Lime Ice Cream

When it comes to home cooking, I rarely make the same thing twice, let alone multiple times. It’s just how I roll, thus my motto, “so much food, so little time!” There’s just too much out there to try!

But this ice cream is one major exception. I’ve been making it for years. My kids always got mad that I wasn’t making chocolate ice cream when they were little, but instead one lime-flavored. However, they loved it, too!

Here’s the recipe I cut out of a magazine so many years ago.

One doesn’t expect lime ice cream, perhaps a sorbet instead. So it’s unique in that sense. Hope you like it as much as we do!

Lime Ice Cream

3 cups heavy cream
1 cup filtered water
Zest from 5 limes
Juice from 5 limes, about 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons
2 c superfine sugar
Pinch of salt

Pour the cream and water into a large blender jar. Add the zest and lime juice.

Add the sugar and salt, and give it a good blend.

Place the blender jar in the refrigerator and leave it there overnight. You really want to get the limey flavor dispersed into the cream.

When it’s time to make the ice cream, follow the directions for your machine.

Freeze the container until ready to serve.

I love to serve this ice cream with piroline cookies.

lime3

If you love lime, you will adore this ice cream!

It’s limey, but it’s also creamy. Fabulous!

This ice cream is perfect after a Mexican meal, or a traditional summer barbecue.

And just in case you’re still thinking this is not a creamy ice cream, take a look at this!

By Published On: July 9th, 2018119 Comments on Lime Ice Cream

About the Author: Chef Mimi

As a self-taught home cook, with many years in the culinary profession, I am passionate about all things food-related. Especially eating!

119 Comments

  1. cookinginsens July 9, 2015 at 8:05 AM - Reply

    This sounds refreshing and delicious.

    • chef mimi July 9, 2015 at 8:19 AM - Reply

      It definitely is! And it feels lighter than chocolate…

  2. cookingwithauntjuju.com July 9, 2015 at 8:14 AM - Reply

    I enjoy lime but in moderation – can you send me a sample? I’ve had the cookies so I know I like them :)

    • chef mimi July 9, 2015 at 8:18 AM - Reply

      hahahahahahaha! I’m actually with you on citrus flavors, but think creamy lime. it’s very different. maybe try making a very small amount?!!!

  3. richardmcgary July 9, 2015 at 8:16 AM - Reply

    I love ice cream and limes. So, this would be right up my alley. :)

    • chef mimi July 9, 2015 at 8:17 AM - Reply

      It definitely is! I made this years ago when I catered a charity dinner that began with shrimp enchiladas with tomatillo sauce, a la Stephen Pyles, and ended with this ice cream and a chocolate cinnamon tuile.

  4. Jodi July 9, 2015 at 8:21 AM - Reply

    Sounds so yummy!!! And I know what you mean about making the same thing twice! Always fun to try new and different recipes. :)

    • chef mimi July 9, 2015 at 11:10 AM - Reply

      I know! So many different dishes to try! Although sometimes it makes my family mad…

  5. Julie is Hostess At Heart July 9, 2015 at 8:36 AM - Reply

    This sounds delicious and I love the citrus on hot days! Great idea to serve with the cookies!

    • chef mimi July 9, 2015 at 11:09 AM - Reply

      They’re good together, but it’s also a great excuse to eat cookies!

  6. thesinglegourmetandtraveller July 9, 2015 at 10:00 AM - Reply

    Lovely ice cream! Lime must make it wonderfully refreshing as well as nice and creamy.

  7. Linda July 9, 2015 at 10:48 AM - Reply

    Sounds amazing! :)

    • chef mimi July 9, 2015 at 11:08 AM - Reply

      Thanks! Try it sometime!

      • Linda July 9, 2015 at 11:28 AM

        Gotta get a new ice cream machine first! Mine broke (too much use?) :)

      • chef mimi July 9, 2015 at 1:54 PM

        Hahahaha! Maybe so!

  8. colormusing July 9, 2015 at 11:26 AM - Reply

    I love everything lime, but you’re right– we don’t see it in ice cream. Maybe sorbet. I will be making this!

    • chef mimi July 9, 2015 at 1:55 PM - Reply

      It will be even better than you can imagine! How’s your yarn coming along? I have a grand baby so my life has turned upside down!

