Craving gelato without the fuss? I put the Williams-Sonoma Lemon Cream Gelato Starter to the test—see how it tastes, how easy it is to make, and if it’s worth the splurge.
Lemon Cream Gelato in Minutes – Williams-Sonoma Starter Taste Test
Earlier this summer, I attended a cooking class at Williams Sonoma where they were showcasing some of their seasonal products. The store was full of bright, summery flavors and inspiration, but one item in particular caught my eye—the Lemon Cream Gelato Starter. I’ve made my fair share of custard-style ice creams and classic American churns, but gelato has always felt like a bit of a mystery to me. When I spotted this shortcut, I thought, why not give it a try?
This post isn’t so much a step-by-step recipe as it is a review of the product itself, though I’ll share the simple instructions for using the starter below. Think of it as my honest take on whether this jar of mix really results in a creamy, citrusy gelato experience. If you’ve ever been tempted by the idea of homemade gelato but hesitant to tackle it from scratch, this just might be the product for you!
Enjoy!
The Difference Between Gelato and Other Ice Creams
What is gelato anyway? I’ll admit, I’m pretty new to the world of gelato, having mostly stuck to custard-style ice creams and classic American churns. At first, it all felt a little mysterious—but here’s the gist: gelato is creamier, denser, and often a little more flavorful than regular ice cream.
The main differences are pretty simple. Gelato usually has less fat because it’s made with more milk and less cream, and it’s churned more slowly, which keeps it dense and silky. Traditional gelato makers are designed to do this slow churning, but you don’t need a fancy machine at home. A standard ice cream maker will still give you a smooth, creamy result, especially when using a ready-made starter like this one.
Gelato vs. Ice Cream: What You Need to Know
- Fat & Texture: Gelato uses more milk and less cream → lighter but still creamy.
- Churning: Gelato is churned slowly → dense, silky, and smooth.
- Serving Temp & Flavor: Served at a slightly warmer temperature → melts in your mouth and packs flavor. Less air and fat means the taste really comes through.
- Machine Tip: Traditional gelato makers are designed for slow churning, but don’t worry—you don’t need one. A regular ice cream maker works just fine, especially if you’re using a starter like this one.
Williams-Sonoma Gelato Starter (Lemon Cream) Review
Product overview
When I spotted Williams-Sonoma’s Gelato Starter in the Lemon Cream flavor, I was curious to see how easy it could make homemade gelato. You'll receive two individual packets in the container which allows you to make two separate 1 quart batches. The starter is premixed, but you’ll still need to add heavy cream and half-and-half to complete the base. The flavor profile promises a bright, citrusy lemon balanced with creamy vanilla—perfect for a refreshing summer dessert that still feels indulgent.
I’ll admit, I’m not a gelato expert, but I do love a creamy, smooth scoop. What I immediately appreciated about this starter was the convenience: it takes the guesswork so you can focus on the fun part—churning and tasting. For anyone who wants to enjoy homemade gelato without spending hours in the kitchen, this Lemon Cream starter feels like a shortcut that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.
What I Liked
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Ease of Use
The starter is wonderfully straightforward—I hand whisked heavy cream, half-and-half, and the mix, and then put the bowl in the refrigerator to chill for for 4 hours. Then it was ready for churning. Perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy homemade gelato without a lot of prep or guesswork. -
Creamy Texture
The texture was incredibly smooth and creamy, unlike a lot of homemade ice creams. I was honestly astonished at how silky it was, even after freezing. Every spoonful felt indulgent without being heavy. -
Balanced Flavor
The lemon flavor is very prominent, but blending it with the milk and cream softens it into a more mellow, rounded taste. It’s bright and refreshing without being sharp or overpowering—just the right balance for a summer treat.
What Could Be Better
Honestly, there’s very little I would change about this gelato starter—I absolutely loved the final result. It’s convenient, easy to use, and produces a creamy, flavorful gelato that tastes like something you’d find in a gelateria. The only thing to note is that it’s a bit of a splurge compared to making gelato from scratch, but if you value convenience and a high-quality, homemade-style gelato experience, it’s worth every penny.
Tips for Getting the Best Result
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Boost the Lemon: If you like a little extra zing, adding a touch of fresh zest can brighten things up beautifully.
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Chill Before Churning: Letting the base rest in the fridge for a few hours—or even overnight—helps the gelato achieve that perfectly smooth texture.
Don’t Overthink the Machine: I only have a regular ice cream maker without a gelato setting, and it worked perfectly. Whether you have a dedicated gelato machine or a standard one, you’ll still get wonderfully smooth, creamy results—just follow the starter instructions and enjoy the process.
Add a Fun Twist: This Lemon Cream base is a perfect canvas for mix-ins—fresh berries, chopped pistachios, or a crumble of shortbread cookies take it to the next level without extra fuss. I'm definitely going to try the shortbread cookie crumbles in my next batch!
Final Thoughts
Is it worth the buy? Yes!
I really enjoyed making gelato with the Lemon Cream starter—it was creamy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying without requiring hours in the kitchen. I love how convenient it is while still producing a high-quality, homemade-style gelato. I would definitely buy this again to try some of the other flavors Williams-Sonoma offers, like Pistachio, Stracciatella, Mixed Berry, Chocolate Hazelnut, and Cappuccino. If you’re a gelato lover—or just curious to try making it at home—this starter makes it easy, fun, and delicious.
.jpg "Craving gelato without the fuss? I put the Williams-Sonoma Lemon Cream Gelato Starter to the test—see how it tastes, how easy it is to make, and if it’s worth the splurge.")
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