Fresh Mint Ice Cream

Fresh Mint Ice Cream is a vibrant, creamy dessert bursting with cool mint flavor from fresh leaves. Smooth, refreshing, and easy to make—this homemade version elevates your standard scoop into something special and cooling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright, natural freshness – uses real mint instead of artificial flavor

• Silky texture – custard base delivers a rich, indulgent mouthfeel

• Refreshingly cool – perfect palate cleanser or summertime treat

• Simple ingredients – pantry staples plus a handful of fresh mint leaves

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 1 cup whole milk

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup fresh mint leaves, packed

• 5 large egg yolks

• ¼ tsp salt

• Optional: a few drops of green food coloring for classic hue

directions

1. Infuse the cream
   In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, sugar, salt, and mint leaves. Warm over medium heat until just below boiling; remove from heat, cover, and steep 30 minutes to infuse mint flavor.

2. Strain & reheat
   Strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean saucepan, pressing gently on leaves. Discard leaves. Warm mixture again over medium until hot but not boiling.

3. Temper egg yolks
   In a bowl, whisk egg yolks. Gradually pour about half the hot milk mixture into yolks while whisking to temper.

4. Cook custard
   Return tempered yolks to saucepan. Cook over medium-low, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula, until mixture coats the back of the spoon (about 170–175 °F).

5. Chill custard
   Strain custard again into a bowl. If using food coloring, add a few drops now. Cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until completely chilled (4 hours or overnight).

6. Churn & freeze
   Pour chilled custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer instructions (typically 20–25 minutes) until soft-serve texture. Transfer to a lidded container and freeze at least 2 hours to firm.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6 (½‑cup each)

• Prep time: 10 minutes active + 30 minutes steeping

• Chill time: 4 hours (or overnight)

• Churn time: 25 minutes

• Freeze time: 2 hours

• Total time: ~7 hours (can be made mostly ahead)

Variations

• Chocolate chip mint: Stir in ½ cup mini dark chocolate chips during last 5 minutes of churning

• Vegan: Use coconut cream and coconut milk; replace yolks with ¼ cup cornstarch slurry

• Mint intensity: Increase or decrease fresh mint leaves steeped in cream

• Herb blend: Add basil or lemon balm alongside mint for a layered herbal flavor

• Citrus twist: Add 1 tsp lime or lemon zest to custard before chilling for citrus brightness

storage/reheating

• Freezer: Store in a tightly sealed freezer-safe container for up to 2 weeks

• Scoop-ready: Let sit at room temperature for 2–3 minutes before scooping for best texture

• Avoid freezer burn: Press plastic wrap over surface before sealing lid to prevent ice crystals forming

FAQs

Can I use fresh mint from my garden?

Yes—just make sure it’s clean and pesticide-free.

What if I don’t have an ice cream maker?

Freeze custard in a shallow container and stir vigorously every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals until firm.

How much mint flavor will remain?

Steeping fresh leaves adds bright, natural mint—no artificial taste.

Is it okay to reduce sugar?

You can reduce sugar by up to ⅓, but your ice cream may freeze harder and taste less sweet.

Can I substitute mint extract instead?

Yes—add ½ tsp after chilling, but fresh mint offers a far superior flavor.

Can I make it ahead for a party?

Absolutely—start steeping the night before and churn the day of serving for freshness.

Is this custard safe?

Yes—temper yolks with heated cream and cook to 170–175 °F to ensure food safety.

Can I add mix-ins like cookies?

Yes—fold in crushed cookies, brownie bits, or candy pieces during the last few minutes of churning.

Can I make smaller batches?

Yes—halve the recipe, ensuring your ice cream maker bowl is sufficiently filled for churning.

How can I prevent it from melting too fast?

Use metal container for storage and serve chilled bowls or cones to keep it cold longer.

Conclusion

Fresh Mint Ice Cream is a creamy, cooling delight perfect for any occasion—from elegant desserts to refreshing snacks. With real mint, a smooth custard base, and simple prep, this delightful homemade treat is sure to become a seasonal favorite.