If you have a love for fresh, fruity desserts that are creamy and irresistibly smooth, this Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe is going to become your new favorite summer treat. Bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe peaches and the rich creaminess of dairy, this recipe captures the very essence of sunshine in every bite. Trust me, making your own peach ice cream at home not only lets you control every flavor-packed detail but also delivers a scoop of nostalgia with a fresh, homemade twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you. Each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect texture, sweetness, and luscious flavor of this ice cream. From the juicy peaches to the creamy half-and-half, everything combines beautifully to create a harmonious frozen dessert that’s bursting with peach goodness.
- 2 pounds fresh peaches: Peeled, pitted, and chopped for the freshest, most natural peach flavor and vibrant color.
- 1 cup white sugar: Balances the tartness of the peaches and helps with the creamy texture.
- 1 pint half-and-half cream: Adds richness and a velvety mouthfeel, essential for that ice cream creaminess.
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk: Provides sweetness and smooth texture without the need for excess sugar.
- 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk: Enhances the creaminess while keeping the ice cream light and airy.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the peaches perfectly.
- 2 cups whole milk (or as needed): Used to adjust the consistency and ensure the mixture reaches the ideal fill level for freezing.
How to Make Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Peaches
Start by peeling, pitting, and chopping your fresh peaches into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with sugar in a bowl — this not only sweetens the peaches gently but also helps to draw out their natural juices, creating a luscious base for your ice cream.
Step 2: Combine the Creamy Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract until fully combined. This mixture is what gives your ice cream its signature creamy texture and rich flavor. Once smooth, gently fold in the peach and sugar mixture so that every spoonful will taste like pure peach perfection.
Step 3: Prepare the Freezer Container
Pour your ice cream base into a gallon ice cream freezer container. To reach the fill line, add whole milk — usually about 2 cups. This addition ensures your ice cream freezes evenly with the perfect balance of creaminess and softness.
Step 4: Freeze the Ice Cream
Follow your ice cream maker’s instructions to freeze the mixture. This usually involves churning until the mixture thickens and then transferring it to the freezer to set fully. Just a few hours later, you’ll be rewarded with homemade peach ice cream that’s creamy, dreamy, and packed with peach flavor.
How to Serve Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your peach ice cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon, freshly chopped mint, or even a drizzle of honey takes each serving to a new level. Fresh peach slices or a few crushed graham crackers also add fantastic texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside warm fruit pies, buttery shortcakes, or crispy cookies. The cool creaminess of the peach ice cream perfectly balances baked goods, creating an irresistible combo that’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, try making peach ice cream sandwiches using soft cookies or wafer biscuits. You can also swirl peach jam through the ice cream before freezing to create pretty ribbons of flavor. Individual parfait cups layered with granola and fresh peach slices make for an elegant, easy-to-eat dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the homemade peach ice cream in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Press a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper directly on the ice cream’s surface before sealing to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Freezing
The ice cream will keep well in the freezer for up to two weeks. Beyond that, the texture might change slightly, but the flavor will remain delicious and fresh. Just make sure your container is well-sealed to avoid absorbing other freezer odors.
Reheating
Since this is a frozen dessert, reheating isn’t necessary. Instead, allow the ice cream to soften for about 5-10 minutes at room temperature before scooping for the best texture and flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches for this Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen peaches work well if fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw and drain any excess moisture before mixing so your ice cream isn’t watery.
Is it possible to make this recipe without an ice cream maker?
Yes, you can make no-churn ice cream by stirring the mixture every 30 minutes in the freezer until it’s set. It takes longer but still yields delicious results.
Can I substitute the half-and-half with heavy cream or whole milk?
You can use heavy cream for a richer texture or whole milk for a lighter version, but half-and-half strikes the perfect balance between creaminess and lightness.
How do I prevent ice crystals in homemade ice cream?
Using sweetened condensed milk and churning properly helps reduce ice crystals. Also, storing the ice cream in an airtight container with plastic wrap on top minimizes crystallization.
Can I add other fruits or mix-ins to this recipe?
Yes, mix-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or berries can be added in the last stage of churning to customize your ice cream.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe is a delightful way to celebrate the simple pleasure of fresh peaches in creamy, frozen form. It’s a perfect treat for warm days and a sure way to impress family and friends with something fresh and homemade. So grab some ripe peaches and start making your own batch of sunshine in a scoop!
Print
Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (including freezing time)
- Yield: About 1 gallon (12 servings)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Peach Ice Cream recipe combines fresh peaches with creamy dairy and sweetened condensed milk to create a rich, smooth, and naturally fruity frozen dessert. Perfect for summer, this ice cream is easy to make using an ice cream freezer, providing a delightful treat bursting with the vibrant flavor of ripe peaches.
Ingredients
Peach Mixture
- 2 pounds fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped
- 1 cup white sugar
Ice Cream Base
- 1 pint half-and-half cream
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups whole milk, or as needed
Instructions
- Prep the Peaches: Peel, pit, and chop 2 pounds of fresh peaches, then dice them and mix with 1 cup of white sugar in a bowl. Let the peach and sugar mixture sit to allow the peaches to macerate and release their juices, enhancing the flavor and sweetness.
- Combine Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, combine 1 pint of half-and-half cream, a 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk, a 12-ounce can of evaporated milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir well to blend all ingredients smoothly.
- Add Peach Mixture: Incorporate the peach and sugar mixture into the combined dairy base, stirring until thoroughly combined to distribute the peach flavor evenly throughout the ice cream mixture.
- Prepare the Freezer Container: Pour the combined mixture into a gallon-sized ice cream freezer container. Add enough whole milk, approximately 2 cups, to reach the fill line indicated on the container. This balances the consistency and volume for freezing.
- Freeze the Ice Cream: Follow your ice cream freezer manufacturer’s instructions to freeze the mixture. Typically, this involves churning the ice cream until it reaches a creamy, firm texture, then freezing it further to set before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, use ripe, in-season peaches.
- Allow peaches to sit with sugar to enhance sweetness and soften texture.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of sugar or condensed milk to taste.
- If you don’t have an ice cream freezer, you can freeze the mixture in a shallow container, stirring every 30 minutes until firm.
- Serve after freezing for at least 4-6 hours for a firmer texture.
