This easy homemade peach ice cream is a perfect summer treat! Made with fresh peaches, cream, and a touch of sugar, it’s creamy and fruity all at once.
I love how simple it is to make—just blend, mix, and freeze. Plus, nothing beats that first scoop on a hot day. You might even want to share it… maybe! 🍑😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are key for this recipe. If they’re not in season, you can use frozen peaches. Just thaw and drain excess water for the best results!
Granulated Sugar: White sugar works well for sweetness. You can swap it for brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or use honey or maple syrup, just adjust to taste since they can be sweeter.
Heavy Cream and Whole Milk: This combination gives the ice cream its creamy texture. You can use low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk, but it may change the richness a bit.
Lemon Juice: This adds brightness. If you’re out, a little apple cider vinegar can be a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Peaches?
To enhance the peach flavor, macerating the peaches is essential. This process pulls out their natural juices and sweetness. Here’s how to do it:
- Combine sliced peaches with sugar and lemon juice in a bowl.
- Let them sit for 20-30 minutes. This softens the fruit and intensifies the flavor.
Don’t rush it! This step is important for making sure your ice cream is deliciously peachy!
Easy Homemade Peach Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 1 hour and 30 minutes of preparation time and chilling, plus an additional 2-4 hours for freezing. Most of this time is hands-off, letting the ice cream chill and firm up so you can enjoy a delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peaches:
Start by peeling, pitting, and slicing the fresh peaches. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced peaches with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and the lemon juice. Stir everything together and let the peaches sit for about 20-30 minutes until they soften and release their juices. This helps to enhance their natural sweetness and flavor.
2. Make the Peach Puree:
After the peaches have macerated, use a blender or food processor to puree the peach mixture. You can blend it until smooth, or leave it slightly chunky based on your preference for texture. Set this peach puree aside.
3. Prepare the Cream Mixture:
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Keep whisking until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Gently stir the prepared peach puree into the cream mixture until everything is well combined. You should see the beautiful peach color throughout!
5. Chill the Mixture:
Place the combined mixture into the refrigerator and chill it for at least 1 hour. This step helps ensure that your ice cream freezes evenly in the next step.
6. Churn the Ice Cream:
After chilling, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning, which typically takes about 20-25 minutes. You want the ice cream to reach a soft-serve consistency.
7. Freeze to Firm:
Once churned, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container. Freeze it for at least 2-4 hours to get that perfect firm scoop!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy your homemade peach ice cream, scoop it into bowls or cones. Take a moment to appreciate your delicious creation before digging in!
With this recipe, you’ll have smooth and creamy peach ice cream that’s bursting with fresh fruit flavor, perfect for warm days!
FAQ About Easy Homemade Peach Ice Cream
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh peaches aren’t available, frozen peaches work just as well. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before pureeing.
How Do I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover peach ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It should stay fresh for about 2-3 weeks. If it hardens too much, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
Can I Make This Recipe Without an Ice Cream Maker?
Yes! If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork to break up any ice crystals until it’s fully frozen, about 3-4 hours.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly less creamy.
