If you have a soft spot for fresh fruit desserts and crave something cool and creamy, this Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe is about to become your new go-to summer treat. Combining the natural sweetness and vibrant color of ripe peaches with the rich creaminess of perfectly balanced dairy, this recipe offers a delightful frozen escape that’s surprisingly simple to whip up at home. It’s that perfect fusion of fruity freshness and velvety smoothness that makes every spoonful feel like a little celebration of summer in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making this Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe is easy because the ingredients are straightforward and each one plays a crucial role, from flavor to texture and even appearance. Here’s what you’ll need to create this luscious dessert:
- Ripe peaches (2 cups, peeled, pitted, and diced): Choose peaches that are juicy and fragrant for the best flavor burst in every bite.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup, divided): Sweetens the ice cream evenly; a bit helps macerate the peaches while the rest blends into the base.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the peach flavor and balances the sweetness with a hint of zest.
- Heavy cream (2 cups): Gives the ice cream its rich, creamy texture that’s essential for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Lightens the cream slightly while keeping the body smooth and luscious.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and subtle warmth to the overall flavor profile.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the sweetness and fruitiness pop perfectly.
How to Make Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Macerate and Prepare the Peaches
Start by tossing your diced peaches with a quarter cup of sugar and the splash of lemon juice in a small bowl. Let them sit for about 15 to 20 minutes; this process draws out their natural juices and softens them just right. Depending on your texture preference, you can either mash them lightly with a fork for a chunkier texture or pulse them briefly in a blender if you want a smoother, creamier bite to your ice cream.
Step 2: Whisk the Cream Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining half cup of sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the sugar has fully dissolved, ensuring a smooth and evenly sweetened base. This mixture is the foundation of your ice cream, providing that luxuriously creamy texture and subtle sweetness that complements the fresh peaches.
Step 3: Combine Peach Mixture with Cream Base
Once your peaches have softened and your cream base is ready, gently stir the peaches and all their delicious juices into the cream mixture. This step infuses each creamy spoonful with fresh peach flavor, balancing sweetness and fruitiness effortlessly.
Step 4: Churn to Perfection
Pour the combined mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically around 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll want to watch for when the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency—creamy, thick, and just firm enough to hold its shape.
Step 5: Freeze Until Firm
Transfer your freshly churned ice cream to an airtight container and pop it into the freezer for at least 2 to 4 hours to let it fully set. This final step takes your soft-serve base into the delightful realm of scoopable, dreamy frozen dessert perfection.
How to Serve Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe when serving, consider topping it with thin slices of fresh peach or a sprinkle of aromatic ground cinnamon. These simple garnishes not only beautify your dessert but also enhance the natural flavors, adding extra layers of taste and texture.
Side Dishes
This ice cream pairs wonderfully with light desserts like warm shortcakes, buttery waffles, or even a crisp almond biscotti. The cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with warm or crunchy textures, making for an indulgent and balanced experience every time.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your ice cream in hollowed-out peach halves for a charming presentation. You can also scoop it into waffle cones sprinkled with toasted coconut or chopped nuts for added crunch. The possibilities are endless when you want to get creative with this versatile Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the freezer to maintain that perfect creamy texture. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent ice crystals from forming and to preserve flavor quality.
Freezing
This ice cream freezes well for up to two weeks without significant loss in texture or taste. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 5 to 10 minutes before scooping to soften slightly for easier serving.
Reheating
The beauty of ice cream is it doesn’t require reheating! However, if it’s too hard to scoop straight from the freezer, simply letting it rest for a few minutes at room temperature will soften it up perfectly for serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain the creamy texture and avoid melting.
FAQs
Can I make this Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe without an ice cream maker?
Yes! If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a loaf pan and place it in the freezer. Every 30 to 45 minutes, take it out and stir vigorously. Repeat this process until the mixture is evenly frozen and creamy. While it won’t have the exact texture of churned ice cream, it’s a great alternative that still tastes delicious.
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Frozen peaches work fine in this recipe, just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using so the ice cream doesn’t get too icy. Using frozen peaches can actually help by partially breaking down the fruit for easier mashing.
How can I make the ice cream more creamy?
For extra creaminess, you can blend a portion of your peaches thoroughly into the cream mixture before churning. This adds a silky texture and distributes peach flavor more evenly throughout.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Definitely! This ice cream is vegetarian-friendly since it uses dairy and fruit without any animal-derived gelatin or additives, making it a perfect dessert for a vegetarian diet.
Can I substitute dairy milk?
While whole milk and heavy cream create the richest texture, you can experiment with full-fat coconut milk or other creamy plant-based milks for a dairy-free version. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might differ slightly.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about making your own ice cream at home, especially when the star ingredient is such a beautiful fruit like peach. This Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe invites you to savor the sunshine in every bite, capturing summer’s essence with creamy delight. Give it a try—you might just find this refreshing, fruity dessert earning a permanent spot in your recipe collection!
Print
Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
This Homemade Peach Ice Cream is a refreshing and creamy summer dessert made from ripe peaches, rich cream, and a hint of vanilla. Perfectly sweetened and churned to smooth perfection, it’s an easy no-bake recipe ideal for enjoying fresh seasonal flavors in a delightful frozen treat.
Ingredients
Peach Mixture
- 2 cups ripe peaches (peeled, pitted, and diced)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Ice Cream Base
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Peaches: In a small bowl, toss the diced peaches with 1/4 cup of the sugar and the lemon juice. Let sit for 15 to 20 minutes to soften and release their juices. Then, mash the peaches slightly with a fork or pulse in a blender to achieve your preferred texture, either chunkier or smoother.
- Mix Ice Cream Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the sugar dissolves completely. Stir in the mashed peaches along with their juices to combine evenly.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn following the manufacturer’s instructions, usually for about 20 to 25 minutes. The ice cream should reach a soft-serve consistency at this stage.
- Freeze Until Firm: Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 to 4 hours until set and firm.
- Serve: Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones, and optionally top with fresh peach slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a loaf pan and stir thoroughly every 30 to 45 minutes as it freezes to prevent ice crystals and promote creaminess.
- For extra creamy texture, blend a portion of the peaches directly into the base before churning.
- Use ripe, sweet peaches for the best flavor outcome.
- Adjust sugar amount to taste depending on the sweetness of your peaches.
- Can be stored in the freezer in an airtight container for up to one week.
