Homemade Peach Ice Cream is the dessert you absolutely need on your summer bucket list. Imagine creamy, dreamy scoops loaded with juicy peaches, the kind that taste like biting into pure sunshine. It’s a recipe that truly turns the best of the season into a sweet, unforgettable treat, whether you’re cooling off after a barbecue or just treating yourself to something special on a warm afternoon. What makes this ice cream extra memorable is the balance—rich, velvety cream meets bright, tart peaches, all with a whisper of vanilla that makes each bite sing. This is homemade happiness in a bowl!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are a handful of simple yet powerful ingredients to create this magical Homemade Peach Ice Cream. Each one has a starring role, adding flavor, creaminess, or that hint of freshness that makes this ice cream so irresistible.
- Fresh ripe peaches: Choose peaches that feel heavy for their size and smell fragrant—ripe peaches ensure maximum peachy flavor and a beautiful golden hue.
- Lemon juice: Just a tablespoon brightens up the peaches, preserving both color and a fresh, lively taste.
- Granulated sugar: Divided for macerating the peaches and sweetening the creamy base, this helps the flavors really blossom.
- Heavy cream: The key to that luscious, scoopable texture and rich mouthfeel we crave in Homemade Peach Ice Cream.
- Whole milk: Lightens the mixture a bit (so it’s not too dense), while still keeping the ice cream creamy and dreamy.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth, and pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the peaches.
- Pinch of salt: A little salt amplifies all the other flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
How to Make Homemade Peach Ice Cream
Step 1: Macerate the Peaches
Begin by peeling and dicing three cups of wonderfully ripe peaches. In a medium bowl, toss them with the lemon juice and half of the sugar—this isn’t just practical, it’s the secret to more vibrant flavor and juicy chunks! Let them rest for about 30 minutes. This step draws out the peaches’ natural sweetness and keeps them ultra-fresh.
Step 2: Puree and Prepare
After soaking in that lemony sweetness, take about half of the peaches and give them a quick whirl in your blender or food processor until mostly smooth. Blend as much or as little as you like for a mix of creamy base and tasty chunks in every bite. Leave the rest of the peaches chopped for a fun, fruity texture in every scoop.
Step 3: Mix the Ice Cream Base
Now for the creamy magic! In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the sugar dissolves completely—this ensures a super smooth ice cream. Stir in all of your prepared peaches (both pureed and chunky), folding everything together for a taste of summer in every spoonful.
Step 4: Churn to Perfection
Pour your mixture into the bowl of your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (typically about 20 to 25 minutes). As it churns, you’ll notice it transforming into a thick, soft-serve style ice cream—it’s hard not to sneak a taste right then and there!
Step 5: Freeze Until Scoopable
Once the ice cream reaches that dreamy soft-serve consistency, transfer it into a lidded, freezer-safe container. Smooth the top, cover tightly, and freeze for at least four hours or until firm. This will give you that perfect, scoopable texture that everyone loves.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
When it’s time to serve, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for just a few minutes. This helps it soften enough to scoop easily. Grab your favorite bowls (or cones) and get ready for applause—the wait is worth it!
How to Serve Homemade Peach Ice Cream
Garnishes
Elevate your bowl of peachy goodness with a sprinkle of freshly sliced peaches, a drizzle of local honey, or a handful of toasted almonds for crunch. For a bit of color, tuck in a sprig of fresh mint—it instantly makes each bowl look extra special and restaurant-worthy!
Side Dishes
This ice cream pairs beautifully with summery favorites like buttery shortbread cookies, grilled pound cake, or a crisp almond biscotti. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve alongside slices of peach pie—because you can never have enough peaches!
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Homemade Peach Ice Cream between two sugar cookies for the best ice cream sandwich ever, or nestle a scoop atop a warm waffle for an irresistible brunch. For a whimsical party treat, freeze small scoops on popsicle sticks and dip them in white chocolate and sprinkles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Homemade Peach Ice Cream in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Place a piece of parchment or plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing; this helps prevent ice crystals from forming, so the ice cream stays luscious.
Freezing
This ice cream keeps wonderfully in the freezer for up to two weeks. For best flavor and texture, let it soften just a minute or two on the counter before scooping. If you plan to make it ahead for a gathering, simply follow the recipe, churn, freeze, and you’ll be ready to serve straight from your freezer!
Reheating
While reheating doesn’t really apply to ice cream, if you find the ice cream is too hard straight out of the freezer, let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. This will soften it to the perfect scooping consistency—no microwave needed!
FAQs
Do I have to use fresh peaches for Homemade Peach Ice Cream?
Fresh peaches deliver the juiciest, most vibrant flavor, but you can absolutely substitute frozen peaches if that’s what you have. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using so you don’t add extra water to your ice cream base.
Can I make Homemade Peach Ice Cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes! While churning gives you the creamiest results, you can pour the prepared mixture into a freezer-safe dish, stir well every hour until it’s mostly frozen, and then freeze until firm. The texture might be a bit icier, but the flavor will still shine.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the heavy cream and whole milk for full-fat coconut milk or your favorite non-dairy alternatives. The ice cream will have a slightly different flavor and texture but will still be creamy and refreshing.
What are some fun mix-ins for Homemade Peach Ice Cream?
Try folding in crunchy praline pecans, bits of shortbread cookie, or even a ripple of caramel sauce right before freezing. A pinch of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon in the base also adds a grown-up twist!
How do I avoid icy ice cream?
Make sure your fruit is well-drained, dissolve the sugar completely, and store the ice cream with a piece of parchment or plastic wrap touching the surface. These tricks keep the texture creamy and smooth, just how you want it!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Homemade Peach Ice Cream from scratch, I hope you’ll be inspired to give it a go. It’s a project that’s as fun as it is delicious, and there’s nothing quite like the taste of real peaches transformed into a creamy, homemade dessert. You’ll be amazed at the flavor and how quickly it disappears from your freezer—so go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to a scoop of summer bliss!
Print
Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus churning and freezing)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churned, Frozen
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the creamy sweetness of homemade peach ice cream with this easy-to-follow recipe. Made with fresh ripe peaches and simple ingredients, this frozen treat is perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients
Fresh Peaches:
- 3 cups fresh ripe peaches (peeled and diced)
Lemon Juice:
- 1 tablespoon
Granulated Sugar:
- 1 cup (divided)
Heavy Cream:
- 2 cups
Whole Milk:
- 1 cup
Vanilla Extract:
- 1 teaspoon
Salt:
- Pinch
Instructions
- Prepare Peaches: Toss diced peaches with lemon juice and 1/2 cup sugar. Macerate for 30 minutes, then puree half in a blender.
- Mix Ingredients: Whisk remaining sugar, cream, milk, vanilla, and salt. Stir in pureed and chopped peaches.
- Churn Ice Cream: Pour mixture into ice cream maker, churn for 20–25 minutes until soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze: Transfer to container, freeze for at least 4 hours until firm.
- Serve: Let sit at room temperature briefly before scooping and serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding bourbon or cinnamon.
- You can use frozen peaches if fresh aren’t available.
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