This creamy homemade strawberry ice cream is the perfect treat for warm days! Made with fresh strawberries, it’s sweet, refreshing, and oh-so-delicious.
It’s super easy to whip up—just blend strawberries with cream and sugar, freeze, and enjoy. I can’t resist having a scoop (or two!) while lounging in the sun! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the star here! If they aren’t in season, consider using frozen strawberries. Just thaw them and drain excess liquid before using. I enjoy mixing in other berries like raspberries for a twist.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is used, but you can replace it with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness. Just remember that these alternatives can change the texture a bit, and you might need to adjust the amounts.
Heavy Cream & Whole Milk: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or even a dairy-free option like coconut cream and almond milk. This works great for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer non-dairy options.
Vanilla Extract: I always recommend pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. If you’re out, vanilla bean paste works well, or even a touch of almond extract can add a different yet delicious flavor.
Lemon Juice: This is optional, but I find it brightens the flavor of the strawberries. If you don’t have lemon, a splash of lime juice can also work nicely.
How Can I Make Sure My Ice Cream Has the Perfect Texture?
Achieving a smooth and creamy texture is crucial for ice cream. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Make sure to let strawberries macerate long enough; this helps release their juices and enhances flavor.
- When blending, only puree half to maintain some strawberry chunks. This adds delicious texture!
- Churning is vital; keep an eye on it and stop once it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- After churning, let the ice cream firm up in the freezer. A few hours is ideal for the right scoopable consistency.
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
For the Strawberry Mixture:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious homemade strawberry ice cream requires about 30 minutes of active preparation time, plus 4 hours for freezing. Altogether, you can expect around 4 hours and 30 minutes before you can enjoy your sweet treat. Patience is key, but it’s absolutely worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Macerate the Strawberries:
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Toss them gently to make sure the sugar coats all the strawberries. Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes. This will help draw out the natural juices of the strawberries and make them extra delicious!
2. Prepare the Strawberry Puree:
After the strawberries have macerated, take half of the mixture and puree it in a blender or food processor until smooth. Keep the other half of the strawberries sliced for added texture in your ice cream. This way, you’ll have a lovely combination of creamy and chunky!
3. Make the Ice Cream Base:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if you’re using it). Keep whisking until the sugar is completely dissolved. This will create a nice and creamy base for your ice cream!
4. Combine and Mix:
Add both the pureed strawberries and the remaining sliced strawberries into your milk mixture. Stir everything together gently until well combined. You’re building some fantastic flavor here!
5. Churn the Ice Cream:
Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to churn it, usually for about 20-25 minutes. You are looking for a soft-serve consistency. It’s going to smell amazing as it churns!
6. Freeze the Ice Cream:
Once your ice cream has churned to that perfect soft-serve texture, transfer it into an airtight container. Place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until it becomes firm enough to scoop. This step is crucial for that delightful, scoopable texture!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, scoop your homemade strawberry ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy! This treat is perfect for a hot day or any time you want to indulge in something sweet and refreshing. Happy scooping!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just thaw them first before macerating. Allow them to sit at room temperature or microwave briefly until soft. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still taste delicious!
What If I Don’t Have An Ice Cream Maker?
No worries! You can still make this ice cream without one. After combining the ingredients, pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork to break up ice crystals until it’s fully frozen and creamy (this will take about 2-4 hours).
How Long Will Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream Keep?
Homemade strawberry ice cream will keep well in the freezer for about 2-3 weeks. To maintain the best texture, make sure it’s stored in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Can I Substitute Other Sweeteners for Sugar?
Absolutely! You can use honey, maple syrup, or even granulated sugar substitutes like erythritol or stevia. Just be aware that the amount needed may vary, so start with a smaller quantity and adjust to taste. Keep in mind that using liquid sweeteners will slightly alter the consistency.
