This homemade peach ice cream is a delightful and refreshing treat that captures the sweet, juicy essence of ripe peaches in every bite. The creamy, silky texture pairs perfectly with the fruity flavor, making it a go-to dessert for hot summer days. Made with fresh, seasonal peaches, this ice cream is not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients
4 ripe peaches, peeled and chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
¾ cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Pinch of salt
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
First, I puree the chopped peaches in a blender or food processor until smooth. This helps ensure that the peach flavor is fully incorporated into the ice cream.
In a saucepan over medium heat, I combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. I stir the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved. It’s important that the mixture gets warm, but I make sure it doesn’t come to a boil.
Once the milk and cream mixture is warm (not boiling), I remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Next, I stir in the peach puree, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. I mix everything until it’s fully combined.
I pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which typically takes about 20-25 minutes.
Once the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency, I transfer it to a container and freeze it for at least 4 hours or until firm.
Finally, I scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy the creamy, peachy goodness!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (includes freezing time)
Variations
If I want to mix things up, I like to try a few fun variations with this peach ice cream recipe:
Add-ins: I sometimes fold in crushed graham crackers or crumbled cookies for a fun texture.
Other fruits: While peaches are the star of this recipe, I’ve also experimented by adding strawberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
Nuts: A handful of chopped pecans or almonds can add a delightful crunch.
Non-dairy option: For a dairy-free version, I substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut milk and a plant-based cream.
Storage/Reheating
I always store my homemade peach ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer to maintain its freshness. It will last for about 1-2 weeks, but it’s so delicious that it usually doesn’t last that long! When I want to serve it again, I let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before scooping.
FAQs
How do I make sure my peach ice cream is creamy?
To keep the ice cream creamy, make sure to churn it long enough in the ice cream maker. This will incorporate air into the mixture and create a smooth, soft texture.
Can I make this peach ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes! If I don’t have an ice cream maker, I pour the mixture into a shallow dish and place it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, I stir it vigorously with a fork to break up any ice crystals until it reaches the desired consistency.
How do I choose the best peaches for this ice cream?
I pick ripe, juicy peaches that are fragrant and slightly soft to the touch. They should be sweet, not tart, to give the ice cream a natural sweetness.
Can I add alcohol to my peach ice cream?
Yes, I can! A tablespoon or two of peach schnapps or rum will add a fun twist to the flavor. Just be sure not to add too much, as alcohol can affect the freezing process.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
I love that this recipe can be made ahead of time! I simply churn and freeze the ice cream, and it’s ready to serve whenever I need it.
Conclusion
This homemade peach ice cream is the perfect way to enjoy summer’s best fruit in a cool, creamy treat. I love how easy it is to make, and the result is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether I’m making it for a special occasion or just as an afternoon snack, it’s always a hit. I’m sure once you try this recipe, it’ll become one of your favorites, too!
Recipe:
Homemade Peach Ice Cream
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade peach ice cream captures the sweet, juicy essence of ripe peaches with a creamy, silky texture. Perfect for hot summer days, it's easy to make and a delightful treat.
Ingredients
4 ripe peaches, peeled and chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
¾ cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Puree the chopped peaches in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Once the mixture is warm (but not boiling), remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Stir in the peach puree, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt, mixing until fully combined.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (about 20-25 minutes).
- Once the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency, transfer to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Scoop into bowls or cones and enjoy!
Notes
For a fun twist, try adding crushed graham crackers or crumbled cookies.
Other fruits like strawberries or raspberries can be added for variation.
Chopped nuts like pecans or almonds can add a nice crunch.
For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut milk and plant-based cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing, Churning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
