This creamy homemade peach ice cream is a sweet treat that screams summertime! With juicy peaches and simple ingredients, it’s a delightful way to cool off on a hot day.
Making this ice cream is a breeze! Just blend the peaches, mix them with cream and sugar, and let your ice cream maker do the magic. I love enjoying it right out of the freezer—who can resist? 🍑🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Use ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor. If they’re not in season, frozen peaches or other fruits like mango can work as alternatives, but the taste will differ.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is the go-to, but feel free to use coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Just adjust the amount to your taste, as these alternatives may be sweeter.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor. If you’re out, bottled juice can be a quick substitute, but fresh is always best for taste!
Heavy Cream & Whole Milk: These give the ice cream its creaminess. For lighter options, you can swap with half-and-half or whole milk alone. Plant-based options like coconut milk or almond milk can also be used, but the texture will change.
How Do You Get a Smooth Peach Puree?
To achieve a lovely smooth peach puree, you need to blend the peaches well. Here’s how you can do it:
- Make sure the peaches are ripe and soft for easier blending.
- Cut the peaches into smaller pieces to help your blender or food processor work properly.
- Puree until completely smooth. If you like chunks, you can blend briefly.
Mixing the puree into the cream mixture thoroughly will also help achieve a smooth and creamy texture in your ice cream.
Easy Homemade Peach Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 2 hours for chilling and 4 hours for freezing. So, plan for a total of about 6 hours before you can enjoy your delicious homemade peach ice cream!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peaches:
Start by placing the sliced peaches in a large bowl. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of the sugar over the peaches along with the fresh lemon juice. Mix everything together gently, then let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the peaches to soften and release their juices, creating a lovely sweet mixture.
2. Make the Peach Puree:
Once the peaches have softened, use a blender or food processor to puree the peaches until smooth. If you prefer a little texture, you can leave some small chunks. Set the peach puree aside for later.
3. Combine the Cream Mixture:
In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the sugar has completely dissolved into the liquids. This will be the creamy base for your ice cream.
4. Mix Everything Together:
Now, pour the peach puree into the cream mixture and stir until everything is well combined. You should have a beautiful peachy mixture ready to churn!
5. Chill the Mixture:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step is important as it ensures a smoother texture for your ice cream once it’s churned.
6. Churn the Ice Cream:
After chilling, pour the peach mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow your machine’s instructions, churning until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
7. Freeze the Ice Cream:
Once churned, transfer the soft ice cream into an airtight container. Make sure to press it down to eliminate air pockets, then cover it tightly. Freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
8. Enjoy Your Ice Cream:
When you’re ready to serve, scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy the delightful taste of homemade peach ice cream. It’s perfect for hot days, gatherings, or just a sweet treat when you need a pick-me-up!
FAQ About Easy Homemade Peach Ice Cream
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh peaches aren’t available, frozen peaches can be a great substitute. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess water before pureeing to maintain the right consistency.
How Do I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover peach ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It’s best consumed within a month for the best texture and flavor, but it can last up to 2 months. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping to soften it up!
Can I Substitute White Sugar with Other Sweeteners?
Yes! You can use alternatives like honey, agave syrup, or coconut sugar. Just note that these sweeteners may alter the flavor slightly, so adjust to your taste. If using a liquid sweetener, reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe slightly to maintain the right consistency.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and the whole milk with almond or oat milk. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious! Make sure to use a dairy-free vanilla extract as well.