Homemade ice cream tastes fluffier when one unlikely ingredient is added

As the UK recovers from another heatwave, boiling Brits may still be thinking of ways to cool down - including making some homemade ice cream. Making ice cream from scratch sounds like a lot of effort, but by adding just one simple ingredient, you can make yourself the fluffiest and creamiest scoop possible.

If you have ever made ice cream before, you may notice it can be hard to get it into a perfect scoop in your cone or cup, but by simply adding alcohol, it will easily fluff it up. According to David Lebovitz, author of The Perfect Scoop, adding just a bit of alcoholto your ice cream base results in a better texture when it’s churned because alcohol doesn’t freeze.

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It's the magical ingredient as alcohol prevents some of the ice crystals from forming, which means it will make the ice cream softer and scoopable. Lebovitz urged people to only have a small splash, as adding too much to the base means it may not freeze at all, "leaving you with something more like a milkshake when it’s finished in the ice cream maker" as reported in The Kitchn.

The expert recommended adding up to three tablespoons of liquor to one quart of ice cream base before churning it. However, if you don't want the alcohol to impact the flavour, you can opt for a neutral-flavoured spirit like vodka. While whiskey is nice in vanilla and chocolate-based ice creams, as it adds a touch of nutty, caramelised flavour.

For fruit-based ice creams, like strawberry the expert suggested trying gin to bring an herbal note to it, or boost its fruitiness by using a fruit-flavoured liqueur instead.

Another fan favourite recipe is this simple two-ingredient ice cream - making it easier than ever to make at home. Featured on All Recipes, it boasts a stellar 4.7-star rating and glowing testimonials from its aficionados. Numerous culinary enthusiasts who tried their hand at the effortless ice cream recipe incorporated a variety of additions to craft distinct flavours.

One cook found the recipe "couldn't be any easier" and "delicious too," went for chocolate chips in their creation and is already planning their next batch.

Ingredients for homemade ice cream

• 1 pint heavy whipping cream
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

Method

Beat cream in a chilled glass or metal bowl with an electric mixer until soft peaks form; add condensed milk and beat until thick and well combined.

Transfer mixture to a shallow container and cover with plastic wrap; freeze until solid, about six hours.

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