If you are craving something sweet, creamy, and bursting with the fresh flavors of summer, this Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to treat. There’s something magical about the way juicy peaches blend with rich cream and just the right amount of sugar, creating a velvety ice cream that tastes like sunshine in every bite. Whether you have a bounty of ripe peaches or want to treat yourself to a luscious dessert, this recipe is simple, rewarding, and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients list. Each item plays a crucial role, balancing the natural sweetness and creaminess while showcasing the peaches’ vibrant color and fresh flavor.
- Fresh peaches (2 pounds): Peeled, pitted, and chopped, these are the star of the show, bringing juicy freshness and natural sweetness.
- White sugar (1 cup): Helps to draw out the peaches’ juices and adds just enough sweetness without overpowering.
- Half-and-half cream (1 pint): Adds richness and silky texture for that indulgent mouthfeel.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can): Gives a creamy sweetness that’s perfectly smooth, helping to bind the mixture.
- Evaporated milk (12 fl oz can): Enhances creaminess without being too heavy, balancing the dairy elements beautifully.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the peach essence perfectly.
- Whole milk (about 2 cups): Used to reach the necessary volume in the ice cream maker and keep the texture just right.
How to Make Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peaches
Start by dicing those fresh peaches and mixing them with the white sugar in a bowl. Let this sit for 10 to 15 minutes so the sugar can pull out the natural juices, creating a syrupy, peach-infused mixture that will add incredible flavor to your ice cream base.
Step 2: Make the Cream Base
In a large bowl, combine the half-and-half cream, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Stir these together until the mixture is completely smooth, ensuring a rich and luscious ice cream base without any lumps or separation.
Step 3: Combine Peaches with Cream
Now add your syrupy peach and sugar mixture into the dairy base and stir gently to distribute the peaches throughout. This ensures every bite will have that wonderful fresh fruit burst while maintaining creamy consistency.
Step 4: Fill the Ice Cream Maker
Pour your perfectly blended mixture into your ice cream maker container. Slowly add whole milk to fill the container up to the designated fill line—usually about 2 cups or as needed, depending on your ice cream maker’s instructions. This helps create the ideal texture for churning.
Step 5: Churn the Ice Cream
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to churn the mixture. The process will churn air into the mixture while freezing it, creating that smooth, soft-serve consistency that’s signature to homemade ice cream.
Step 6: Freeze for Firmness
When the ice cream has reached the perfect soft-serve texture, transfer it to a lidded container and freeze for an additional 2 to 3 hours. This extra time lets it firm up beautifully, making scooping easy and enhancing the flavor.
How to Serve Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Serving your homemade peach ice cream is a delight, and a few thoughtful garnishes can elevate it even further. Fresh peach slices, a drizzle of honey or caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of toasted almonds or cinnamon add texture and complementary flavors that will make your dessert feel extra special.
Side Dishes
If you want to turn this Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe into a show-stopping dessert, consider pairing it with warm peach cobbler, buttery shortbread cookies, or a flaky tart. These sides add contrasting textures and temperatures, making every bite an exciting journey.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the classic scoop! Serve your ice cream in waffle cones, hollowed-out peach halves, or in mini mason jars layered with fresh berries and granola. These creative presentations turn simple moments into memorable experiences, perfect for summer entertaining or a cozy night in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Homemade peach ice cream stores wonderfully in an airtight container to maintain its creamy texture. Make sure to press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing to prevent ice crystals from forming and keep it tasting fresh for several days.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe ahead of time, no problem at all! Just churn and transfer it to the freezer right away. For best texture, avoid storing longer than a week or two to preserve that fresh, creamy flavor.
Reheating
Unlike other dishes, ice cream doesn’t require reheating. Instead, if it becomes too firm in the freezer, simply let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping. This brief rest softens the ice cream just enough without melting it.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen peaches work well, especially when fresh ones are out of season. Just thaw them fully and drain any excess liquid before mixing with sugar to avoid watering down your ice cream.
Do I need an ice cream maker for this recipe?
While an ice cream maker helps achieve the perfect creamy texture, you can also make this recipe using a no-churn method by freezing the mixture and stirring every 30 minutes until set, though the texture might be slightly different.
Can I substitute dairy products for non-dairy alternatives?
You can try using coconut milk or almond milk, but note that the texture and richness may vary. Full-fat coconut milk is best to keep that creamy consistency close to the original.
How long does Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe keep in the freezer?
For best taste and texture, enjoy your ice cream within two weeks. Beyond that, it can develop ice crystals and lose that fresh homemade charm.
What’s the best way to peel peaches quickly?
The easiest method is to blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transfer to an ice bath. The skins will slip right off, making your prep work faster and cleaner.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe enough for anyone who loves fresh, creamy desserts with a hint of fruity brightness. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate peach season, impress your friends and family, and indulge yourself in something truly special. Once you make this, you’ll see why homemade ice cream tastes so much better—it’s made with care, love, and the best ingredients. Give it a try and watch your kitchen turn into a little peach paradise!
Print
Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes (includes freezing time)
- Yield: Approximately 1 quart (4 servings) 1x
Description
This homemade peach ice cream recipe offers a creamy, refreshing treat bursting with the natural sweetness of fresh peaches. Made with a blend of half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and real vanilla, this no-churn frozen dessert is easy to prepare and perfect for peach lovers looking to enjoy a luscious, fruity ice cream at home.
Ingredients
Peach Mixture
- 2 pounds fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped
- 1 cup white sugar
Dairy Mixture
- 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 the Peaches: Dice the fresh peaches and mix them with the white sugar in a bowl. Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to draw out the natural juices from the peaches, enhancing their flavor and sweetness.
- Combine Dairy Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, combine the half-and-half cream, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth and well combined, forming the creamy base for the ice cream.
- Mix Peaches with Dairy Base: Add the peaches and sugar mixture to the dairy base. Stir everything together thoroughly until the peaches are evenly distributed throughout the mixture for consistent flavor and texture.
- Prepare for Churning: Pour the combined mixture into the ice cream maker container. Add enough whole milk to fill the container up to the fill line, usually about 2 cups or adjusted based on your ice cream maker’s capacity.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your ice cream maker, churning the mixture until it reaches a soft-serve consistency, which usually takes about 20-30 minutes depending on the machine.
- Freeze for Firmer Texture: Once the ice cream has thickened to soft-serve consistency, transfer it to a lidded container and freeze for 2-3 hours to allow it to firm up for easier scooping and serving.
Notes
- Peeling the peaches enhances the texture, but you can leave skins on for added fiber and a rustic look.
- If fresh peaches are not in season, frozen peeled peaches can be used, thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
- Adjust sugar amount based on the sweetness of your peaches and personal preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half with whole milk, but keep in mind it might affect creaminess.
- Ensure your ice cream maker container is properly frozen if using a freezer bowl type machine.
- This recipe yields a soft and creamy ice cream, best consumed within 1 week for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (includes churning time)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Ice Cream Maker (Freezing/Churning)
- Cuisine: American
