If you are looking for a refreshing, creamy, and irresistibly fruity treat, this Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe peaches and the velvety smoothness of rich cream, this ice cream captures the essence of summer in every scoop. It’s a simple recipe that transforms fresh peaches into a luscious dessert that feels both homemade and indulgent, perfect for hot days or whenever you crave that perfect balance of sweet and creamy delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is delightfully easy because it relies on straightforward, high-quality ingredients that each play a crucial role. From fresh peaches that provide natural sweetness and vibrant color, to creamy dairy components that create the rich texture, every ingredient is essential to bring this Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe to life.
- Fresh peaches (2 pounds): Peeled, pitted, and chopped for juicy flavor and natural sweetness.
- White sugar (1 cup): Balances the tartness of the peaches and helps extract their juices.
- Half-and-half cream (1 pint): Adds creaminess without being overly heavy.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can): Provides sweetness and a smooth, dense texture.
- Evaporated milk (12 fl oz can): Enhances creaminess and extends the volume of the ice cream base.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, warm flavor that complements the peaches beautifully.
- Whole milk (about 2 cups): Used to adjust the consistency and fill the ice cream maker container as needed.
How to Make Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peach Mixture
Start by peeling and chopping your fresh peaches into bite-sized pieces, then toss them with white sugar in a bowl. Letting this mixture sit for 10 to 15 minutes is a small step that makes a huge difference—it draws out the natural juices and intensifies the peach flavor that will shine through in every bite.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Base
While the peaches macerate, take a large bowl and blend half-and-half cream, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth. This rich mixture forms the luscious, velvety foundation of your homemade peach ice cream, ensuring every spoonful feels like a dreamy indulgence.
Step 3: Combine Peaches and Cream Base
Now, gently stir the juicy peaches and the liquid they released into the creamy base. Mixing these evenly ensures each bite is perfectly balanced with the juicy sweetness of peaches and that irresistible creamy texture.
Step 4: Prepare the Ice Cream Maker
Pour the combined mixture into your ice cream maker’s container, then add whole milk as needed to reach the fill line recommended by your machine—usually about 2 cups. This step is key to achieving the ideal consistency for your delicious homemade ice cream.
Step 5: Churn to Perfection
Follow your ice cream maker’s instructions to churn the mixture. As the ice cream spins, it thickens and aerates, turning the luscious peach and cream blend into a dreamy soft-serve consistency that makes your kitchen smell like a summer orchard.
Step 6: Freeze for Firm Texture
Once your peach ice cream reaches that perfect soft-serve texture, transfer it to a lidded container and freeze it for 2 to 3 hours. This final chill time firms up the texture so you get perfectly scoopable, creamy peach ice cream ready to enjoy any time.
How to Serve Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Serving your homemade peach ice cream doesn’t have to be plain. Fresh mint leaves add a refreshing contrast and a pop of green that looks gorgeous. Alternatively, sprinkle a few chopped nuts like toasted pecans or almonds for a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy texture.
Side Dishes
For an extra special dessert spread, pair this ice cream with warm fruit cobbler, buttery shortcakes, or a simple slice of pound cake. The warmth of freshly baked goods complements the cold sweetness of the ice cream and creates a divine flavor marriage that will wow your guests.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your homemade peach ice cream in hollowed-out peach halves or waffle cones with a drizzle of honey or caramel sauce. You can also swirl in some peach jam or a dash of cinnamon before freezing to create layers of flavor that elevate this classic homemade treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any leftover Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe, simply store it in an airtight container in the freezer. Make sure to press a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap onto the surface before sealing to prevent ice crystals from forming and keep it creamy and fresh.
Freezing
This ice cream freezes beautifully for up to two weeks. For best texture, keep it in the coldest part of your freezer and avoid repeated thawing and refreezing. A good tip is to let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping to soften just enough for easy serving.
Reheating
While ice cream doesn’t really need reheating, if your Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe is too firm straight from the freezer, simply let it sit out at room temperature for a short time or place the container in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can ruin the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen peaches work well if fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before mixing with sugar to avoid a watery ice cream base.
Do I need an ice cream maker to make this recipe?
While an ice cream maker makes the process easier and yields the best texture, you can also make this ice cream by stirring the mixture every 30 minutes as it freezes to break up ice crystals, though the texture won’t be quite as smooth.
Can I substitute dairy ingredients?
You can try substituting half-and-half and whole milk with plant-based alternatives, but note that the texture and flavor may be less creamy and rich. Full-fat coconut milk is a popular vegan option to try.
How ripe should the peaches be?
Choose peaches that are ripe but still firm. Overripe peaches will be very sweet but can become mushy and make the ice cream less structured, while underripe peaches might taste tart and lack sweetness.
How long does it take to make this ice cream?
Active prep time is just about 15 minutes, but the resting to macerate the peaches plus the churning and freezing times add up to roughly 4–5 hours before it’s ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making your own ice cream at home, especially a Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe that celebrates fresh, juicy peaches in every silky bite. It’s an indulgence that feels both luxurious and wholesome, perfect for surprising yourself or your loved ones with a delicious taste of summer anytime. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up a classic southern favorite that’s as satisfying as it is stunning.
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Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: About 1 quart (4 servings)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Ice Cream Maker (Churning / No Cook)
- Cuisine: American
Description
This homemade peach ice cream is a creamy, refreshing treat made with fresh peaches and a smooth blend of dairy ingredients. The recipe involves macerating peaches with sugar to draw out their natural juices, mixing with a rich milk and cream base, and then churning in an ice cream maker to create a soft, luscious dessert perfect for warm days.
Ingredients
Peach Mixture
- 2 pounds fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped
- 1 cup white sugar
Dairy Base
- 1 pint half-and-half cream
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 fl oz) evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional
- 2 cups whole milk (or as needed to fill ice cream maker container)
Instructions
- Macerate the Peaches: Dice the fresh peaches and combine them with the white sugar in a bowl. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes so the sugar can draw out the natural juices from the peaches, enhancing their flavor and softness.
- Mix the Dairy Base: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the half-and-half cream, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined, creating a creamy base for the ice cream.
- Combine Peaches and Dairy: Add the peach and sugar mixture to the dairy base and stir thoroughly until the peaches are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Prepare for Churning: Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker container. Add enough whole milk to fill the container up to the fill line, typically about 2 cups, adjusting as necessary based on your ice cream maker’s capacity.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Follow your ice cream maker manufacturer’s instructions to churn the mixture. This process will freeze and aerate the ice cream, resulting in a smooth, soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze to Firm Up: Once the ice cream reaches soft-serve texture, transfer it to a lidded container and freeze it for an additional 2-3 hours to firm up before serving for the best texture.
Notes
- If fresh peaches are not available, thawed frozen peaches can be used, but fresh is preferred for the best flavor.
- Be sure to adjust the amount of whole milk added based on your ice cream maker’s fill line to avoid overfilling.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute half-and-half, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk with suitable plant-based alternatives, but texture and flavor may vary.
- Ensure the ice cream maker bowl is properly frozen according to the manufacturer’s instructions before starting to achieve optimal results.
- This recipe yields a creamy soft ice cream that can be served immediately or chilled further for a firmer texture.
