This homemade strawberry ice cream is a sweet, creamy treat that brings summer vibes to any day! Made with fresh strawberries, it’s a fun way to cool off.
Making this ice cream is super easy. I love blending the strawberries into a puree and mixing it with creamy goodness. Who can resist a scoop of this fruity delight? 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are ideal for the best flavor. If they’re out of season, you can use frozen strawberries, though fresh offers a brighter taste. I love picking my own strawberries when I can—they taste so much better!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is key for sweetness. If you need a substitute, try using honey or maple syrup, but adjust the quantity as they are sweeter. Just a heads up—use a little less because they can change the texture slightly.
Heavy Cream & Whole Milk: These provide creaminess. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy milk like almond milk, but this may affect the richness of the final product. I sometimes blend heavy cream with coconut milk for a tropical twist.
Vanilla Extract: This enhances the flavor. While pure vanilla is great, you can substitute vanilla bean paste or even a drop of almond extract for a different taste. I personally love the extra depth almond gives!
Lemon Juice: Adding lemon juice is optional, but it brightens the strawberry flavor! If you’re looking for a different acidity, you could try lime juice as well for a fun twist.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Strawberries for Ice Cream?
Preparing the strawberries is crucial for getting great flavor in your ice cream. Start by hulling and halving them to help the juices escape easier. The step of letting them sit with sugar is important—it brings out their natural sweetness and creates a lovely syrupy mix.
- Combine halved strawberries with 1/4 cup sugar and let them sit for 30 minutes.
- Mash them lightly for a chunky texture or puree for a smooth finish. Add lemon juice if desired!
This step really allows the strawberries to shine and gives your ice cream that refreshing burst of flavor with every bite!
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ice Cream:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful homemade strawberry ice cream requires about 30 minutes of prep time for the strawberries and cream mixtures, plus about 20-25 minutes in an ice cream maker, followed by at least 4 hours to freeze until firm. In total, you will need approximately 5 hours to enjoy your delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberries:
Start by placing the hulled and halved strawberries in a bowl. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of the sugar over the strawberries. Let them sit for about 30 minutes. This will help draw out their juices, making them sweeter and more flavorful!
2. Mash or Puree the Strawberries:
Once 30 minutes have passed, take a fork or potato masher and lightly mash the strawberries for a chunky texture, or puree them in a blender if you prefer a smoother consistency. If you want to add a touch of brightness, stir in the lemon juice at this point.
3. Make the Cream Mixture:
In a separate bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt together. Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved. This will create a creamy base for your ice cream.
4. Combine Strawberry and Cream Mixtures:
Add the strawberry mixture to the cream mixture. Stir it well until everything is nicely combined. You should see that beautiful pink color from the strawberries mixing with the cream!
5. Churn the Ice Cream:
Pour the combined mixture into an ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which usually takes about 20-25 minutes. You want to stop when it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
6. Freeze Until Firm:
Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container. Freeze it for at least 4 hours, or until it’s firm enough to scoop. This step is important to get that perfect ice cream texture!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Once your ice cream is completely frozen, scoop it into bowls or cones and relish the wonderful taste of your homemade strawberry ice cream. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using. You might want to reduce the amount of sugar a bit, as frozen strawberries can be sweeter. Puree them for a smoother texture or mash them for a chunkier consistency, similar to fresh strawberries.
What If I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No problem! You can pour the mixture into a shallow dish and place it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, stir it with a fork to break up ice crystals until it’s firm, which can take about 2-3 hours. This manual method gives you delicious ice cream without an ice cream maker!
How Long Can I Store the Ice Cream?
Your homemade strawberry ice cream can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. For the best texture, let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before scooping, as it can become quite hard after freezing.
Can I Substitute Almond Milk or Coconut Cream for Dairy?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use almond milk or coconut cream. For coconut cream, make sure to chill a can in the fridge overnight, then scoop out the solid cream for a rich consistency. Keep in mind that this may alter the flavor slightly, especially with coconut cream, but it will still be delicious!
