If you have a soft spot for rich, luscious treats that taste like summer captured in a bowl, you are going to absolutely love this Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe. This homemade ice cream offers a perfect balance of velvety creaminess and vibrant, juicy strawberry pieces that burst with freshness in every bite. It’s not just ice cream; it’s an experience, blending the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries with smooth, dreamy cream. Whether you’re enjoying a sunny afternoon or craving a sweet escape after dinner, this recipe will quickly become your go-to summer favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients that pack a punch in both flavor and texture. Each component works in harmony to elevate the strawberry ice cream from ordinary to absolutely irresistible.
- Heavy cream: Provides rich creaminess and a luscious texture that melts in your mouth.
- Whole milk: Lightens the cream slightly while adding to the smooth consistency.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens perfectly without overpowering the strawberries.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic undertone that enhances the overall flavor depth.
- Fresh strawberries: The star ingredient, bringing vibrant color, natural sweetness, and fresh chunks throughout.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the fruit’s flavor, balancing sweetness with a touch of zest.
- Pinch of salt: Intensifies all the flavors, making each spoonful more vivid.
How to Make Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the strawberry mash
Start by mashing half of your fresh strawberries along with lemon juice and a couple of tablespoons of sugar. This helps to release their juices and creates a naturally sweet, slightly tangy strawberry base that infuses the ice cream with authentic fruit flavor.
Step 2: Whisk the cream mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, remaining sugar, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt. Whisking ensures the sugar dissolves smoothly and the mixture becomes silky, which sets the stage for that creamy texture we all love in strawberry ice cream.
Step 3: Combine mashed strawberries with cream base
Gently fold the mashed strawberries and their juices into the cream mixture. This step blends the bright flavors of the fruit throughout the creamy base for consistent delight with every spoonful.
Step 4: Chill the mixture
Pop the combined mixture into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least one hour. This downtime isn’t just for convenience; chilling helps the flavors meld and allows the ice cream to churn more effectively.
Step 5: Churn the ice cream
Transfer the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s directions—usually about 20 to 25 minutes. Near the end of churning, add the remaining chopped strawberries to preserve fresh chunks nestled throughout the creamy landscape.
Step 6: Freeze until firm
Once churned, move the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 2 to 4 hours until it firms up. Patience here rewards you with perfectly scoopable, dreamy ice cream that’s ready to wow everyone.
How to Serve Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe
Garnishes
Top your scoops with a few extra fresh strawberry slices or a sprig of fresh mint to add a pleasant visual pop and a burst of fresh flavor. If you’re feeling indulgent, drizzle a little white chocolate sauce or sprinkle some crushed graham crackers for an added crunch.
Side Dishes
This ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm desserts like freshly baked shortcakes, buttery waffles, or even a simple angel food cake. The contrast between warm and cold elevates the eating experience, turning a simple scoop into a memorable dessert moment.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, serve this ice cream in hollowed-out strawberry halves or delicate waffle cones. You can also layer it with crushed cookies and fresh berries in a parfait glass for an elegant presentation that’s perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent ice crystals. Stored properly in the freezer, it remains delicious for up to two weeks, making it a great make-ahead treat.
Freezing
Freeze your ice cream in a shallow, freezer-safe container to speed up freezing time and ensure even consistency. Press some parchment paper on the surface before sealing to further protect against ice crystals and freezer burn.
Reheating
No need to reheat, of course! Just scoop out the ice cream and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes if it feels too firm straight from the freezer. This little patience trick transforms it to the perfect creamy softness for serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries give the best texture and flavor for this recipe, you can use frozen if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid to avoid sogginess in your ice cream.
What if I don’t have an ice cream maker?
No worries at all! Pour the mixture into a loaf pan and freeze it. Stir vigorously every 30 minutes for about 2 to 3 hours until it reaches a creamy consistency. It’s a little extra work, but totally worth it.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Adding white chocolate chips or crushed graham crackers during the last few minutes of churning creates delicious texture contrasts that complement the creamy strawberry base beautifully.
How long does the ice cream keep its freshness?
For the best taste and texture, consume your ice cream within two weeks of freezing. Beyond that, it might develop ice crystals or lose some of its vibrant strawberry flavor.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes! This recipe uses no animal-derived gelatin or other non-vegetarian ingredients, so it fits perfectly into a vegetarian diet.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe a try because it’s one of those treats that brings joy with every bite. Simple ingredients, minimal fuss, and outstanding flavor—that’s a winning combo any day. Celebrate the sweetness of summer or brighten up any day with this homemade ice cream that tastes just like love and sunshine in a bowl.
Print
Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy strawberry ice cream is a delightful summer treat made with fresh strawberries and a rich, smooth base of heavy cream and whole milk. Featuring chunks of fresh fruit for added texture, this homemade ice cream combines natural sweetness with a hint of vanilla and lemon juice for a refreshing taste. Perfect for warm-weather indulgence, it’s an easy-to-make dessert that requires an ice cream maker for the best creamy results but can also be made without one.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Strawberries
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Mash Strawberries: In a medium bowl, mash 1 cup of the chopped strawberries together with the lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of the sugar. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes to release the natural juices, intensifying the strawberry flavor.
- Prepare Ice Cream Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, remaining sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the sugar has fully dissolved, creating a smooth, sweet base.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the mashed strawberries along with their juices into the cream mixture to evenly distribute the strawberry flavor throughout the base.
- Chill Mixture: Cover and refrigerate the combined mixture for at least 1 hour. Chilling ensures a colder base which helps the ice cream freeze faster and improves texture during churning.
- Churn Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, generally for 20 to 25 minutes, until the mixture thickens to a soft-serve consistency.
- Add Fresh Chunks: In the last 5 minutes of churning, add the remaining 1 cup of chopped strawberries to incorporate fresh strawberry pieces throughout the ice cream.
- Freeze Until Firm: Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2 to 4 hours, or until firm enough to scoop.
- Serve: Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones and serve chilled. Enjoy the fresh, creamy strawberry delight!
Notes
- For extra texture and flavor, consider adding white chocolate chips or crushed graham crackers during the last few minutes of churning.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a loaf pan and freeze. Stir vigorously every 30 minutes for about 2 to 3 hours until the texture becomes creamy to mimic churned ice cream.
- Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best natural flavor.
