Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks

Nothing beats a scoop of homemade ice cream on a hot day, especially when it’s as indulgent as this Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks. Picture this: velvety smooth vanilla ice cream, perfectly sweetened, with fresh, juicy strawberry chunks swirled in for that burst of fruity goodness. It’s like a frozen strawberry shortcake in every bite, and trust me—once you taste it, you won’t want to go back to store-bought!

What makes this ice cream even better? It’s homemade! So, you can control the sweetness, the freshness, and the texture. Plus, it’s packed with real strawberry pieces that make it feel like you’re eating a fruity indulgence straight from the farm. Whether it’s for a family gathering, a summer BBQ, or just a treat for yourself, this ice cream is sure to wow everyone. Grab your ice cream maker and let’s get started—this recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks

• Fresh and Flavorful: No artificial flavors here—just real strawberries mixed into a rich, creamy base.
• Perfect Texture: Chunks of fresh strawberries throughout the ice cream add a delightful contrast to the smooth, creamy base.
• Simple Ingredients: This recipe calls for easy-to-find ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!
• Homemade Goodness: Nothing beats the satisfaction of making your own ice cream, and this one is a winner every time.
• Customizable: You can tweak the sweetness and fruit-to-cream ratio to suit your personal taste.

Ingredients

For the Ice Cream Base:

• 2 cups heavy cream: For that rich, creamy texture.
• 1 cup whole milk: The milk adds a smooth consistency to the base.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: To elevate the flavor and give a nice background note.
• Pinch of salt: Helps balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.

For the Strawberry Chunks:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries: Chopped into small pieces to add that fresh, fruity burst.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: To macerate the strawberries and bring out their natural juices.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Start by washing and hulling the fresh strawberries. Chop them into small, bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of sugar over the chopped strawberries, tossing to coat. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the sugar to draw out the juices and create a syrup. This will make the strawberries sweet and juicy.

Step 2: Make the Ice Cream Base

In a separate bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. This will be your ice cream base.

Step 3: Chill the Mixture

Place the ice cream base in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to chill. This helps the ice cream churn better and results in a creamier texture.

Step 4: Churn the Ice Cream

Once the base is chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This process typically takes about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the ice cream has thickened and has a soft-serve consistency.

Step 5: Add the Strawberry Chunks

When the ice cream is nearly done churning, add the macerated strawberries along with their syrup into the ice cream maker. Allow the machine to mix them in for just a couple of minutes, ensuring the strawberry chunks are evenly distributed throughout the ice cream.

Step 6: Freeze the Ice Cream

Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and smooth the top. Place the container in the freezer for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the ice cream to firm up to its perfect scoopable consistency.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the ice cream is firm, scoop it into bowls or cones, and enjoy your homemade, creamy strawberry ice cream with fresh chunks of fruit. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 250
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 30mg
Total Carbohydrate: 23g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 19g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Churn Time: 20-25 minutes
Freezing Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes (including freezing time)

How to Serve Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks

• With Waffle Cones: Serve this ice cream in crisp waffle cones for the ultimate summer treat.
• With Fresh Fruit: Pair the ice cream with extra fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a fruity topping.
• As a Sundae: Top with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for a delicious sundae experience.
• In a Milkshake: Blend a scoop or two with milk for a creamy, indulgent milkshake.

Additional Tips

• No Ice Cream Maker? No Problem: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make this ice cream. After preparing the base and adding the strawberry chunks, pour the mixture into a shallow pan. Freeze for about 4 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to break up the ice crystals. This will give you a similar creamy texture.
• Fresh or Frozen Strawberries: While fresh strawberries work best for this recipe, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw them before using.
• Add-ins: Feel free to mix in other add-ins like mini chocolate chips, crushed graham crackers, or a swirl of strawberry jam for even more texture and flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?
A1: Yes! If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow pan and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes until it reaches the right consistency.

Q2: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A2: Absolutely! Just thaw the frozen strawberries before using them in the recipe.

Q3: How can I make the ice cream less sweet?
A3: You can reduce the amount of sugar in the base or in the strawberry syrup if you prefer a less sweet flavor.

Q4: How long can I store this ice cream?
A4: Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed within 1-2 weeks for optimal freshness, but it can be stored in an airtight container for up to a month.

Q5: Can I make this a dairy-free recipe?
A5: Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut milk, almond milk, or any other dairy-free milk of your choice.

Q6: Can I add other fruit to this ice cream?
A6: Absolutely! You can add blueberries, raspberries, or even diced mango for a tropical twist.

Q7: Can I add a swirl of strawberry jam instead of fresh fruit?
A7: Yes, a swirl of strawberry jam can create a beautiful ripple effect and still give you that fresh strawberry flavor.

Q8: How do I make this ice cream even creamier?
A8: You can add a bit of cream cheese to the base to increase the creaminess of the ice cream.

Q9: Is this recipe easy to double?
A9: Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you’re serving a large crowd. Just make sure your ice cream maker is large enough to accommodate the increased amount of mixture.

Q10: Can I add chocolate to the ice cream?
A10: Yes! You can mix in some chocolate chips or a chocolate ribbon to add a fun contrast of flavors to the strawberry ice cream.

Conclusion

This Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks is the kind of treat that makes summer feel extra special. With its rich, velvety base and juicy strawberry pieces, every bite is a reminder of why homemade ice cream is the best. Whether you’re enjoying it on a hot afternoon or as a sweet dessert after dinner, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Happy scooping!

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