Enjoy the creamy and rich taste of Homemade Gelato. Try these easy step by step instructions to make the easiest gelato without an ice cream machine.
Homemade Gelato is very simple to make, and the flavor can’t be beat. The taste and texture are so delicious. I have been making homemade ice cream recipes for years.
From Gelato, Raspberry Sorbet Recipe and No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream, the options are endless for frozen treats.
This recipe is an easy base gelato with creamy texture.
What's in this post: Homemade Gelato
What is the difference between gelato and ice cream?
Gelato has a creamier texture and consistency than ice cream. This is due to the lower fat content and higher milk to cream ratio. It also is slow churned to result in the most wonderful texture.
It is Italy’s version of ice cream.
Ingredients
- Whole Milk
- Heavy Cream
- Large Egg Yolks
- Granulated Sugar
- Vanilla Extract
Variations
- Fruit Varieties. Try different flavors of fruit. Try making strawberry gelato.
- Chocolate gelato. Add dark chocolate or cocoa powder to make chocolate gelato flavors.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1. Pour the milk into a saucepan. Heat on low until it starts to simmer.
Step 2. Get out a mixing bowl that is heat proof. Combine the egg yolks and sugar together.
Step 3. Slowly add the milk sugar mixture into the egg mixture. Whisk together constantly until combined.
Step 4. After the mixture is combined, pour it back into the saucepan. Heat the mixture until mixture has thickened. Watch closely and make sure that it does not come to a boil.
Step 5. Get out a separate bowl and pour the mixture through a fine strainer. Allow to cool and then stir in the vanilla extract. Cover and place in the fridge.
Step 6. Use a stand mixer or electric hand mixer to whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peak forms.
Step 7. Then gently stir the custard into the whipped cream until smooth. Stir carefully so that you do not deflate the whipped cream.
Step 8. Spread the mixture into a loaf pan with a spatula and freeze. Every hour, break up the ice crystals and whip the gelato mixture. Continue to do this 3-4 times until the gelato thickens.
Step 9. Freeze for 4-5 hours and then scoop.
Step 10. Serve and enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make gelato without an ice cream maker. Just freeze the mixture and break up with a mixer every 30 minutes until desired creamy texture.
While you can, I do not recommend it. The results will not be as creamy.
Store the leftovers in the freezer for up to 6 weeks. After this time, the texture may change and become icy.
More Frozen Treats
It’s your turn to make this authentic Italian gelato recipe. Please leave a comment once you make homemade gelato.
Homemade Gelato
Ingredients
- 2 cups Whole Milk
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 4 Large Egg Yolks
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Heat in the milk in a saucepan over low heat until it starts to gently simmer.
- In a heat proof mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar.
- Gradually add the milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly, until fully combined.
- Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and heat over low heat.
- Heat the mixture for 6-8 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture has thickened. Watch the mixture closely and make sure that it does not come to a boil.
- Pour the mixture through a sieve or a fine strainer into a separate bowl. Let the mixture cool completely at room temperature. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Cover and refrigerate for chilled (for a few hours or overnight).
- Whip the heavy whipping cream with a hand held mixer or stand up mixer until stiff peak forms.
- Once the custard mixture has chilled, gently stir the custard into the whipped cream until smooth. Stir carefully so that you do not deflate the whipped cream.
- Pour the mixture into a loaf pan. Place in the freezer. Break up the ice crystals and whip the gelato mixture every hour. Do this 3-4 times until the gelato thickens.
- Then cover and freeze for 4-5 hours. Then the gelato is ready to serve and enjoy!
I am an Activity Director for an Assisted Living Facility and each Tuesday we have a Tasty Treat and Trivia. I made this yummy gelato for my residents and it was a huge hit! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Thank you for sharing – Love hearing this and I’m so glad you enjoyed this gelato recipe!