      • colormusing July 9, 2015 at 2:09 PM

        I’m having even more fun with my yarn now– I’ve branched off into hand-made lingerie now, so I’m experimenting with applying the same dye color palettes to both yarns and undies! (My new blog, myBratelier.com, covers this.) Congratulations on your grandchild– so fun and exciting!!

      • chef mimi July 9, 2015 at 4:03 PM

        how exciting – i’ll check it out!

  9. Chica Andaluza July 9, 2015 at 12:58 PM - Reply

    Oh my word that looks amazing!

  10. chefceaser July 9, 2015 at 1:50 PM - Reply

    Reblogged this on Chef Ceaser.

  11. thejameskitchen July 10, 2015 at 1:17 PM - Reply

    This looks and sounds wonderfully refreshing, just my kind of ice cream.
    Nicole

  12. Karen July 10, 2015 at 4:32 PM - Reply

    I know I would enjoy your ice cream…one of these days I must buy an ice cream machine.

    • chef mimi July 25, 2015 at 8:33 AM - Reply

      They do come in handy, but I know you can make ice cream without one. I never have tried.

  13. hotlyspiced July 10, 2015 at 5:26 PM - Reply

    When I was little I used to love lime milkshakes so I’m sure I’d love your lime ice cream. This must be so refreshing and I love how you served it with those rolled up cigar biscuits xx

  14. A_Boleyn July 11, 2015 at 1:28 PM - Reply

    What lovely pictures. You did a great job with this ice cream. I’ll checking out some of your other posts. Just when I thought to take a break from blogs, you guys keep pulling me back. :)

    • chef mimi July 11, 2015 at 1:29 PM - Reply

      hahahahahahaha! that’s what I’ve been doing ALL morning!

      • A_Boleyn July 11, 2015 at 1:34 PM

        I made sourdough pancakes with 2 cups of starter from harvesting wild yeast on THURSDAY. It’s already overwhelming me. I don’t know how people keep these starters going for YEARS. I was SUPPOSED to be baking a tray of walnut baklava but I guess I can put it off another day … or two. :)

  15. The Gourmet Gourmand July 11, 2015 at 2:17 PM - Reply

    Wow what a great idea- I’ve never had lime ice cream, but I LOVE creamy key lime pie, so I imagine I’d love this too. Fabulous!

    • chef mimi July 11, 2015 at 5:45 PM - Reply

      It tastes like a frozen puree of key lime pie!

  16. anotherfoodieblogger July 11, 2015 at 3:23 PM - Reply

    I have never heard of lime ice cream before! Looks and sounds delicious, Mimi!

  17. safifer July 11, 2015 at 3:27 PM - Reply

    Like you, I’ve never seen or tasted lime ice cream. I’ve seen one recipe for lime frozen yoghurt (Jenis Splendid Ice Creams at Home) but that seems a bit austere to me. The lime ice cream sounds rich but refreshing.

    • chef mimi July 11, 2015 at 5:44 PM - Reply

      It’s more refreshing than a lot of ice creams!

  18. Marcela (tortadellafiglia) July 11, 2015 at 3:56 PM - Reply

    WOW! Ice cream looks amazing! Perfect, refreshing dessert!

  19. Debra July 12, 2015 at 12:45 AM - Reply

    I DO love lime! I absolutely think I would love this ice cream. I love the versatility in milk options/ratios, but at least once I’m making it with 100% cream. It sounds just fantastic. :-)

  20. Carnivore Confidential July 12, 2015 at 7:35 AM - Reply

    Time to dust off the ice cream machine … my mouth is watering :)

  21. Frank Fariello July 12, 2015 at 7:36 AM - Reply

    Just bought a Vitamix, which would be perfect for emulsifying the lime zest into the cream… yum!

    • chef mimi July 12, 2015 at 8:00 AM - Reply

      I honestly think just letting the mixture sit does the trick, but I love my Vitamix!

  22. love in the kitchen July 12, 2015 at 10:21 AM - Reply

    This is so gorgeous Mimi. I don’t have an ice cream machine so please send me a sample too. ;)

  23. Kiyo Miller July 12, 2015 at 1:30 PM - Reply

    That ice cream looks so good! Unfortunately being lactose intolerant I need to stick to sorbets, bummer! I love limes (we have a tree in the garden)!

