Peach Ice Cream: A Sweet Taste of Summer
Peach Ice Cream is a delightfully creamy and refreshing treat that celebrates the flavors of fresh, juicy peaches. Perfect for warm summer days, this recipe was inspired by the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream book and has become a favorite in my kitchen. Every year, my family makes a trip to Gaffney, South Carolina, to pick up a basket of ripe, sweet peaches, and this ice cream is one of the best ways to enjoy the fruits of our labor. With its velvety texture and naturally sweet flavor, this homemade peach ice cream is a must-try for anyone with an ice cream maker at home. Let’s dive into the recipe that will soon become your go-to frozen treat!
Peach Ice Cream Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh peaches | 2 cups |
| Lemon juice | 3/4 cup |
| Sugar (divided) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Heavy cream | 3/4 cup |
| Whole milk | 2 cups |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 322.5 kcal |
| Fat | 19.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 105.8 mg |
| Sodium | 44.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 35.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugars | 32.6 g |
| Protein | 3.3 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Peaches:
Begin by placing the fresh peaches in a large bowl. Add the lemon juice and 3/4 cup of sugar, stirring everything together until the peaches are well coated. The sugar will help draw out the natural juices from the peaches, creating a sweet syrup. -
Refrigerate the Peaches:
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the peach mixture for about 2 hours. Every 30 minutes, give the peaches a stir to ensure the sugar is dissolving and the juices are evenly distributed. This will help intensify the peach flavor. -
Drain the Peach Juice:
After the peaches have marinated, remove the bowl from the fridge. Carefully drain the peach juice into a separate bowl and set it aside for later use. Return the peaches to the refrigerator to keep them cool while you prepare the rest of the mixture. -
Prepare the Ice Cream Base:
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until they become light and fluffy. This should take about 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly add the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar to the eggs, whisking continuously until the sugar is fully incorporated. -
Combine the Cream and Milk:
To the egg mixture, add the heavy cream and whole milk. Whisk these ingredients together until everything is well blended. Once combined, add the reserved peach juice and continue mixing until the base is smooth and uniform. -
Freeze the Ice Cream:
Pour the prepared mixture into your ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, this will take about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your machine. -
Add the Peaches:
When the ice cream is nearly frozen—usually 2 minutes before it’s fully set—add the marinated peaches to the mixture. Continue to freeze the ice cream until it reaches a thick, scoopable consistency. -
Final Freeze (Optional):
If your ice cream maker doesn’t fully freeze the ice cream, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the freezer for an additional hour or two to firm it up.
Serving Suggestions:
Once the peach ice cream is ready, scoop it into bowls or cones and serve immediately for a refreshing summer treat. You can also top it with extra fresh peach slices or a drizzle of honey for added flavor. This peach ice cream pairs beautifully with a slice of pie or a warm dessert like peach cobbler.
Why You’ll Love This Peach Ice Cream Recipe:
- Fresh and Fruity: The sweet and slightly tart peaches provide a natural burst of flavor in every spoonful, making this ice cream both refreshing and satisfying.
- Creamy Texture: The combination of heavy cream, whole milk, and eggs creates a rich, velvety texture that elevates the experience of homemade ice cream.
- Perfect for Summer: This ice cream is a great way to cool off during the warm months, especially when fresh peaches are in season.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy, sweet flavor of this homemade treat, making it a perfect dessert for family gatherings, barbecues, or any special occasion.
Tips for Success:
- Peach Selection: Use ripe, sweet peaches for the best flavor. If fresh peaches are out of season, you can also use frozen peaches, though fresh peaches will yield the best texture and taste.
- Chill the Base: For even smoother results, chill the ice cream base in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before adding it to your ice cream maker. This helps the ice cream freeze more evenly.
- Customize the Flavors: Feel free to mix things up by adding a swirl of caramel or vanilla extract to the base for added depth of flavor. You can also fold in other fruits or nuts if desired.
Conclusion:
This homemade peach ice cream is the epitome of summer indulgence, made with simple, natural ingredients and a bit of love. Whether you’re a seasoned ice cream maker or a newbie, this recipe is easy to follow and results in a creamy, flavorful dessert that’s sure to please everyone. Serve it at your next family gathering, picnic, or summer party, and watch as your guests rave about this delicious frozen treat.
