There’s nothing quite like a scoop of Homemade Peach Ice Cream on a hot summer day—its dreamy, creamy texture and vibrant peach flavor are pure sunshine in a bowl! This recipe brings together juicy fresh peaches, rich cream, and a kiss of vanilla, creating a dessert that feels indulgent yet refreshingly simple. Whether you’re celebrating peach season or just craving a sweet, fruity treat, this homemade delight will have everyone smiling and reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Homemade Peach Ice Cream recipe serves a special purpose, from building a luscious base to accentuating the natural sweetness of peaches. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why they matter.
- Fresh peaches: Ripe, juicy peaches are key for that unmistakable summery flavor—choose the best you can find for maximum sweetness!
- Granulated sugar: Divided into two parts, sugar both sweetens the peaches and balances the creamy base.
- Lemon juice: A splash of lemon brightens the peaches and keeps their color vibrant.
- Heavy cream: The backbone of our ice cream, it delivers rich, velvety texture and that classic scoopable body.
- Whole milk: Lightens the base just enough, ensuring the ice cream isn’t overly dense.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant note that pairs perfectly with peaches.
- Pinch of salt: Just a touch makes all the flavors pop!
How to Make Homemade Peach Ice Cream
Step 1: Macerate the Peaches
Start by combining your peeled, sliced peaches with 1/4 cup of the sugar and the lemon juice in a medium bowl. Let them sit for about 15 minutes—this draws out their natural juices and softens the fruit, making it sweeter and more flavorful. After they’ve rested, you can mash the peaches lightly with a fork for a chunky texture, or blend them if you prefer a silky-smooth ice cream.
Step 2: Prepare the Ice Cream Base
In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Then, gently fold in your prepared peaches—whether mashed or pureed—so every bite is packed with juicy flavor.
Step 3: Churn to Creamy Perfection
Pour your ice cream mixture into the bowl of your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks like soft-serve and holds its shape. That’s when the magic of Homemade Peach Ice Cream really starts to shine!
Step 4: Freeze Until Firm
Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it into the freezer for at least 2 to 3 hours, or until it’s firm enough to scoop. This step ensures you get that classic ice cream texture—creamy, rich, and perfectly scoopable.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
When you’re ready to enjoy, scoop the Homemade Peach Ice Cream into bowls or cones. For an extra flourish, top with fresh peach slices or a drizzle of caramel. It’s pure peachy bliss!
How to Serve Homemade Peach Ice Cream
Garnishes
Elevate your scoops with a sprinkle of creativity: fresh peach slices, a dusting of crushed shortbread cookies, or a drizzle of honey or caramel are all beautiful companions. For a pop of color, add a few fresh mint leaves or even a handful of toasted almonds—their crunch is a lovely contrast to the soft, creamy ice cream.
Side Dishes
Homemade Peach Ice Cream is a dream alongside warm desserts like peach cobbler or grilled pound cake. For a fun summer spread, serve it with a bowl of fresh berries or a platter of homemade cookies. The cool, fruity flavors play beautifully with so many desserts—let your taste buds lead the way!
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping dessert, try layering scoops in parfait glasses with whipped cream and crumbled cookies, or sandwich the ice cream between oatmeal cookies for an irresistible ice cream sandwich. You can even serve mini scoops in hollowed-out peach halves for a playful, peach-on-peach presentation that’s both charming and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Homemade Peach Ice Cream to a tightly sealed container and keep it in your freezer. For the best texture and flavor, enjoy within two weeks—though it’s so tasty, it may not last that long!
Freezing
For optimal scoopability, press a piece of parchment or plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the container. This helps prevent icy crystals from forming and keeps your ice cream ultra-creamy.
Reheating
Luckily, you never need to reheat ice cream! If your Homemade Peach Ice Cream is too firm to scoop, simply let it sit on the counter for five to ten minutes. It’ll soften just enough for perfect, creamy scoops every time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen peaches are a great backup when fresh ones aren’t in season. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using, so your ice cream stays rich and not watery.
Do I really need an ice cream maker?
An ice cream maker gives you the creamiest results, but you can make a no-churn version by mixing everything together and freezing it in a loaf pan, stirring every 30 minutes for a few hours. The texture will be a bit different, but still delicious!
How can I make this ice cream even creamier?
Using full-fat cream and whole milk is key for luscious texture. If you want it even richer, add an extra splash of cream or a tablespoon of corn syrup to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Can I add other fruits or mix-ins?
Definitely! Try folding in raspberries, blueberries, or even chocolate chips after churning. Just be sure to chop any mix-ins small so they distribute evenly throughout the ice cream.
Is Homemade Peach Ice Cream gluten-free?
Yes, the base recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for guests with gluten sensitivities. Just double-check any add-ins or garnishes to be sure.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Peach Ice Cream is a celebration of summer’s best flavors, and it’s easier to make than you might think! There’s truly nothing like the joy of scooping up your own creamy, fruity creation. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try—it’s sure to become a sweet tradition in your home, too.
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Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Homemade Peach Ice Cream offers a luscious and creamy dessert bursting with fresh peach flavor. Made with simple ingredients like fresh peaches, cream, and vanilla, it’s a perfect treat for summer that requires no cooking and is easy to prepare using an ice cream maker.
Ingredients
Peach Mixture
- 2 cups fresh peaches (peeled and sliced)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Ice Cream Base
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (remaining 1/2 cup)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Macerate Peaches: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced peaches with 1/4 cup sugar and lemon juice. Let them sit for 15 minutes to macerate, which softens the fruit and draws out the natural juices. After macerating, lightly mash the peaches with a fork or blend them for a smoother consistency.
- Prepare Ice Cream Base: In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the sugar is fully dissolved. Stir in the mashed or pureed peaches and mix until everything is well combined.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the combined mixture into an ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically for 20 to 25 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve texture.
- Freeze to Firm Up: Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 to 3 hours to allow it to firm up to the perfect scoopable consistency.
- Serve: Serve the ice cream chilled, optionally garnished with additional fresh peach slices or a drizzle of caramel for extra flavor.
Notes
- For a richer and creamier texture, use full-fat milk and heavy cream as specified.
- If fresh peaches are not available, frozen peaches can be used after thawing and draining excess liquid.
- Adding a tablespoon of bourbon or peach liqueur enhances the flavor but is completely optional.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook / Churning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
