If you are craving a sweet, creamy treat that bursts with the fresh, natural flavors of summer, this Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful way to capture the juicy goodness of ripe peaches, balanced by the rich creaminess of dairy, creating a smooth texture that just melts in your mouth. Whether you’re tackling a hot afternoon or looking for a nostalgic dessert to share, this ice cream brings sunshine in every bite and is sure to become your new favorite homemade indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe comes from a handful of simple yet high-quality ingredients, each playing a vital role in the final flavor and texture. Fresh peaches provide natural sweetness and vibrant color, while the trio of creams and milks ensures a luxuriously smooth and creamy consistency. Here’s everything you’ll want to gather before diving in:
- Fresh peaches (2 pounds): Skin peeled and fruit pitted to give the ice cream its juicy character and natural sweetness.
- White sugar (1 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to enhance the peaches without overpowering.
- Half-and-half cream (1 pint): Provides a rich, smooth base that’s essential for creamy ice cream texture.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz. can): Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the ice cream for a velvety finish.
- Evaporated milk (12 oz. can): Balances richness with creaminess for a wonderful mouthfeel.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweetness and adds a lovely warm note.
- Whole milk (2 cups, or as needed): Used to bring the mixture to the right consistency for freezing.
How to Make Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peach Mixture
Start by peeling, pitting, and chopping your fresh peaches into small, bite-sized pieces. Toss them with the white sugar in a bowl and let this sit for a bit. This step is crucial because it helps the peaches release their natural juices, intensifying their flavor and ensuring that the sweetness is well absorbed. It’s the perfect prelude to the creamy base waiting to come next.
Step 2: Combine the Creamy Ingredients
In a separate larger bowl, mix together the half-and-half cream, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Once fully combined, gently fold in the peach and sugar mixture. This creates a beautifully balanced base, where the luscious creaminess meets the fresh fruit, promising a delightful texture and rich peach flavor in every scoop.
Step 3: Prepare for Freezing
Pour your combined mixture into your ice cream maker’s container. You’ll then add whole milk to reach the fill line, usually about 2 cups, which helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency without being too dense or icy. This step is all about balance—ensuring your ice cream will freeze properly while retaining that smooth, dreamy texture.
Step 4: Freeze the Ice Cream
Follow your particular ice cream maker’s instructions to churn and freeze the mixture. This usually takes around 30 minutes, during which time the mixture thickens and fully blends the rich, peach-infused cream. The anticipation is real here since this is where your Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe transforms into the delicious, creamy dessert you’ve been waiting for!
How to Serve Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing your Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe, fresh is best. A few thin slices of ripe peach or a sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate the flavor beautifully. Toasted almonds or a drizzle of honey also add lovely texture and complement the natural sweetness of the peaches.
Side Dishes
This ice cream pairs wonderfully with light and fruity side dishes. Think along the lines of a crisp shortbread cookie, a warm fruit tart, or even a simple berry compote. These sides bring additional layers of flavor and crunch that complement the creamy smoothness of the ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe in waffle cones for a fun handheld treat or in elegant glass bowls topped with mint leaves for a sophisticated dessert. For an extra special touch, consider layering the ice cream with fresh peach slices and granola in a parfait glass to add texture and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe in an airtight container in the freezer to preserve its creamy texture and fresh flavor. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent ice crystals from forming, keeping your dessert delicious for days to come.
Freezing
For best results, spread the ice cream evenly in the container before freezing to avoid uneven texture. Freeze it for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the ice cream to set to the perfect scoopable consistency.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your ice cream again, let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps soften it slightly, making scooping effortless and bringing out the rich peach and creamy flavors at their best.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen peaches can work well if fresh peaches are out of season. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid first to avoid a watery ice cream consistency.
Is it necessary to peel the peaches?
Peeling is recommended because the skin can add a slightly bitter texture. Removing the skin helps keep the ice cream smooth, allowing the peach flavor to shine.
Can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?
Yes! You can pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze it, stirring every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals until smooth and creamy. It requires a bit more hands-on effort but yields delicious results.
How long does Homemade Peach Ice CreamRecipe last in the freezer?
Stored properly, it maintains its flavor and texture for up to two weeks. Beyond that, it may start to develop ice crystals that affect quality.
Can I substitute the half-and-half with heavy cream?
Yes, using heavy cream will make the ice cream richer and creamier. Feel free to experiment depending on your preference for decadence.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like making and enjoying your own Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe to celebrate the flavors of summer at any time of year. This recipe is a charming blend of simple ingredients producing a beautifully rich, fruity, and creamy dessert you’re proud to serve. So grab those peaches, dust off your ice cream maker, and dive into a soothing scoop (or two) of homemade happiness. You deserve it!
Print
Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (includes freezing/churning time)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 1 gallon of ice cream
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Description
This homemade peach ice cream recipe delivers a creamy and naturally sweet frozen treat bursting with fresh peach flavor. Combining fresh peaches with a rich blend of half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla, this ice cream is churned to perfection creating a smooth texture that highlights the juicy peaches. Perfect for a summer dessert, it yields approximately one gallon of delightful ice cream.
Ingredients
Fresh Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped
- 2 cups whole milk, or as needed
Sweeteners & Dairy
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 pint half-and-half cream
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
Flavorings
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Peaches: Dice the peeled, pitted, and chopped peaches, then mix them with the white sugar in a bowl. Allow this mixture to sit for a while so the sugar can draw out the juices, enhancing the flavor and softness of the fruit.
- Combine the Dairy Mixture: In a separate large bowl, blend the half-and-half cream, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract thoroughly. Then, add the sugared peach mixture into this dairy blend, stirring carefully until everything is evenly combined.
- Prepare for Freezing: Pour the combined peach and dairy mixture into a gallon-sized ice cream freezer container. Add whole milk gradually until the mixture reaches the fill line indicated on the container, usually about 2 cups, to ensure the proper consistency.
- Freeze the Ice Cream: Follow the ice cream freezer manufacturer’s instructions to churn the mixture. The churning process freezes the ice cream while incorporating air, producing a creamy texture. Freeze until the ice cream is solid and scoopable, typically around 30 minutes to an hour depending on the machine.
Notes
- For best flavor, use ripe, juicy peaches during their peak season.
- If an ice cream freezer is not available, you can place the mixture in a shallow container in the freezer and stir every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals.
- Peach pieces can be pureed partially if you prefer a smoother ice cream texture.
- Adjust the sugar amount slightly depending on the sweetness of the peaches.
- Store leftover ice cream in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
