This creamy peach ice cream is the perfect treat for hot summer days. With fresh peaches and a smooth texture, it’s hard to resist a scoop (or three)!
I mean, who doesn’t love ice cream? 🍑 Making it is a breeze too—just blend, chill, and churn. Grab a cone, and you’re ready to cool off in style!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Ripe peaches are essential for great flavor. If they’re out of season, you can use frozen peaches instead. Just make sure they’re unsweetened. I love using local peaches when they’re available; they have the best taste!
Sugar: You can adjust sugar to your taste. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using honey or maple syrup, but remember they might change the flavor slightly. I usually prefer a bit less sugar to let the peach flavor shine through.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute half the heavy cream with coconut milk or half-and-half. Just know that it will affect the creaminess, but it’ll still taste great!
Vanilla Extract: I never skip this! Using pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor. If you don’t have any, you can try vanilla bean paste for an extra aromatic touch.
How Can I Get the Perfect Consistency for My Ice Cream?
The key to achieving creamy ice cream is in the churning process and the chilling. Start with chilling the mixture thoroughly, then churn it well. Here’s how:
- Make sure the mixture is cold before churning; this helps create a smooth texture.
- Do not skip the chilling step in the fridge; it really makes a difference!
- Churn the mixture until it’s soft-serve consistency. Over-churning can lead to icy ice cream.
- Freeze the ice cream in an airtight container. I recommend letting it sit out for a bit before scooping to make serving easier.
Creamy Peach Ice Cream Recipe for Summer
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 4 large ripe peaches (about 2 pounds), peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 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 15 minutes of preparation time. After that, you will need at least 2 hours to chill the mixture and about 3-4 hours in the freezer to firm up. So, plan for a total of around 5-6 hours, including chilling and freezing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peaches:
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced peaches, 1/4 cup of sugar, and lemon juice. Toss everything together gently to coat the peaches evenly. Let this mixture sit for about 15 minutes. This will help the peaches soften and release their natural juices.
2. Blend the Peach Mixture:
After allowing the peaches to sit, use a blender or food processor to puree the peach mixture. Blend until it’s mostly smooth but still leave a few small chunks of peach for added texture. Trust me, those little bits of fruit make it delightful!
3. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Keep whisking until the sugar is fully dissolved and everything is well-combined. This will create the creamy foundation for your ice cream.
4. Combine Peach and Cream Mixture:
Now, take the peach puree from step 2 and stir it into the cream mixture. Give it a good mix until everything is evenly blended. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling step is crucial for achieving a soft and creamy texture!
5. Churning the Ice Cream:
Once your mixture is chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes, and you want it to reach a soft-serve consistency.
6. Freezing Time:
After churning, transfer the ice cream into an airtight container. Spread it out evenly and smooth the top. Then, cover it and freeze for 3-4 hours, or until it’s firm enough to scoop. Patience is key here!
7. Ready to Serve:
When you’re ready to enjoy your creamy peach ice cream, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. Final step: scoop it into your favorite bowl or cone and savor the taste of summer!
FAQ About Creamy Peach Ice Cream
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen peaches! Just ensure they are unsweetened and fully thaw them first before blending. This way, you can still achieve that creamy texture and rich flavor.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Your peach ice cream can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for about 2-3 weeks. For the best texture, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping, as homemade ice cream tends to freeze harder than store-bought versions.
What If I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No worries! You can still make this ice cream without an ice cream maker. Pour the chilled mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork for about 3-4 hours, until it’s creamy and fully frozen.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut cream and almond milk (or any dairy-free milk). Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
