore prevent the formation of overly large crystals. The result: a beautiful creamy texture for your ice creams.
How and for how long should you store homemade ice cream? What container should you use?
Unlike industrial ice creams, homemade ones do not contain preservatives. Therefore, they should be consumed within a few days of being made. If you need to store them in the freezer, make sure to choose a suitable container with a lid. In any case, the ideal is to consume it right after making it. That's when its texture will be at its best.
Discover an ice cream recipe idea
Do you want to make homemade ice cream but don't have an ice cream maker or churn? Even though it's preferable to use one, you can definitely manage without. Here are our tips, to successfully make your ice creams and sorbets at home.
Dark Chocolate Guanaja 70% Ice Cream Bar
Ready to impress your loved ones? Create a homemade ice cream bar with unmatched indulgence. This frozen creation consists of 3 preparations, coated with a Guanaja 70% chocolate glaze:
- Praline ice mousse
- Milk and Guanaja chocolate ice cream
- Caramel sauce
The Best Toppings to Elevate Your Homemade Ice Cream
Whether you've made your homemade ice cream or not, have you thought about adding chocolate chips as a topping? 🍫 This final touch will make the tasting even more delightful! Valrhona chocolate chips are perfect for impressing your guests. Discover our dark chocolate chips here and our milk chocolate chips here. They add a crunchy texture and rich flavor that perfectly complement the sweetness of the ice cream. Whether it's a homemade or store-bought dessert, these chips are an ideal choice to elevate your frozen creation!
Can I use Valrhona chocolate in my ice cream?
Absolutely! Valrhona chocolate is perfect for adding rich flavor and quality to your ice cream. You can melt it into the base for a chocolate ice cream or add chunks for texture.
How can I prevent ice crystals from forming in my no-churn ice cream?
Ensure your mixture is well-mixed and chilled before freezing. The high fat content in heavy cream helps prevent ice crystals. Cover your container tightly to minimize air exposure.
What's the best way to add chocolate chunks?
Just fold them into your ice cream mixture before you freeze it. This way, you'll get a nice distribution of chocolate pieces throughout.
How can I make my ice cream flavors unique?
Get creative! Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, extracts like almond or mint, or even mix-ins like nuts and fruit. You can layer flavors by adding swirls of caramel or fruit puree for something extra special.
