If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the sweet, sun-soaked flavor of ripe peaches in a creamy, dreamy frozen treat, then this Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with natural peach goodness and made with simple, wholesome ingredients, this ice cream is silky, luscious, and perfectly balanced—a nostalgic delight that tastes like summer in every bite. Whether you’re an ice cream aficionado or just looking for a refreshing homemade dessert, this recipe will become a cherished classic in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy of making this ice cream. Each one plays a vital role: from the sweetness and texture to that rich, creamy mouthfeel and vibrant peach flavor. These basics come together beautifully without any fuss.
- Fresh peaches (2 pounds): Peeled, pitted, and chopped for pure, juicy peach flavor that makes the ice cream shine.
- White sugar (1 cup): Perfect for sweetening the peaches just enough to balance their natural tartness.
- Half-and-half cream (1 pint): Adds creaminess and richness that gives the ice cream its smooth texture.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz. can): Brings sweetness and body, making the ice cream luxuriously smooth.
- Evaporated milk (12 oz. can): Enhances the creaminess without overpowering the peach flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A small but essential touch that deepens the flavor complexity.
- Whole milk (2 cups, or as needed): Used to adjust the consistency and ensure the ice cream freezes perfectly.
How to Make Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Sweeten Your Peaches
Start by dicing your fresh peaches into bite-sized pieces and mixing them with the white sugar in a large bowl. Letting this mixture sit for a while helps the sugar draw out the natural juices from the peaches, making the flavor more concentrated and the texture wonderfully soft.
Step 2: Combine Your Creamy Base
In another bowl, blend the half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. This rich and velvety combination is what gives your ice cream that perfect luscious mouthfeel. Then, gently fold in the peach and sugar mixture until everything is harmoniously combined and looks wonderfully inviting.
Step 3: Prepare for Freezing
Pour your creamy peach mixture into your ice cream freezer container. Add enough whole milk until you reach the fill line indicated by your appliance—typically about 2 cups. The milk helps loosen the mixture just enough for smooth churning and a scoopable texture once frozen.
Step 4: Freeze Until Perfect
Follow your ice cream freezer’s manufacturer instructions and patiently wait as your Homemade Peach Ice Cream transforms from liquid to a silken, cool delight. The churning process is key to creating that light and creamy texture we all love!
How to Serve Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
To make each serving sparkle even more, try topping your peach ice cream with fresh peach slices, a sprinkle of toasted almonds, or a drizzle of honey. These simple additions add lovely texture and an extra layer of flavor that feels incredibly indulgent but fresh.
Side Dishes
This ice cream pairs beautifully with warm desserts that complement its sweetness. Think along the lines of a crisp peach cobbler, vanilla pound cake, or buttery shortbread cookies. The contrast of warm and cold makes every bite a joyful surprise.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe in waffle cones or hollowed-out peach halves. You could even use it as a decadent topping for a fresh fruit salad, turning simple fruit into a gourmet treat. Presentation really brings out the festive spirit in every scoop!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra homemade peach ice cream in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals and preserve that creamy texture. Store it in the coldest part of your freezer, ideally not in the door where temperatures fluctuate.
Freezing
If planning ahead, you can freeze the ice cream mixture before churning, but fresh-churned ice cream tastes best. When freezing after churning, give it at least 4 hours to fully set for the perfect scoop.
Reheating
Ice cream doesn’t need reheating, but if it’s too hard to scoop, allow it to soften for 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature. This makes scooping easier without losing any of that creamy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen peaches work well once thawed and drained, but fresh peaches provide the best natural flavor and texture for this Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe.
Do I need an ice cream maker to make this?
While an ice cream maker is ideal for the smoothest texture, you can also try a no-churn method by freezing the mixture and stirring every 30 minutes until firm, though texture may be slightly different.
Can I substitute the half-and-half with heavy cream or milk?
Yes, heavy cream will create an even richer ice cream, while milk will lighten the texture. Half-and-half is a nice balance, but feel free to experiment with what you have.
How long does this ice cream keep in the freezer?
This ice cream is best enjoyed within 1 to 2 weeks for optimal flavor and texture. After that, it may start to develop ice crystals and lose some creaminess.
Can I add other fruits or mix-ins?
Definitely! Try stirring in fresh berries, chopped nuts, or even a swirl of caramel or honey for extra dimension. Just be mindful not to overpower the delicate peach flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making your own ice cream at home, especially when it’s a delightful Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe that celebrates the vibrant flavor of summer peaches. This recipe is straightforward and endlessly rewarding, making every step—from picking peaches to tasting that first cold spoonful—feel like a wonderful little celebration. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it all season long!
Print
Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 1 gallon (approximately 8-10 servings)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Description
This homemade peach ice cream recipe captures the sweet, juicy flavor of fresh peaches blended seamlessly into a creamy, rich base. Perfect for summer treats, this ice cream is made with a combination of half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and fresh peaches, resulting in a smooth and refreshing dessert that’s easy to prepare with an ice cream freezer.
Ingredients
Peach Mixture
- 2 pounds fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped
- 1 cup white sugar
Ice Cream Base
- 1 pint half-and-half cream
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups whole milk, or as needed
Instructions
- Prepare Peaches: Dice the peaches and mix them with the sugar in a bowl. Allow the mixture to sit, which helps the peaches release their natural juices and sweetens the fruit evenly while you prepare the ice cream base.
- Combine Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, combine the half-and-half cream, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Add the peach and sugar mixture and stir thoroughly until all components are well integrated, creating a flavorful and creamy base.
- Fill Ice Cream Freezer: Pour the combined mixture into a gallon-sized ice cream freezer container. Add whole milk gradually until the mixture reaches the fill line, approximately 2 cups, to ensure proper freezing consistency.
- Freeze Ice Cream: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your ice cream freezer to churn and freeze the mixture until it achieves a smooth, firm ice cream texture, typically around 30 minutes of freezing.
Notes
- Ensure peaches are ripe for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- If you don’t have an ice cream freezer, you can freeze the mixture in a container and stir every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals.
- Peeling peaches makes the texture smoother; however, you can leave the skins on for more fiber and a rustic texture if preferred.
- Adjust sugar quantity depending on the sweetness of the peaches.
