If there’s ever been a treat that captures summer in a spoonful, it’s Homemade Peach Ice Cream. Luscious, sweet peaches are folded into a rich cream base, creating a dessert that’s impossibly smooth, velvety, and studded with sun-kissed fruit. Whether you churn it in an ice cream maker or whip it up by hand, this recipe is as deeply satisfying as it is simple—you’ll want to scoop it all summer long, sharing it with family and friends at backyard barbecues or as an everyday indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of ingredients to make this dreamy Homemade Peach Ice Cream, and each one plays its own important part—bringing sweet flavor, creamy texture, and that perfect, slightly tangy finish. Don’t skimp, because every component shines in the final scoop.
- Ripe peaches: These are the star, infusing every bite with juicy flavor and that lovely golden hue.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps develop a soft, scoopable texture.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the ice cream and intensifies the fresh peach taste.
- Heavy cream: Brings luxurious silkiness and classic ice cream richness to each spoonful.
- Whole milk: Lightens up the base just enough, ensuring the ice cream isn’t too dense.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the fruity, creamy flavors.
- Pinch of salt: Balances all the sweetness, making those peach notes pop.
How to Make Homemade Peach Ice Cream
Step 1: Macerate the Peaches
Start by tossing your diced, ripe peaches with a bit of sugar and a splash of lemon juice. Give them a gentle stir and let the mixture sit for about 15 to 20 minutes. This step coaxes out the peaches’ juices and softens them perfectly for ice cream—you’ll end up with a beautifully fragrant fruit mixture that’s ready to be mashed or blended, depending on whether you love chunky or smooth ice cream.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Base
In a separate bowl, combine the rest of the sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved and you have a silky, pale mixture. This creamy base is the canvas for your peachy masterpiece—rich, sweet, and ready to carry all that bright summer fruit flavor.
Step 3: Combine Peaches and Cream
Now for the best part: fold the mashed or blended peaches (and every drop of their juices) into your ice cream base. Gently mix to distribute those fruity bursts throughout. This step infuses your entire batch of Homemade Peach Ice Cream with the taste of orchard-fresh fruit.
Step 4: Churn the Ice Cream
Pour your peachy mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to your machine’s instructions (usually about 20 to 25 minutes). If you don’t have a machine, just pour the mixture into a loaf pan and freeze, stirring vigorously every 30–45 minutes. Either way, you’re aiming for a soft-serve consistency filled with creamy ripples and flecks of real peaches.
Step 5: Freeze Until Firm
Spoon the churned ice cream into an airtight container and tuck it into the freezer for 2 to 4 hours. This extra chill time gives it that classic, scoopable texture—perfect for cones, cups, or straight from the spoon. Once it’s firm, Homemade Peach Ice Cream is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Homemade Peach Ice Cream
Garnishes
Give each scoop a dazzling finish with slices of fresh peach or a buttery sprinkle of cinnamon. A sprig of mint or a crumble of shortbread cookies can add a burst of color and extra flavor to every bowl.
Side Dishes
This ice cream pairs beautifully with warm peach cobbler, a soft sugar cookie, or even a pile of ripe summer berries. Serve alongside pound cake for a truly decadent dessert or let it melt slowly over grilled peaches for a memorable twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Scoop Homemade Peach Ice Cream into waffle cones for that ultimate nostalgic treat, or sandwich it between oatmeal cookies for the dreamiest homemade ice cream sandwiches. For a crowd, pile scoops into a big bowl, drizzle with caramel, and let everyone dig in family-style. It’s also a striking finish atop a slice of rustic pie or as a float in sparkling lemonade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Homemade Peach Ice Cream to an airtight container and press a piece of wax paper or plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing with a lid. This little trick prevents ice crystals and keeps your ice cream scoopable and creamy for up to a week.
Freezing
When storing in the freezer, make sure the ice cream is in a freezer-safe, tightly sealed container to avoid freezer burn and to preserve the peach flavor. For best texture, enjoy within one to two weeks—though it’s usually gobbled up long before then!
Reheating
Ice cream shouldn’t technically be reheated, but if it’s a bit too hard straight from the freezer, just let Homemade Peach Ice Cream sit on the counter for 5 to 10 minutes. It will soften just enough for easy scooping, revealing its creamy, dreamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If peaches aren’t in season, thawed frozen peaches work well. Pat them dry before dicing, and the result will be just as delicious in your Homemade Peach Ice Cream.
What can I do without an ice cream maker?
No worries at all—simply pour your mixture into a loaf pan, freeze, and stir vigorously every 30–45 minutes for a few hours. This helps break up ice crystals and mimics the classic churned texture.
How can I make my ice cream extra creamy?
The best trick is to blend a portion of your peaches (rather than using all chunky pieces). The smoother the peach purée, the silkier your Homemade Peach Ice Cream will become.
Can I reduce the sugar for a lighter version?
You can, but keep in mind that sugar not only sweetens the ice cream but also affects texture. Cutting back may make your ice cream harder, so experiment in small batches if adjusting.
Is Homemade Peach Ice Cream gluten-free?
Yes—this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a worry-free treat for anyone avoiding gluten. Just double-check any add-ins or garnishes if serving to guests with allergies.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made ice cream at home, this is the perfect place to start—Homemade Peach Ice Cream is blissfully simple and outrageously tasty. With its creamy base and bursts of fresh summer fruit, one bite will have you hooked. Go on, give it a try, and let it become a summer tradition at your table!
Print
Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the creamy sweetness of homemade peach ice cream with this simple and delightful recipe. Bursting with fresh peach flavor, this frozen treat is perfect for cooling off on hot summer days.
Ingredients
Ripe Peaches:
- 2 cups peeled, pitted, and diced
Granulated Sugar:
- 3/4 cup (divided)
Lemon Juice:
- 1 tablespoon
Heavy Cream:
- 2 cups
Whole Milk:
- 1 cup
Vanilla Extract:
- 1 teaspoon
Salt:
- Pinch
Instructions
- Toss Peaches: In a bowl, mix peaches with 1/4 cup sugar and lemon juice. Mash slightly after 15–20 minutes.
- Prepare Base: Whisk remaining 1/2 cup sugar, cream, milk, vanilla, and salt until sugar dissolves. Add mashed peaches.
- Churn: Pour into ice cream maker and churn for 20–25 minutes.
- Freeze: Transfer to container and freeze for 2–4 hours until firm.
- Serve: Top with peach slices or cinnamon.
Notes
- If no ice cream maker, freeze in a loaf pan, stirring every 30–45 minutes. Blend some peaches into the base for added creaminess.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
