If you’re craving a cool, creamy treat that bursts with the bright, juicy flavor of fresh fruit, then this Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining luscious ripe peaches with a rich dairy base, this ice cream delivers a perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and fresh summer vibes that will transport you straight to a peach orchard on a sunny afternoon. Making it at home means you get to savor all the natural goodness of peaches without any artificial additives, plus it’s a joyful experience from start to finish. Get ready to fall in love with this delightful, refreshing dessert!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of this list fool you—each ingredient plays an essential role in bringing out the best texture, flavor, and color in your ice cream. From the juicy sweetness of fresh peaches to the creamy smoothness of half-and-half and milks, these are pantry staples with a little magic when combined!
- Fresh peaches: 2 pounds, peeled, pitted, and chopped—your star ingredient for that vibrant fruity flavor and natural sweetness.
- White sugar: 1 cup—needed to help macerate the peaches and enhance their juiciness and natural sugars.
- Half-and-half cream: 1 pint—provides a luxuriously creamy texture without being too heavy.
- Sweetened condensed milk: 1 can (14 oz)—adds richness and smooth sweetness that balances the peaches perfectly.
- Evaporated milk: 1 can (12 fl oz)—helps create a velvety, smooth mouthfeel in the ice cream.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon—deepens the flavor, adding warmth and subtle complexity.
- Whole milk: Approximately 2 cups—used to adjust the consistency and ensure the mixture fills your ice cream maker container just right.
How to Make Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peaches
First, dice those gorgeous, ripe peaches and toss them with white sugar in a bowl. Letting them sit for 10-15 minutes is key because the sugar draws out their natural juices, resulting in a lusciously sweet peach syrup that will infuse your ice cream with fresh fruit flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
While the peaches are macerating, grab a large bowl and combine the half-and-half cream, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is silky smooth; this base is what makes the ice cream creamy and luscious, so a good stir here is essential.
Step 3: Combine Peaches with the Dairy Base
Next, add the sweetened peaches along with their syrup into the creamy mixture. Stir well so the peaches are evenly distributed throughout, ensuring every spoonful will be bursting with peachy goodness.
Step 4: Prepare for Freezing
Pour your combined mixture into the ice cream maker container. Now, add whole milk slowly until the container reaches the fill line—this might be about 2 cups but adjust as needed to avoid overflow. The milk smooths out the texture and prevents the ice cream from freezing too hard.
Step 5: Churn the Ice Cream
Follow your ice cream maker’s specific instructions to churn the mixture. This step typically takes 20-30 minutes and transforms your mixture into a creamy, soft-serve style peach ice cream that’s almost ready to enjoy.
Step 6: Freeze Until Firm
For that perfect scoopable consistency, transfer the churned ice cream to a lidded container and place it in your freezer for 2-3 hours. This step firms up the texture while keeping the creamy, dreamy flavors intact.
How to Serve Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
To complement your Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe, try topping it with freshly sliced peaches, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a handful of toasted almonds for a lovely crunch. A drizzle of honey or caramel sauce adds a touch of natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with peach.
Side Dishes
This ice cream shines alongside warm desserts like freshly baked peach cobbler or a flaky biscuit. It also pairs wonderfully with a slice of pound cake or shortbread, elevating your dessert game with contrasting textures and temperatures.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve scoops of this homemade delight in waffle cones for a classic touch or in hollowed-out peach halves for a stunning presentation. For a fancy gathering, consider layering the ice cream with granola and peach compote in elegant parfait glasses—an impressive yet simple treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover homemade peach ice cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and preserve freshness. Store it in the coldest part of your freezer for best texture and flavor retention.
Freezing
You can prepare the ice cream base ahead of time and freeze it before churning, but for the best texture and flavor, it’s ideal to churn it fresh and then freeze the finished product. This ensures the peaches stay fresh and the creaminess remains perfect.
Reheating
Ice cream is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t recommended. Let frozen ice cream soften slightly at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before scooping to make serving easier without losing its creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh for this Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe?
Yes, frozen peaches work well if fresh ones aren’t available, but be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid to avoid a watery ice cream base.
Is it necessary to use an ice cream maker for this recipe?
While an ice cream maker gives the best texture, you can also freeze the mixture in a shallow container and stir every 30 minutes to mimic the churning process, though the texture won’t be as smooth.
Can I substitute the dairy ingredients for a dairy-free version?
It’s possible to substitute with plant-based milks and creams, but the texture will vary. Look for full-fat coconut milk and sweetened condensed coconut milk to maintain creaminess.
How sweet is this ice cream? Can I reduce sugar?
The sugar in the recipe balances the natural tartness of peaches and helps texture, so reducing it may change the flavor and consistency. Feel free to adjust slightly, but be cautious about cutting too much.
How long does homemade peach ice cream last in the freezer?
For optimal flavor and texture, consume within 2 weeks. Beyond that, ice crystals can form and affect mouthfeel.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe is a true celebration of summer’s sweetest fruit and creamy indulgence. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing solo treat or a showstopping dessert to impress friends, this recipe delivers every time. So grab those peaches, gather your ingredients, and dive into making a batch—you’ll be rewarded with a bowl full of sunshine and smiles!
Print
Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (churning time)
- Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes (including freezing time)
- Yield: Approximately 1 quart (4 servings)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Ice Cream Maker (Churning/Freezing)
- Cuisine: American
Description
This homemade peach ice cream recipe captures the fresh, natural sweetness of ripe peaches blended into a creamy, smooth ice cream base. Using a combination of half-and-half, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk, this no-churn style recipe is perfect for creating a luscious dessert with rich flavor and velvety texture at home.
Ingredients
Fruit Mixture
- 2 pounds fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped
- 1 cup white sugar
Dairy Base
- 1 pint half-and-half cream
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 fl oz) evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional
- 2 cups whole milk (or as needed to fill ice cream maker container)
Instructions
- Prepare Peach Mixture: Dice the fresh peaches and combine them with the white sugar in a bowl. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the sugar to draw out the juices from the peaches, intensifying their flavor.
- Mix Dairy Base: In a large bowl, combine the half-and-half cream, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Combine Peaches and Dairy: Add the peach and sugar mixture to the dairy base, stirring well to ensure the peaches are evenly distributed throughout the creamy mixture.
- Fill Ice Cream Maker: Pour this combined mixture into the container of your ice cream maker. Add whole milk as needed to fill up to the fill line on the container, usually about 2 cups, adjusting for your specific machine.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Follow your ice cream maker’s manufacturer instructions to freeze and churn the mixture. This process typically takes 20-30 minutes until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze Until Firm: Transfer the churned ice cream into a lidded container and freeze it for an additional 2-3 hours. This step firms up the ice cream for the best scoopable texture.
Notes
- Peeling peaches is recommended for a smoother texture but optional if you prefer the added bite of the skin.
- Adjust sugar amount based on the sweetness of your peaches.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can freeze the mixture in a container and stir every 30 minutes until it firms up, but texture may vary.
- For a stronger peach flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of peach liqueur or fresh lemon juice to balance sweetness.
- Use whole milk or cream with varying fat content to adjust richness to your preference.
