Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe
If you’ve ever bitten into a juicy, sun-warmed peach on a summer day and wished you could savor that fresh flavor a little longer, I have just the thing for you. Homemade Peach Ice Cream captures all those sweet, fragrant notes in a creamy, dreamy frozen treat that feels like a warm hug on a hot afternoon. This luscious dessert is not only bursting with real peach goodness but also incredibly simple to prepare, making it a perfect way to showcase the season’s best fruit. Trust me, once you try this Homemade Peach Ice Cream, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen, ready to brighten any day with its creamy, fruity magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for just a handful of ingredients, each one playing a crucial role in balancing flavor, creaminess, and that gorgeous peach color. You’ll find the list refreshingly straightforward, yet every element works in harmony to create the perfect Homemade Peach Ice Cream.
- 4 ripe peaches: Choose peaches that are fragrant and soft to the touch for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Divided to gently sweeten the peaches and the creamy base without overpowering their natural taste.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This adds the rich, velvety texture that makes the ice cream so indulgent.
- 1 cup whole milk: Provides a lighter creaminess that balances the heavy cream beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor, enhancing the peaches.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds a bright, tangy note that keeps the peaches fresh and vibrant.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance and round out all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Homemade Peach Ice Cream
Step 1: Macerate the Peaches
Start by combining the diced peaches with a quarter cup of sugar in a mixing bowl. Let this sit for about 10 minutes. This process, called maceration, draws out the natural juices of the peaches, creating a syrupy sweetness that will deeply flavor your ice cream. It also softens the fruit, making it easier to blend.
Step 2: Puree the Peaches
Next, blend the macerated peaches until smooth, but don’t toss all of it in. Saving some peach chunks adds delightful bursts of texture throughout. That contrast between creamy and chunky is a game-changer in Homemade Peach Ice Cream.
Step 3: Mix the Cream Base
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, remaining sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and salt. Whisking until all the sugar dissolves ensures a smooth, sweet base that perfectly complements the peaches.
Step 4: Combine Peach Puree and Cream Base
Gently fold the peach puree and reserved chunks into your cream mixture. Folding rather than stirring too vigorously helps keep some of that texture alive, making the ice cream interesting and full of fresh peach flavor.
Step 5: Churn the Ice Cream
Pour the combined mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s directions, usually between 20 to 25 minutes. This step is where all the magic happens, transforming your creamy mixture into a soft, luscious ice cream.
Step 6: Freeze to Firm Up
Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container and freeze for at least four hours. This firming process lets the flavors meld together and gives you that perfect scoopable texture that’s heavenly on a warm day.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Your Homemade Peach Ice Cream is ready to be enjoyed. Scoop it into bowls or cones and get ready to savor the fruits of your labor, literally and deliciously.
How to Serve Homemade Peach Ice Cream
Garnishes
Elevate your Homemade Peach Ice Cream with simple garnishes like fresh peach slices, a sprig of mint, or a drizzle of honey. These accents highlight the natural flavors without overpowering the delicate sweetness of the ice cream.
Side Dishes
This ice cream pairs beautifully with warm desserts like a buttery shortcake, crispy cinnamon waffles, or even a slice of blueberry pie. The contrast between warm, spiced desserts and the cool creaminess of the peach ice cream creates a show-stopping combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Getting creative with presentation is a great way to impress. Try serving the ice cream in hollowed peach halves, topping with toasted almonds for crunch, or layering it between cake slices for a stellar ice cream cake. The soft pink color already makes it look like summer on a plate!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Homemade Peach Ice Cream left over, store it in an airtight container in the freezer to keep flavors fresh and prevent ice crystals from forming. Press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface before placing the lid for an extra layer of protection.
Freezing
For best texture, freeze the ice cream for at least four hours as recommended. If freezing longer, consider softening it slightly at room temperature before scooping to maintain that perfect creamy consistency.
Reheating
While ice cream is typically enjoyed cold, letting your Homemade Peach Ice Cream sit out for 5 to 10 minutes before serving allows it to soften just enough for easier scooping and an even richer mouthfeel. Avoid microwaving, as it can ruin the texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen peaches can be used if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before macerating with sugar to prevent watery ice cream.
Do I need an ice cream maker to make this recipe?
An ice cream maker makes churning and texture easier, but you can still make Homemade Peach Ice Cream without one. After mixing, place it in a freezer-safe container and stir vigorously every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals until it’s fully frozen.
How ripe should the peaches be for best flavor?
The riper, the better! Look for peaches that are fragrant, slightly soft to the touch, and free from bruises. This ensures maximum natural sweetness and a vibrant flavor in your ice cream.
Can I substitute the dairy ingredients with non-dairy alternatives?
You can try substituting coconut milk or almond milk and a coconut or cashew cream, but keep in mind the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Adjust sweetness and creaminess to taste.
How long does Homemade Peach Ice Cream keep in the freezer?
Properly stored in an airtight container, it should stay delicious for up to two weeks. Beyond that, the texture and flavor may start to decline, so enjoy it fresh for best results.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Peach Ice Cream is truly a celebration of summer in every scoop. The balance of juicy fruit, creamy texture, and subtle sweetness is absolutely irresistible and worth every minute spent making it. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or simply indulging on a sunny afternoon, this recipe promises to bring joy and refreshment in the most delicious way. Give it a try and discover how this simple homemade treat can brighten your day and become a forever favorite!
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Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: About 1 quart (4 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a refreshing and creamy homemade peach ice cream made with ripe peaches, rich cream, and a hint of vanilla. This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of peaches with a smooth, luscious texture perfect for summer treats.
Ingredients
Peach Mixture
- 4 ripe peaches, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for macerating peaches)
- Reserved peach chunks (from puree step)
Ice Cream Base
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (total, including macerating sugar)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Macerate Peaches: In a mixing bowl, combine diced peaches with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the peaches to release their juices and soften.
- Puree Peaches: Transfer the macerated peaches into a blender and puree until smooth. Reserve some peach chunks from the mixture for texture and set them aside.
- Prepare Ice Cream Base: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and salt until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the peach puree along with the reserved peach chunks into the cream mixture, ensuring even distribution without deflating the base.
- Churn Ice Cream: Pour the combined mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically for 20-25 minutes, until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze to Firm: Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container and place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours to firm up and develop the perfect scoopable texture.
- Serve: Scoop the homemade peach ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy this creamy, fruity treat!
Notes
- For an extra peachy flavor, use peaches at peak ripeness.
- You can substitute lemon juice with lime juice for a slightly different citrus note.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, freeze the mixture in a shallow container and stir every 30 minutes until firm.
- Adjust sugar quantities based on the sweetness of your peaches.
- Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping to soften slightly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes (churning)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: peach ice cream, homemade ice cream, fruit ice cream, summer dessert, creamy peach dessert