    • chef mimi July 12, 2015 at 6:29 PM - Reply

      Oh no! So sorry! I bet you could make it with almond milk or something…..

  24. dianeskitchentable July 12, 2015 at 4:44 PM - Reply

    You’re right – I’ve had plenty of lime sherbet but never lime ice cream. This looks wonderful. And I still can’t get over how you continue to find new recipes to make all the time. I find that truly amazing.

    • chef mimi July 12, 2015 at 6:28 PM - Reply

      You are so sweet! It just means I’m old, and I’ve been cooking for a loooonnnnngg time!

  25. Bam's Kitchen July 13, 2015 at 10:42 PM - Reply

    Creamy, dreamy and delicious and Pinned!

  26. bitsandbreadcrumbs July 20, 2015 at 10:00 PM - Reply

    I’ll bet this is wonderful. I make a lime and buttermilk sorbet that’s pretty great, but this sounds oh so much better!!!

  27. Josette@thebrookcook July 26, 2015 at 8:55 AM - Reply

    I would eat all of this myself! LOVE lime EVERYTHING. Love the cookies too :)

    • chef mimi July 26, 2015 at 3:10 PM - Reply

      thank you! and i’m not even a citrus lover. what i mean is i would be other flavors before citrus. but this ice cream is incredible!

      • Josette@thebrookcook July 26, 2015 at 8:06 PM

        I just told my daughter about your post! :) She said “You HAVE to make it!!” :)

      • chef mimi July 27, 2015 at 8:18 AM

        Hahahahaha!

  28. Sammie May 28, 2018 at 7:18 AM - Reply

    Hello from the other person who also makes Lime ice cream. Albeit a different version to yours, which I a keen to try. It is such a refreshing sweet treat. I am the same as you, rarely making the same recipe more than a couple of times, even then I tend to fiddle a bit with it. I guess it must be our creative nature. Such a beautiful blog, I will be visiting often from now.

    • chef mimi May 28, 2018 at 7:19 AM - Reply

      Thank you so much! The photos were terrible, I remember. I should use that as an excuse to make it again!

  29. jenniferguerrero1 July 9, 2018 at 7:05 AM - Reply

    Oh, I love lime! I can’t wait to try this!

    • chef mimi July 9, 2018 at 7:08 AM - Reply

      Than you must make this. It’s exceptional, and honestly I’m more drawn to chocolate or berry flavors in a dessert.

  30. Mackay Sherry July 9, 2018 at 7:27 AM - Reply

    Yum. Sounds delicious. I love limes. The more lime the better:). If only I had an ice cream machine….

    • chef mimi July 9, 2018 at 7:30 AM - Reply

      I just learned that if you whip the cream and then blend it into the other ingredients, it’s a no churn ice cream. I always wondered how it could not be churned!

      • Mackay Sherry July 9, 2018 at 8:08 AM

        I have quite a few no churn ice cream recipes. A lot from Nigella Lawson. So handy.

  31. David July 9, 2018 at 8:28 AM - Reply

    I will definitely be trying this! Lemon and lime are two of my favorite flavors for dessert and this would go so perfectly after an Asian-inspired meal! Thanks, Mimi!

    • chef mimi July 9, 2018 at 8:46 AM - Reply

      Oh, good idea. It’s funny to me, cause if I were to make a mousse, for example, I’d instinctively think chocolate or a berry. Never citrus. But thank goodness I made this ice cream a long time ago. It truly is spectacular.

  32. sallybr July 9, 2018 at 8:55 AM - Reply

    Definitely trying this, even though I rarely make ice cream, I usually go for sorbets and frozen yogurts – but my intuition tells me we will LOVE this one

    will keep you posted

    • chef mimi July 9, 2018 at 9:39 AM - Reply

      Good intuition!!!

  33. Megala July 9, 2018 at 10:31 AM - Reply

    Yes, it is so unique & flavorful ! I would love to try this.

    • chef mimi July 11, 2018 at 8:29 AM - Reply

      You’ll love it!

  34. Bill July 9, 2018 at 11:58 AM - Reply

    Sounds wonderful but you’re right, by reflex I would’ve thought sorbet (or sherbet :)). I’m interested.

