Homemade Ice Cream, Gelato and Sorbet: How to Make the Ultimate Frozen Treat
Is there anything better than a scoop of ice cream on a hot day? Only one thing comes close – a scoop you made yourself. Whether you're craving classic cookie dough, bold chocolate chili gelato, or a zesty mango sorbet, making your own frozen desserts at home delivers unbeatable flavour, total creative freedom, and unlimited toppings. And with your KitchenAid appliances doing the heavy lifting, crafting creamy, dreamy scoops is easier than ever.
Ice Cream vs. Gelato vs. Sorbet: What’s the Difference?
Before you fire up your KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker bowl, let’s break down the basics. Though they may look similar, ice cream, gelato, and sorbet are each distinct in taste, texture, and ingredients. Here’s a quick guide:
What is Ice Cream?
Traditional ice cream is made with cream, milk, sugar, and egg yolks. It’s churned with plenty of air, giving it a light, fluffy texture and smooth, rich flavour. It freezes to a firm consistency that’s perfect for scooping – and topping with all your favourites.
What is Gelato?
Gelato is Italy’s answer to ice cream – but with more milk, less cream, and little (or no) egg yolk. It’s churned more slowly, resulting in a denser, silkier texture. With less fat to coat your taste buds, the flavours come through more intensely. It’s also served slightly warmer than ice cream, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth moment with every bite.
What is Sorbet?
Looking for a dairy-free frozen dessert? Sorbet is made from fruit purée, sugar, and water – no milk or cream required. It’s smooth, light, and super refreshing. Slightly icier than its creamy counterparts, sorbet delivers bright, bold, fruity flavours that shine through. Bonus: it’s also a fantastic palate cleanser between courses.
How to Make Homemade Ice Cream (Or Gelato or Sorbet) in 5 Simple Steps
Ready to make your own ice cream, gelato, or sorbet at home? With the right ingredients and your KitchenAid stand mixer and ice cream bowl, you’re just five easy steps away from a frozen treat that tastes better than anything store-bought.
Step 1: Start with the Right Base
Every frozen dessert begins with a great base:
- Ice cream and gelato: milk, cream, sugar, and eggs (optional)
- Sorbet: fruit purée, sugar, and water
Getting the balance right means achieving that smooth, scoopable texture – not too hard, not too soft.
Step 2: Choose Your Flavour
From vanilla to espresso, dark chocolate to fresh strawberries, the flavour possibilities are endless. Infuse your base with cocoa powder, coffee grounds, or vanilla beans. For fruit, blend it into a purée for sorbet, swirl it into gelato, or cook it down into a compote for bold, layered flavour. Pro tip: Around 95% of your final flavour is set before churning – so don’t hold back.
Step 3: Chill the Mixture
Refrigerate your mixture for a few hours before churning. A cold base ensures a creamier texture and allows the flavours to deepen and develop.
Step 4: Churn with Your KitchenAid Ice Cream bowl
Time for the magic! Attach your KitchenAid Ice Cream bowl and let it do the hard work. Churning incorporates air and transforms your chilled base into that perfect creamy consistency.
Step 5: Freeze, Scoop and Serve
After churning, transfer your mixture to a freezer-safe container and let it firm up for a few hours. Then it’s time to scoop and serve. Add your favourite toppings – from syrups and sauces to fruit, nuts, and sprinkles – and enjoy your homemade masterpiece.
Final Scoop
Creating your own ice cream, gelato, or sorbet at home is easier than you think – and far more rewarding. With your KitchenAid appliances and a little creativity, you’re just a few steps away from endless frozen dessert possibilities. Whether you’re into creamy classics or fruit-forward freshness, homemade always hits the sweet spot.