This creamy peach ice cream is the perfect treat for a hot summer day! Made with fresh peaches and just a few simple ingredients, it’s like sunshine in a bowl.
Honestly, I could eat this every day! It’s so easy to whip up, and your friends will be impressed. Serve it in a cone or a cup, and enjoy a taste of summer! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Use ripe peaches for the best flavor and sweetness. If fresh peaches aren’t available, frozen peaches work well, too! Just make sure they’re thawed and drained before blending.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the ice cream. For a healthier option, consider using honey or maple syrup, just be mindful that the texture might change slightly.
Heavy Cream & Whole Milk: These create the ice cream’s rich texture. If you’re looking for lower-fat alternatives, you can substitute half-and-half or a combination of whole milk and coconut milk, though the flavor will vary.
Vanilla Extract: This adds great depth to the ice cream. You can replace it with almond extract for a different twist or omit it entirely if you’d rather let the peach flavor shine.
How Do I Make Sure My Ice Cream Is Creamy and Not Icy?
The secret to a creamy texture lies in how you blend your ingredients and the churning process. Here are some important steps:
- Ensure your ice cream maker is pre-chilled. This helps the mixture freeze quickly while churning.
- When pureeing the peaches, blend them well. A smooth puree incorporates better with the cream mixture, reducing icy crystals.
- Don’t over-churn. Stop once the ice cream has thickened but is still soft; it will firm up in the freezer.
Following these tips will give you the best scoop of creamy peach ice cream every time!
How to Make Creamy Peach Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ice Cream:
- 4 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 minutes of prep time plus an additional 4 hours to freeze the ice cream. Most of the work is in combining the ingredients and churning them, so it’s quite simple!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peaches:
Start by slicing the peaches. In a medium bowl, mix the sliced peaches with 1/4 cup of the sugar and the lemon juice. Stir everything together well, then let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. This will allow the peaches to release their natural juices, making them sweet and flavorful.
2. Puree the Peaches:
After the peaches have rested, use a blender or food processor to puree them until smooth. If you prefer some texture, you can pulse gently to keep a few small peach pieces. Set the puree aside.
3. Make the Cream Mixture:
In a separate large bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup sugar, heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved. This will create a sweet, creamy base for your ice cream.
4. Combine Peach and Cream:
Now, stir the peach puree into the cream mixture until everything is mixed together nicely. You want a consistent flavor throughout your ice cream, so take your time with this step!
5. Churn the Mixture:
Pour the combined mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and churn for about 20-25 minutes, or until the ice cream thickens and gets creamy.
6. Freeze the Ice Cream:
Once churned, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container. Freeze it for at least 4 hours, or until it’s firm enough to scoop. If it’s a bit softer than you’d like, just give it some extra time in the freezer.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy, scoop out the creamy peach ice cream into bowls or cones. For a lovely touch, garnish each serving with fresh peach slices or a sprig of mint. Dive in and savor the deliciousness!
Now you can relish your homemade creamy peach ice cream — a delightful, refreshing treat to cool you down this summer! Enjoy!
FAQ for Creamy Peach Ice Cream Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Peaches in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If fresh peaches aren’t available, frozen peaches will work just fine. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before pureeing to maintain the right consistency.
How Do I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. To make scooping easier, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Can I Make This Ice Cream Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make a dairy-free version, use coconut milk and coconut cream instead of heavy cream and whole milk. Make sure your coconut products are full-fat for a creamy texture. The flavor will differ slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness Level?
If you prefer a less sweet ice cream, start with 1/2 cup of sugar and adjust to taste. Keep in mind that the sweetness will be somewhat influenced by the natural sugars in the peaches as well!
