This homemade strawberry ice cream is a treat for all! Made with fresh strawberries, it’s creamy, sweet, and bursting with berry flavor. You won’t be able to stop at just one scoop!
Making it is super simple—just blend the strawberries, mix with cream and sugar, then freeze. Perfect for those warm days when you need something cool and delightful! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries give the best flavor. If they’re out of season, you can use thawed frozen strawberries, but make sure to drain excess liquid before mashing.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the mixture effectively. For a healthier option, you can replace it with honey or agave syrup—just adjust to taste as they’re sweeter.
Heavy Cream and Whole Milk: These give the ice cream its richness and creaminess. You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or non-dairy milks like coconut or almond milk for a lighter version.
Vanilla Extract: This adds depth to the flavor. If you prefer, use vanilla bean paste for a more intense vanilla taste.
Lemon Juice: This ingredient adds brightness. It’s optional, but I find it helps enhance the strawberry flavor. You could also try lime juice for a zesty twist.
How Do I Make Sure My Ice Cream is Creamy and Smooth?
A creamy texture is key for great homemade ice cream. Here’s how to achieve that:
- First, it’s essential to let the strawberries macerate well. This releases their juices and intensifies the flavor—don’t skip this step!
- When mixing the cream and sugar, whisk until the sugar is mostly dissolved. A good blend helps the ice cream churn better.
- Churning is another important step: follow your ice cream maker’s instructions closely. Over-churning can lead to a grainy texture.
- Once you transfer it to the container, make sure to seal it well and freeze for at least 4 hours to achieve the right firmness.
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ice Cream:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty homemade strawberry ice cream takes about 30 minutes for preparation and 4 hours for freezing. You’ll spend a few minutes mixing ingredients and waiting while the strawberries macerate. Once it’s churned, let it freeze until firm, and then it’s ready to serve! Easy and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberries:
Start by taking a mixing bowl and adding the sliced strawberries along with 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar. Using a fork or potato masher, gently mash the strawberries. This helps release their lovely juices. Let this fruity mixture sit for about 30 minutes. This process is called macerating, and it makes the strawberries even sweeter!
2. Mix the Creamy Base:
While the strawberries are macerating, take a separate large bowl and whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved. The creaminess is what will make your ice cream delicious!
3. Combine and Stir:
Once the strawberries have finished resting, add them (along with all their juices) to the creamy mixture. If you decided to use lemon juice, now’s the time to add that in, too. Give everything a good stir until it’s all well combined.
4. Churn the Ice Cream:
Pour your strawberry mixture into an ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to churn it until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes, but check your machine’s manual for specifics.
5. Freeze the Ice Cream:
Carefully transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well, then place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours. This step is super important to get that nice, firm ice cream texture!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy your strawberry ice cream, scoop it into bowls or cones. It’s perfect for a hot day! Grab a spoon, take a bite, and enjoy the fruity goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This will help maintain the right balance of flavors and texture.
How Long Does Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream Last in the Freezer?
Your homemade ice cream can last in the freezer for about 2-3 weeks when stored in an airtight container. To keep it from getting icy, make sure to press a piece of plastic wrap directly against the surface before sealing the lid.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream or Whole Milk?
Absolutely! You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream for a lighter option or use almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. Just keep in mind that this might slightly change the creaminess and flavor of your ice cream.
What Should I Do If the Ice Cream Is Too Hard After Freezing?
If your ice cream is too hard to scoop after freezing, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften up before serving. You can also run the scoop under warm water for easier serving!
