Berry No-Churn Gelato (Gelato Senza Gelatiera)
If you’re craving a creamy, refreshing dessert that’s bursting with the sweet flavors of summer, this Berry No-Churn Gelato is your perfect treat! Made without an ice cream maker, it’s simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Combining fresh berries, whipped cream, and a hint of lemon, this homemade gelato is as indulgent as it is delightful.
Category: Desserts
Servings: 10
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Freezing Time: 3-4 hours (with periodic stirring)
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raspberries | 150g |
| Blueberries | 100g |
| Strawberries | 350g |
| Whole Milk | 400g |
| Sugar | 150g |
| Heavy Cream | 250g |
| Egg Whites | 2 |
| Lemon Juice | 1 |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Berry Puree:
Start by washing the berries thoroughly. Remove the green stems from the strawberries, then place all the berries (raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries) into a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. -
Cook the Base:
In a saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, and egg whites. Heat the mixture over low heat, whisking gently to dissolve the sugar and prevent the eggs from curdling. Use a food thermometer to monitor the temperature. The mixture should reach 83°C (181°F) but not exceed this temperature. Once it’s ready, remove from the heat. -
Cool the Mixture:
Transfer the milk mixture into a bowl and place that bowl into a larger bowl filled with ice. This will cool the mixture rapidly, preventing it from solidifying while it cools. -
Combine with Berry Puree:
Once the milk mixture is cool, stir in the berry puree, mixing gently until well combined. -
Whip the Cream:
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Once the berry-milk mixture is completely cooled, fold the whipped cream into the berry base with a spatula. Be sure to do this gently, mixing from the top down to preserve the airy texture of the cream. -
Freeze the Gelato:
Pour the gelato mixture into a shallow dish or a freezer-safe container. Cover with plastic wrap, ensuring it touches the surface of the gelato to prevent ice crystals from forming. Place it in the freezer. -
Stir for Creaminess:
After about an hour, remove the gelato from the freezer. Using a fork, break up any ice crystals that may have formed and stir the mixture thoroughly to keep it smooth. Return it to the freezer and repeat the stirring process every hour for at least 3 hours, or until the gelato reaches a creamy, scoopable consistency. -
Serve:
Once the gelato is frozen and has reached the perfect consistency, scoop it into serving bowls or cones. For a delightful garnish, top with fresh berries.
Tips & Variations:
- Berry Variations: You can experiment with other berries like blackberries or cherries for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Make it Dairy-Free: To make this gelato dairy-free, substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with coconut milk and coconut cream for a tropical twist.
- Sweetener Options: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste. You can also try alternatives like honey, agave, or stevia.
This homemade berry gelato is a fun and easy treat to make with minimal effort, perfect for hot days when you want something cool and refreshing! Enjoy the rich, smooth texture and burst of fresh fruit in every spoonful.