    • chef mimi July 11, 2018 at 8:29 AM - Reply

      Stay interested. Make it – you won’t regret it!!!

  35. Susan@savoringtimeinthekitchen July 9, 2018 at 3:02 PM - Reply

    With all of that lime juice and zest it has to be delicious! I wonderful how a scoop would taste with a shot of tequila over it :)

    • chef mimi July 9, 2018 at 4:08 PM - Reply

      Wow! I have no idea! Promise me you’ll taste it without the tequila first!!!

  36. Loretta July 9, 2018 at 3:18 PM - Reply

    Just reading the ingredients has me salivating…..but I dare not try to make it at home, I would probably not share :)

    • chef mimi July 9, 2018 at 4:08 PM - Reply

      Cut the recipe in half, then you won’t feel too bad for not sharing!

  37. canelakitchen July 9, 2018 at 7:57 PM - Reply

    I love lemon or lima Ice cream I will try your recipe!!

    • chef mimi July 9, 2018 at 8:05 PM - Reply

      You will love it!

  38. Angela@eatlivehappy July 9, 2018 at 7:57 PM - Reply

    Looks so yummy and refreshing!

    • chef mimi July 9, 2018 at 8:05 PM - Reply

      Thank you Angela! (It is.)

  39. Gather and Graze July 9, 2018 at 11:06 PM - Reply

    This looks delicious Mimi! You’re right… lime sorbet is usually the go, but I actually prefer the idea of your ice cream. I’ve made a creamy lemon gelato a few times with our Meyer lemons, so imagine this would have a very similar appeal. Look forward to trying this recipe soon!

    • chef mimi July 11, 2018 at 8:28 AM - Reply

      It’s probably very similar. But the creaminess and lemoniness go together so well!

  40. David @ Spiced July 10, 2018 at 6:26 AM - Reply

    This is a unique ice cream flavor, Mimi! I love making homemade ice cream, and I need to put lime on the menu. It would be excellent after a Mexican meal as you noted…great idea! Thanks for reposting!

    • chef mimi July 10, 2018 at 8:25 AM - Reply

      I made it for a charity lunch once – I remember there were shrimp tacos with feta and tomatillo sauce that was a Stephen Pyles recipe, and I ended with the lime ice cream, served with a cactus-shaped cinnamon cookie that a friend made (I can’t make cookies.) The lunch was a big hit.
      I need to get that cookbook out. Do you own it? Cause if you don’t I’d recommend it. I lived in Texas starting in 1978 and right after the Southwestern trend began there, with Stephen Pyles and Dean Fearing… Such great restaurants. So I’m sure if you love Mexican you love Southwestern cuisine as well.

  41. Jeff the Chef July 10, 2018 at 7:51 AM - Reply

    This sounds wonderful! I wonder why people don’t make it more commonly? I will certainly try it. I’m not an experienced ice cream maker (thought I do have a very good machine that’s begging for use), and I always assumed that citrus fruits would somehow inhibit the process. Why don’t we see lemon or orange ice cream? Anyway, I digress. I’m going to start with lime!

    • chef mimi July 10, 2018 at 8:22 AM - Reply

      Definitely try it. I was even asking my husband why I tried it the first time, cause I’m not a citrus freak. He couldn’t remember either. But I’m so glad I did.

  42. Shahad July 10, 2018 at 10:56 AM - Reply

    OMG! I love lime ice cream, and I like how you make it easy for everyone to prepare it by providing pictures for the process in details.

    • chef mimi July 10, 2018 at 6:24 PM - Reply

      It is so good! Thank you!

  43. thatskinnychickcanbake July 10, 2018 at 11:20 AM - Reply

    My husband likes lemon desserts, but not lime! That makes me crave them even more—your ice cream looks fabulous!

    • chef mimi July 10, 2018 at 6:24 PM - Reply

      Could he really tell the difference? Maybe you could infuse the cream, them remove the zest? I don’t know, it’s just so good!

  44. valentina maria kenney wein July 10, 2018 at 6:55 PM - Reply

    I love citrus desserts, and this would be so lovely on this very hot day in LA. You’re so right, I think of lime more in terms of sorbet than ice cream. And I would love to try the ice cream. :-)

    • chef mimi July 10, 2018 at 7:05 PM - Reply

      Do, seriously try this. I’m so happy I did a million years ago!!!!

