If there’s one dessert that screams summer, it’s Homemade Peach Ice Cream. Imagine creamy, velvety ice cream with chunks of fresh, juicy peaches, swirling in every bite. This homemade version is not only indulgent but also incredibly simple to make, and it brings out the natural sweetness of ripe peaches in the most delightful way. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making your own ice cream all along! It’s like a scoop of sunshine in a bowl!
What I love about this peach ice cream is that it’s a little bit nostalgic—those sweet, tender peach bits combined with that rich, smooth creaminess. And the best part? You don’t need a fancy ice cream maker to enjoy this treat! It’s perfect for family gatherings, backyard BBQs, or a special treat for yourself.
Why You’ll Love Homemade Peach Ice Cream
There’s something so satisfying about making ice cream from scratch, and peach ice cream is the perfect place to start. Here’s why this recipe is a winner:
Fresh and Fruity
The ripe peaches are the star here. When in season, they’re bursting with flavor, and their natural sweetness makes this ice cream so refreshing.
Creamy & Dreamy
With a base made from rich cream and milk, this ice cream is smooth and luscious. The texture is perfectly creamy, without being too heavy.
Simple Ingredients
All you need are a few simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. No complex steps or fancy tools—just good old-fashioned ice cream made the way it should be.
No Ice Cream Maker Required
Don’t have an ice cream maker? No problem! This recipe is designed to work without one, so you can enjoy homemade ice cream without any special equipment.
Customizable
Feel free to mix things up! Add a little cinnamon or vanilla to enhance the flavor, or even fold in some crumbled shortbread or graham crackers for a fun twist.
Ingredients in Homemade Peach Ice Cream
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious homemade peach ice cream:
Fresh Peaches
Ripe peaches are essential for that sweet, fruity flavor. The fresher, the better! Peaches that are slightly soft but still firm will work best, giving you that juicy sweetness you want.
Heavy Cream
For that ultra-creamy, smooth texture, heavy cream is a must. It adds richness and that indulgent mouthfeel you’re looking for in a homemade ice cream.
Whole Milk
Whole milk helps balance the richness of the cream, making the ice cream smooth without being overly thick. It creates the perfect consistency.
Granulated Sugar
To sweeten the mixture and really bring out the peaches’ flavor, you’ll need some sugar. It’s the classic ingredient that brings everything together.
Vanilla Extract
A touch of vanilla extract enhances the peach flavor, making it even more aromatic and satisfying.
Lemon Juice
A little lemon juice adds brightness and balances out the sweetness of the peaches, helping all the flavors pop.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make some peach ice cream? Let’s get started! These steps are easy, and soon you’ll be savoring that homemade goodness.
Step 1: Prepare the Peaches
Start by peeling, pitting, and chopping your fresh peaches into small chunks. If you like a smooth, fruit-free texture, you can blend them into a puree instead!
Step 2: Sweeten the Peaches
Toss the chopped peaches in sugar and lemon juice. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help release their natural juices, making them even sweeter and more flavorful.
Step 3: Mix the Cream Base
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined. This will form your creamy base.
Step 4: Combine the Peaches and Cream Base
Once your peaches have softened in the sugar and lemon juice, mash them lightly with a fork or potato masher if you prefer smaller chunks. Then, add them to the cream mixture and stir until everything is well incorporated.
Step 5: Freeze the Ice Cream
Now, pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container. If you have an ice cream maker, you can churn it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. But if you don’t, don’t worry! Just cover the container tightly and place it in the freezer.
Step 6: Stir Occasionally
Every 30 minutes for the first 2-3 hours, take the ice cream out of the freezer and stir it with a fork to break up any ice crystals. This will keep the texture creamy and smooth. After a few hours, the ice cream should be firm and scoopable.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Once the ice cream is frozen to your liking, serve it in bowls or cones, and enjoy the fruity, creamy goodness you’ve just made! Top it with extra peach slices, a drizzle of honey, or a little whipped cream for an extra special touch.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to freeze]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Homemade Peach Ice Cream
This homemade peach ice cream is delicious on its own, but here are a few fun ideas to make it even more exciting:
In a Waffle Cone
Serve it in a classic waffle cone for a fun, nostalgic treat. The crispness of the cone and the creaminess of the ice cream is unbeatable!
