Homemade Gelato: A Simple and Creamy Recipe

There’s nothing better than enjoying a rich, creamy gelato, especially when it’s homemade! If you’ve ever wanted to make your own gelato from scratch, you’re in the right place. This easy recipe will help you create authentic Italian-style gelato right in your kitchen. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients 🥛🍦

To make about 4 servings of classic vanilla gelato, you’ll need:

2 cups (500ml) whole milk
1 cup (250ml) heavy cream
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions 📝

Step 1: Heat the Milk and Cream

In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium-low heat until the mixture is warm but not boiling. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.

Step 2: Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until the mixture turns pale and creamy. This step helps create the rich texture that makes gelato so smooth.

Step 3: Temper the Eggs

Slowly pour a small amount of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly. This process, called tempering, prevents the eggs from scrambling. Gradually add more warm milk until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Cook the Mixture

Pour the tempered mixture back into the saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring constantly. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (around 170°F or 77°C). Be careful not to let it boil!

Step 5: Strain and Cool

Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any cooked egg bits. Stir in the vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight for the best results).

Step 6: Churn the Gelato

Once the mixture is chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Gelato typically takes 20-30 minutes to reach a soft, creamy consistency.

Step 7: Freeze and Serve

Transfer the gelato to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours for a firmer texture. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften.

Bonus: Flavor Variations! 🍫🍓🌰

Want to get creative? Try these variations:

Chocolate Gelato: Add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the milk mixture before heating.
Strawberry Gelato: Blend 1 cup of fresh strawberries into the custard before churning.
Pistachio Gelato: Mix in ½ cup of finely ground pistachios before refrigerating the custard.

Enjoy Your Homemade Gelato!

Making gelato at home is easier than you think, and the results are absolutely delicious! Give this recipe a try and share your creations with us. What flavor will you make next? 🍨💛

Homemade Gelato: A Simple and Creamy Recipe