This Easy Blender Strawberry Ice Cream is super refreshing and simple to make! Just blend ripe strawberries, cream, and a little sugar for a creamy treat.
It’s so delicious that I often eat it straight from the blender. Who can resist that? 🍓 Plus, it’s a great way to cool off on hot days!
What I love most is how fast it comes together. You just blend, freeze, and enjoy—no ice cream maker needed! Perfect for summer snacks or dessert!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are key to this recipe, giving it that natural flavor. If you can’t find fresh ones, using frozen strawberries works well too! Just thaw them first.
Sugar: This sweetens the ice cream, but feel free to adjust the amount based on the sweetness of your strawberries. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
Lemon Juice: This adds brightness and enhances the strawberry flavor. If you’re out of fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice or a splash of vinegar can work in a pinch.
Heavy Cream and Whole Milk: These give the ice cream a rich and creamy texture. For a lighter version, you can swap in half-and-half or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream and almond milk.
Vanilla Extract: It adds depth to the flavor. If you want a fun twist, try adding a touch of almond extract or even some chopped mint!
How Do I Make Sure My Ice Cream is Creamy and Not Icy?
To achieve that perfect creamy texture in your strawberry ice cream, the stirring process is crucial. This helps break up any ice crystals that can form during freezing.
- After the initial freeze of about an hour, use a fork or whisk to mix the semi-frozen ice cream. This should be vigorous enough to blend any crystalline pieces back into the creaminess.
- Return it to the freezer and repeat this stirring every 30 minutes for about 2 hours. This way, you’ll keep a smooth texture throughout!
- If your ice cream becomes too hard later, let it sit out for about 10 minutes before scooping to make serving easier.
Easy Blender Strawberry Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious strawberry ice cream will take about 15 minutes to prepare. After that, you’ll need around 2 to 3 hours to freeze it until it’s the perfect consistency. So, just a short wait for a sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blend the Strawberries:
Start by placing the fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice into your blender. Blend everything together until the strawberries are pureed and the sugar has completely dissolved—this should take about 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll want a smooth, vibrant strawberry mixture!
2. Add Creaminess:
Next, add in the heavy cream, whole milk, and if you like, the vanilla extract. Blend again until everything is smooth and well combined. This will give your ice cream that lovely creamy texture!
3. Pour and Freeze:
Carefully pour the blended mixture into a shallow freezer-safe container. Make sure the container has enough room for the ice cream to expand as it freezes. Now, freeze the mixture for about 1 hour.
4. Stir to Avoid Ice Crystals:
After the first hour, take the container out of the freezer. Using a fork or whisk, stir the mixture vigorously to break up any ice crystals that may have formed. This step is key for a creamy finish!
5. Repeat Freezing and Stirring:
Return the container to the freezer and repeat the stirring every 30 minutes for about 2 more hours, or until your ice cream is firm and creamy. This technique helps make the ice cream smooth and delicious.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to indulge, scoop the strawberry ice cream into bowls or glasses. It’s perfect for a sunny day or any time you crave something sweet!
7. Storing Leftovers:
If you have any ice cream left, keep it frozen until you’re ready to enjoy it again. If it gets too hard, just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften up before scooping.
Now it’s time to dig in and enjoy your homemade strawberry ice cream—delicious and refreshing! 🍓
FAQ for Easy Blender Strawberry Ice Cream
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them beforehand to ensure they blend smoothly. You might need to reduce the sugar a bit since frozen strawberries can be a little sweeter.
How Long Does This Ice Cream Last in the Freezer?
Homemade strawberry ice cream can last in the freezer for about 1-2 weeks. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Can I Use a Different Sweetener?
Absolutely! You can substitute granulated sugar with honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup. Just keep in mind that liquid sweeteners might slightly alter the texture, so adjust the amount to your taste.
What If My Ice Cream Is Too Hard to Scoop?
If your ice cream becomes too hard, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before scooping. This will help soften it to the perfect consistency!
