Homemade Peach Ice Cream

Introduction

Making homemade ice cream is a true labor of love, especially when it’s as simple and delicious as this homemade peach ice cream recipe. I made it recently for a family gathering, and let me tell you, it was a huge hit! The fresh peaches blended with the creamy, sweet mixture were absolutely perfect for a summer treat. Everyone from the kids to the adults couldn’t get enough of it, and I was asked for the recipe multiple times. What I loved most about this ice cream is how versatile it is, allowing you to use other fruits depending on what’s in season. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together, and the joy of making it from scratch makes it even more rewarding. If you’re looking for a refreshing and indulgent treat, this homemade peach ice cream is definitely a must-try!

Ingredients

2 pounds fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped
1 cup white sugar
1 pint half-and-half cream
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (12 oz.) evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups whole milk (or as needed)

Instructions

Start by dicing the fresh peaches into small chunks. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle with sugar. Stir gently to coat the peaches, then set the bowl aside. Allow the peaches to sit for about 10-15 minutes to release some of their juices and help the sugar dissolve.
In a separate bowl, combine the half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
Add the sugared peaches to the milk mixture and stir to incorporate. Make sure the peaches are evenly distributed throughout the liquid.
Pour the mixture into your gallon ice cream freezer container. Add enough whole milk to reach the fill line, which should be about 2 cups. Stir everything together to ensure a uniform mixture.
Before adding the mixture, it helps to chill the container for 10-15 minutes in the freezer. This step is optional, but it will help the ice cream freeze faster and develop a smoother texture.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your ice cream maker. Typically, you’ll need to churn the mixture for about 25-30 minutes or until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Once the ice cream has finished churning, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the freezer to harden for at least 2 hours, or until it’s firm and scoopable.
Once it’s fully frozen and ready to serve, scoop it into bowls or cones and enjoy your homemade peach ice cream!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 250
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 40mg
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 32g
Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes (including peach preparation and mixing)
Chill Time: 10-15 minutes for the container
Churning Time: 25-30 minutes
Freezing Time: 2 hours minimum

How to Serve

In a bowl: Serve your peach ice cream in individual bowls for a simple and refreshing treat.
In a cone: For a classic ice cream experience, scoop the ice cream into a waffle or sugar cone.
As a sundae: Top with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, or sprinkle with crushed nuts or fresh fruit.
With a topping: Add a few extra slices of fresh peach on top for a burst of extra fruitiness and texture.

Additional Tips

Use fresh, ripe peaches: The key to a flavorful peach ice cream is ripe, juicy peaches. Look for peaches that are fragrant and give slightly to the touch.
Chill your ice cream maker container: To speed up the freezing process and help achieve a smoother texture, place the container of your ice cream maker in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before churning the mixture.
Don’t over-churn: Keep an eye on the ice cream as it churns. Over-churning can cause the mixture to become too firm. Stop once it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Use whole milk for creaminess: Whole milk adds richness and smoothness to your ice cream, helping it have a creamy texture.
Customize the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet ice cream, you can reduce the sugar slightly. Taste the mixture before adding it to the ice cream maker and adjust the sweetness if necessary.

Recipe Variations

Strawberry Ice Cream: Swap the peaches for fresh strawberries. Use the same process, but chop the strawberries into small pieces and mix them with sugar to bring out their natural juices.
Mixed Berry Ice Cream: Combine raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries for a vibrant and tangy ice cream flavor.
Banana Ice Cream: Use ripe bananas in place of peaches. Mash the bananas and mix with the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and other ingredients.
Peach and Cream Cheese Swirl: For a richer ice cream, add a swirl of sweetened cream cheese to the peach mixture during the churning process.
Peach Cobbler Ice Cream: Add bits of baked pie crust to the ice cream along with the peaches for a fun twist on the traditional cobbler.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with fruit: This ice cream is great served with additional fresh peaches or a fruit salad on the side.
With baked goods: Serve alongside a warm slice of peach cobbler, pie, or crisp for a decadent dessert pairing.
As an affogato: Pour a shot of espresso over a scoop of peach ice cream for an indulgent dessert with a coffee twist.
On top of a waffle or pancake: Serve the ice cream as a topping for warm waffles or pancakes for a delightful brunch treat.
As a milkshake: Blend the ice cream with some milk for a refreshing, creamy milkshake.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: Store leftover peach ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It should stay fresh for up to 1-2 weeks.
Storage: Make sure to cover the ice cream with plastic wrap before sealing the container to prevent ice crystals from forming on the surface.
Softening before serving: If the ice cream becomes too hard after being stored in the freezer, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften before scooping.

FAQ Section

Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes, you can. After mixing the ingredients, pour the mixture into a shallow pan and freeze it. Stir every 30 minutes for the first 2-3 hours to break up the ice crystals.
Can I use frozen peaches?
Yes, frozen peaches work well, but be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess water before mixing them with sugar.
How can I make the ice cream less sweet?
You can reduce the sugar in the recipe or add less sweetened condensed milk for a less sugary taste.
Can I add nuts to the ice cream?
Absolutely! Adding chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts can give the ice cream a delicious crunch.
Can I use almond milk instead of whole milk?
Yes, but almond milk will make the texture slightly less creamy. For a richer alternative, try using coconut milk or oat milk.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use non-dairy alternatives like coconut milk, almond milk, and dairy-free condensed milk.
What’s the best way to prevent ice crystals in the ice cream?
Chilling the ice cream mixture and the container before churning can help minimize ice crystals and create a smoother texture.
Can I add other flavors to the ice cream?
Yes, you can incorporate vanilla bean, cinnamon, or lemon zest for additional flavor layers.
How long should I churn the mixture in the ice cream maker?
Churn the mixture for about 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can make the ice cream a day ahead and store it in the freezer. Just make sure it’s fully frozen before serving.

Conclusion

Homemade peach ice cream is one of those timeless desserts that never fails to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create a creamy, fruity treat that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re serving it at a summer party, a family gathering, or just as a sweet indulgence after dinner, this ice cream is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. And the best part? You can easily adapt the recipe to fit your favorite fruits or even experiment with fun variations. So, grab your ice cream maker and start churning up this refreshing homemade peach ice cream – your family will thank you!