This homemade strawberry ice cream is a cool and creamy treat perfect for warm days. It’s made with fresh strawberries, cream, and just the right amount of sweetness!
Making ice cream at home is so much fun! I love watching the strawberries blend into that beautiful pink color. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those extra berries!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are a must for that vibrant flavor. If they’re not in season, frozen strawberries can work too, though they might need extra time to thaw and drain excess moisture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard, but you can swap it for honey or maple syrup, keeping in mind that the sweetness levels may differ. Adjust accordingly to taste!
Heavy Cream & Whole Milk: These create a rich and creamy base. For a lighter option, you could use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Vanilla Extract: A key player in enhancing flavor, pure vanilla is always best. If you don’t have any, try almond extract for a fun twist—but use it sparingly!
How Do You Get the Best Strawberry Flavor in Ice Cream?
The trick to maximizing strawberry flavor is maceration. This process draws out the natural juices, making the strawberries sweet and syrupy. Just combine sliced strawberries with sugar and wait! Remember to mash only to your preferred chunkiness for texture—all about what you enjoy!
- Mix strawberries with sugar and let them sit for 15-20 minutes.
- Mash to desired consistency—keep some chunks for that delightful texture.
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ice Cream:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious strawberry ice cream will take about 15 minutes of active prep time and then requires about 4 hours to freeze. After a bit of mixing and chilling, you’ll have a refreshing treat ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberries:
In a medium bowl, add the sliced strawberries along with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Gently toss them together to coat the strawberries evenly. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes. This will allow them to release their tasty juices, making them sweeter and more flavorful.
2. Mash the Strawberries:
Once the strawberries have sat for a while, use a fork or a potato masher to mash them to your preferred consistency. If you like a bit of texture, feel free to leave some chunks intact. This will add a delightful sweetness to every bite!
3. Mix the Cream Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Keep whisking until all the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth. This creamy base is what makes your ice cream so delicious!
4. Combine Strawberry and Cream Mixtures:
Now, gently fold the mashed strawberries, along with their juices, into the cream mixture. Stir until everything is well blended together, creating a lovely pink mixture filled with strawberry goodness.
5. Churn the Ice Cream:
Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, you will churn it for about 20-25 minutes until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. Keep an eye on it; it will start to look fluffy and delicious!
6. Freeze the Ice Cream:
Once churned, transfer the soft ice cream to an airtight container. For the best texture and flavor, freeze it for at least 4 hours or until it is firm enough to scoop. You’ve almost made it!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Now it’s time to treat yourself! Serve your homemade strawberry ice cream in bowls or cones. Feel free to add toppings if you like—more fresh strawberries, some whipped cream, or chocolate syrup would be delightful. Enjoy your refreshing treat!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them first before mashing. Microwaving them for short intervals works well, or you can leave them in the fridge overnight. Keep in mind, they may yield a bit more juice than fresh strawberries, so adjust the sugar to taste if needed!
Can I Substitute Half-and-Half for Heavy Cream?
While half-and-half can be used, it will result in a creamier texture with less richness since it has a lower fat content than heavy cream. You may want to add a bit more sugar for sweetness, as the texture may slightly change. If possible, stick with heavy cream for the best results!
How to Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals. It can stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 weeks, but its texture might change over time. For easy scooping, allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Can I Add Other Fruits to This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can mix in other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a delicious twist. Just ensure that they are similar in sweetness, and macerate them in the same way to incorporate their juices into the mixture. Have fun experimenting!