  45. neil@neilshealthymeals.com July 11, 2018 at 11:28 AM - Reply

    I’ve just clicked through several other ice cream recipes Mimi. Out of them all this is the one I would pick. Lime is such a refreshing and energising fruit. One of my favourties. As you say it normally comes as a sorbet, but as an ice cream, that’s something I haven’t tried before. Thanks for republishing this.

    • chef mimi July 11, 2018 at 2:57 PM - Reply

      Thanks Neil. I can’t wait for you to try it. Quite unique.

  46. heather (delicious not gorgeous) July 11, 2018 at 3:01 PM - Reply

    i love anything fruity and citrusy when it’s hot out, so this ice cream sounds so good!!!

    • chef mimi July 11, 2018 at 3:03 PM - Reply

      Then you’ll love it! I am so glad I tried it in the first place, because it’s not something I’d be attracted to now – it would be down the list!

  47. kathryninthekitchen July 12, 2018 at 5:06 AM - Reply

    This is unique! I love lime and will definitely be trying this one when our warm weather returns. Maybe a desert to follow a Paella 💃😊

    • chef mimi July 12, 2018 at 6:58 AM - Reply

      Oh that would be nice.

  48. Ron July 12, 2018 at 8:48 AM - Reply

    Mimi, this sounds so refreshing and yummy. You’re making me want to get an ice cream maker. Remember those old wooden ones that had a hand crank. You put that stainless-steel container of custard in the center, filled it with crushed ice, poured on salt and then turned that crank. My job was always setting on top and making sure the drain didn’t get plugged up.

    • chef mimi July 12, 2018 at 8:58 AM - Reply

      Yes of course – that’s what we had for years, until it became corroded. The electric ones are magical.

  49. Greg Henry (@sippitysup) July 12, 2018 at 7:16 PM - Reply

    Indeed the photos are beautiful, but it’s the lime that makes me swoon. GREG

    • chef mimi August 4, 2018 at 4:24 PM - Reply

      It’s ice cream that’s also refreshing, just because of the limeyness. Hope you can try it.

  50. Ashley DeKam July 15, 2018 at 6:48 PM - Reply

    YUM!!! I love lime anything, truly. You cannot go wrong!!! It’s a staple here, along with lemon :-)

    • chef mimi July 15, 2018 at 7:40 PM - Reply

      And see, I’m not a citrus person, so I’m glad I made that ice cream so many moons ago!!!

  51. StefanGourmet July 16, 2018 at 1:38 AM - Reply

    You are right: I would expect sorbet rather than ice cream. Although I have had citrus ice cream in France 30+ years ago, always served inside the fruit. It was not lime but orange or lemon. I bet yours is better.

    • chef mimi July 16, 2018 at 8:01 AM - Reply

      You should try this ice cream. You won’t regret it!

  52. Rowena July 17, 2018 at 9:46 AM - Reply

    Lime ice cream is the one thing I’ve always wanted to make, but for the life of me I cannot source organic limes here in Italy. The stuff at the store are all treated (they even have a label to let you know), so when I want lime, I resort to using kaffir lime leaves which is great, but a totally different thing.

    • chef mimi July 17, 2018 at 10:04 AM - Reply

      Oh that’s too bad. Well if you can find good limes, do make this – it’s exceptional.

  53. Karen July 18, 2018 at 8:25 AM - Reply

    This is a real summer treat as it sounds very refreshing.

    • chef mimi July 18, 2018 at 8:27 AM - Reply

      If you get a chance, make it!!!

  54. Emma July 18, 2018 at 8:27 PM - Reply

    I am so glad you reposted this recipe, I love the idea of lime ice cream. Its a wonderful flavour that often gets overshadowed by lemon. Pinning for later.

    • chef mimi July 19, 2018 at 8:24 AM - Reply

      Yes! That’s so true! And it’s so good.

  55. Kat (The Baking Explorer) July 22, 2018 at 12:20 PM - Reply

    This sounds so refreshing and perfect for this time of year!

    • chef mimi July 23, 2018 at 6:59 AM - Reply

      It’s so good and definitely refreshing!

Leave a Reply to StefanGourmetCancel reply