With a Slice of Pie
Pair your ice cream with a slice of peach pie or cobbler for a double-dose of peach perfection.
In a Sundae
Top it with whipped cream, sprinkles, chocolate syrup, or even some crushed nuts for a DIY sundae bar!
With Crumbled Cookies
Crush up some cookies like Oreos or graham crackers and sprinkle them on top for a sweet crunch.
As a Layered Dessert
Layer it with cake, brownies, or even more fresh fruit in a trifle dish for a show-stopping dessert.
Additional Tips
How to Make It Extra Creamy
For a smoother, creamier texture, you can try adding an egg yolk to the cream mixture and heating it to create a custard-style base. This will make the ice cream even more velvety.
Use Frozen Peaches
If fresh peaches aren’t in season, you can use frozen peaches. Just make sure to thaw them out first before sweetening them with sugar.
Make It Ahead of Time
Homemade peach ice cream is great for preparing ahead of time. It’ll last for several days in the freezer, so you can make it in advance for your next gathering or just to enjoy all week long!
Add More Flavor
If you want to experiment with flavors, try adding a little cinnamon, nutmeg, or a splash of almond extract to the mixture for a unique twist on the classic peach flavor.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
A1: Yes, frozen peaches work great! Just thaw them before using and follow the same instructions.
Q2: How long does it take for the ice cream to freeze?
A2: It typically takes about 4-6 hours for the ice cream to freeze, but if you stir it occasionally, it should take about 2-3 hours to reach the perfect consistency.
Q3: Can I add other fruit to this ice cream?
A3: Absolutely! You can add raspberries, strawberries, or even a little mango for a fun, tropical twist.
Q4: Do I need an ice cream maker for this recipe?
A4: No, you don’t need an ice cream maker! Just follow the instructions for stirring every 30 minutes while it freezes to keep it creamy.
Q5: How do I store leftover ice cream?
A5: Store your homemade peach ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It’ll keep for up to 2 weeks, but it’s so delicious you may not have any left!
This Homemade Peach Ice Cream is the perfect way to cool off during hot summer days or to bring a little joy to any occasion. With its natural sweetness and creamy texture, it’s bound to be a hit with everyone who gets a scoop!
PrintHomemade Peach Ice Cream
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 1.5 quarts (6 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet, creamy goodness of homemade peach ice cream. Made with fresh peaches, this simple yet delicious recipe combines ripe fruit with a rich, velvety base that will remind you of the best summer days. It’s perfect for cooling down on a warm day or as a special homemade treat for your loved ones.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 pint half-and-half cream
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 fl oz) evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups whole milk (or as needed)
Instructions
- Dice the fresh peaches and mix them with the white sugar in a bowl. Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to draw out the juices from the peaches.
- In a separate large bowl, combine the half-and-half cream, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add the peaches and sugar mixture to the dairy base. Stir everything together until the peaches are evenly distributed throughout.
- Pour the mixture into the ice cream maker container. Add enough whole milk to fill the container up to the fill line (approximately 2 cups, or adjust based on your container).
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your ice cream maker. Freeze the mixture according to the instructions.
- Once the ice cream has reached a soft-serve consistency, transfer it to a lidded container and freeze for 2-3 hours for a firmer texture.
Notes
- This recipe can easily be adapted with other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, or even bananas. Just substitute the peaches with your fruit of choice, adjusting sugar levels accordingly.
- For best results, chill the ice cream maker container before use to help the ice cream harden faster.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (excluding freezing time)
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes (churning time)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning and Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg