This Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream is a creamy delight, packed with real strawberries. It’s so easy to whip up—just blend, freeze, and enjoy a treat that tastes like summer!
Honestly, there’s nothing like the sweetness of fresh strawberries in ice cream. I can’t help but go back for seconds (or thirds!). It’s perfect on a hot day or a cozy night in! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are essential for the best flavor. If they are out of season, you can use frozen strawberries, but let them thaw and drain excess liquid before using. Personally, I love using ripe strawberries for that perfect sweetness!
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the ice cream, but you can swap half of it for honey or maple syrup for a natural twist. I sometimes use less sugar if the strawberries are really sweet!
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives the ice cream a rich texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Just remember that the texture might change a bit!
Whole Milk: Whole milk helps balance the richness of the cream. You can use 2% milk if you’re concerned about fat content, but keep in mind the ice cream will be less creamy.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Strawberries?
The key to amazing strawberry ice cream is properly preparing your strawberries to enhance their flavor. Start by macerating them with sugar and lemon juice. This process allows the strawberries to soften and release their juices, intensifying their natural sweetness.
- Combine hulled and sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice in a bowl.
- Let them sit for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Mash them lightly with a fork or potato masher to combine with the sugar.
This simple step significantly enhances the taste of your ice cream, making it fresh and vibrant! Enjoy making your homemade treat!
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious homemade strawberry ice cream requires about 30 minutes for preparation and at least 4 hours of freezing time. The time spent is mostly waiting for the strawberries to macerate and allowing your ice cream to firm up. Totally worth the wait for a refreshing treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberries:
Start by placing the sliced strawberries into a mixing bowl. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of granulated sugar over the strawberries along with the lemon juice. Gently stir to combine everything. Let this mixture sit for about 30 minutes. This step helps the strawberries release their sweet juices, making the ice cream even tastier!
2. Mash the Strawberries:
After the strawberries have sat and macerated, take a fork or potato masher and lightly mash the strawberries. This will help mix them with the sugar and create a lovely strawberry base. Set this mixture aside for a moment.
3. Make the Cream Mixture:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Keep whisking until the sugar is completely dissolved. This creamy blend is what will give your ice cream its rich texture!
4. Combine Strawberry and Cream Mixtures:
Now, it’s time to mix! Add the macerated strawberries into the cream mixture and stir well to combine everything. If you like your ice cream smoother, you can blend this mixture until you reach your preferred consistency. The choice is yours!
5. Churn the Ice Cream:
Pour the strawberry and cream mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to churn it until you achieve a soft-serve consistency. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes depending on your machine.
6. Freeze Until Firm:
Once churned, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container. Freeze it for at least 4 hours, or until it’s nice and firm. This waiting time might be tough, but the end result will be so worth it!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
After the ice cream is firm, scoop it into bowls or cones and serve! Enjoy the fresh flavors of your homemade strawberry ice cream on a warm day or as a sweet treat any time. Everyone will love it!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries in this recipe! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mixing them with the sugar and lemon juice. This will help maintain the right texture of the ice cream.
How Can I Make This Ice Cream Less Sweet?
If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup instead of 1 cup. Additionally, you can increase the lemon juice slightly for a zestier flavor, which can help balance the sweetness.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It’s best to keep it covered tightly to prevent ice crystals from forming. Homemade ice cream can last for about 2-3 weeks in the freezer, but it’s always tastiest when eaten fresh!
Can I Use a Different Type of Milk?
Absolutely! You can substitute the whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based milk of your choice. Just be aware that using a lower-fat milk may result in a creamier texture, so adjust the heavy cream accordingly for the best consistency.
