Creamy, dreamy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, this homemade Strawberry Ice Cream is the ultimate summer treat! Made with real strawberries, heavy cream, and a touch of sweetness, this ice cream is rich, smooth, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying it on a hot day or as a sweet ending to a meal, this recipe is simple to make and requires no fancy equipment—just a few ingredients and a bit of patience. Perfect for strawberry lovers, this ice cream is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
To make approximately 6 servings, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped): Provides natural sweetness and vibrant flavor.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the ice cream and helps create a smooth texture.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess.
- 1 cup whole milk: Balances the creaminess and adds a lighter texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: In a blender or food processor, puree the chopped strawberries until smooth. If desired, strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds.
- Make the Ice Cream Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Combine with Strawberry Puree: Stir the strawberry puree into the ice cream base until well combined.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled. This step ensures the ice cream freezes evenly.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20-25 minutes, or until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes for 2-3 hours to break up ice crystals.
- Freeze Until Firm: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2-3 hours, or until firm.
- Serve: Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy! Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra touch.
Notes
- Customization: Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Add chunks of fresh strawberries, swirl in some chocolate sauce, or mix in crushed cookies for a fun twist.
- Texture Tips: For a creamier texture, use heavy cream. For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with additional whole milk.
- Portability: This ice cream is perfect for summer picnics or parties. Pack it in an insulated container to keep it cold.
- Dietary Adjustments: To make this recipe fully vegan, use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream and whole milk, and a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup.
Details
Strawberry Ice Cream is more than just a dessert—it’s a refreshing and nostalgic treat that brings the bright, sweet flavors of fresh strawberries to life. The combination of creamy heavy cream, whole milk, and real strawberry puree creates a perfect balance of richness and fruitiness that’s sure to please everyone.
This ice cream is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Serve it as a light dessert after a summer barbecue, enjoy it as a midday treat to cool down, or pack it in a thermos for a fun picnic dessert. Its natural sweetness and refreshing flavor make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of this ice cream in no time. Plus, it’s made from scratch, so you know exactly what’s going into it.
In addition to being delicious, this ice cream is also packed with the natural goodness of fresh strawberries. Strawberries are a great source of vitamin C, which supports immune health and skin health. The heavy cream and whole milk provide a rich, creamy base that’s both satisfying and indulgent.
Making Strawberry Ice Cream is also a fun and rewarding experience. The process of blending the strawberries, churning the mixture, and watching the ice cream come together is simple yet satisfying, and the end result is a batch of homemade ice cream that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
So, the next time you’re in need of a quick, refreshing, and delicious dessert, give this recipe a try. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, Strawberry Ice Cream is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.