Peach Ice Cream is more than just a dessert; it’s a taste of summer captured in a creamy, frozen delight that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. This guide will walk you through creating the most delicious homemade peach ice cream that will have you ditching the store-bought tubs for good.
Key Ingredients for Peach Ice Cream
- 4 cups ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped (about 6-8 medium peaches)
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Peach Ice Cream
This peach ice cream recipe is your ticket to pure, unadulterated summer bliss! It’s incredibly simple to whip up, delivering a luxuriously creamy texture bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe peaches. The preparation time is minimal, allowing you to enjoy this homemade treat without a fuss.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Peaches
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped peaches with 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar and the fresh lemon juice. Stir well to coat the peaches evenly. Let this mixture sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or until the peaches have released their juices and softened. This process, often called maceration, intensifies the peach flavor and helps create a smoother ice cream.
Step 2: Make the Peach Puree
Once the peaches have macerated, carefully transfer the peach mixture into a blender or food processor. Blend until you achieve a smooth puree. If you prefer a bit of texture in your ice cream, you can pulse it a few times instead of blending it completely smooth.
Step 3: Create the Ice Cream Base
In a large bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk together until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
Step 4: Combine and Chill
Add the peach puree to the cream and milk mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly distributed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours, or preferably until it’s thoroughly chilled. A cold base churns more effectively and results in a creamier ice cream.
Step 5: Churn the Ice Cream
Pour the chilled ice cream base into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes, or until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Step 6: Harden the Ice Cream
Transfer the churned peach ice cream to an airtight freezer-safe container. Press a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming. Seal the container tightly and freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until firm enough to scoop.
Why You’ll Love This Peach Ice Cream
You’ll adore this homemade peach ice cream for its vibrant, sun-kissed flavor that transports you straight to a summer orchard with every spoonful. The star of this show is undoubtedly the intensely fruity taste of fresh peaches, enhanced by a hint of lemon and a whisper of vanilla, creating a perfectly balanced sweet and tart profile. Making this peach ice cream at home is not only a rewarding culinary adventure; it’s also incredibly cost-effective compared to premium store-bought varieties, allowing you to enjoy gourmet quality without the hefty price tag.
This delightful peach ice cream offers a refreshing alternative to richer, more complex flavors, delivering a pure, unadulterated taste of fruit. Imagine serving it with a drizzle of honey, a scattering of toasted almonds, or even alongside a warm peach cobbler for an extra layer of indulgence – the possibilities are endless! Don’t just dream about the perfect summer treat; make it a reality and be prepared for rave reviews.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your delicious peach ice cream at its best, store it in an airtight freezer-safe container. It’s crucial to minimize air exposure to prevent freezer burn and the formation of ice crystals. Pressing a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the lid can significantly help with this. Properly stored homemade peach ice cream will stay fresh and enjoyable for up to 2 weeks in the freezer.
For optimal taste, it’s best to serve the ice cream directly from the freezer. “Reheating” isn’t applicable to frozen desserts like ice cream, but if it becomes slightly too hard, you can let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before scooping. Freezing is the primary preservation method for this recipe; you can also freeze your prepared ice cream base before churning if you want to make it ahead of time, though this is less common.
Final Thoughts
This homemade peach ice cream is a true celebration of fresh, seasonal fruit, offering a delightful, creamy, and intensely flavorful dessert experience. Give this recipe a try; you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create this summer favorite from scratch. Embrace the joy of homemade!
Peach Ice Cream
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped peaches with 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar and the fresh lemon juice. Stir well to coat the peaches evenly. Let this mixture sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or until the peaches have released their juices and softened. This process, often called maceration, intensifies the peach flavor and helps create a smoother ice cream.4 cups ripe peaches, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- Once the peaches have macerated, carefully transfer the peach mixture into a blender or food processor. Blend until you achieve a smooth puree. If you prefer a bit of texture in your ice cream, you can pulse it a few times instead of blending it completely smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk together until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is well combined.2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, Pinch salt
- Add the peach puree to the cream and milk mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly distributed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours, or preferably until it’s thoroughly chilled. A cold base churns more effectively and results in a creamier ice cream.
- Pour the chilled ice cream base into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes, or until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Transfer the churned peach ice cream to an airtight freezer-safe container. Press a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming. Seal the container tightly and freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until firm enough to scoop.