Homemade Peach Ice Cream: A Refreshing Summer Delight
Nothing captures the essence of summer quite like homemade peach ice cream. This creamy, fruity dessert is the perfect way to enjoy ripe, juicy peaches at their peak season. The natural sweetness of fresh peaches combined with rich cream creates a refreshing treat that will transport you to lazy summer afternoons.
Making peach ice cream from scratch allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a pure, authentic flavor without artificial additives. The vibrant orange hue and chunks of real peach make this dessert as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether served at backyard barbecues, family gatherings, or as a special solo indulgence, this peach ice cream recipe will become your new seasonal favorite.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, creamy vanilla base with bright, fruity peach notes and a hint of citrus from lemon juice.
- Texture: Ultra-creamy with soft peach pieces throughout for a delightful contrast.
- Aroma: Fresh peach fragrance with subtle vanilla undertones that intensify as it churns.
- Visual Appeal: Beautiful pale orange color with visible peach flecks makes for an Instagram-worthy dessert.
- Skill Level Needed: Beginner-friendly recipe requiring basic kitchen skills and an ice cream maker.
- Special Equipment: Ice cream maker required for best results, though no-churn variations are possible.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: This homemade peach ice cream is rated easy, requiring only basic cooking techniques like mixing and blending. The most challenging aspect is properly preparing the peaches, but even beginners can master this with our step-by-step instructions.
- Category: Frozen desserts, summer treats, fruit-based sweets.
- Cuisine: American-style ice cream with Southern influences, where peach desserts are particularly beloved.
- Cost: Moderate, using seasonal peaches when they’re most affordable. The dairy ingredients represent the bulk of the cost.
- Season: Best made in summer when peaches are at their peak ripeness and flavor.
- Occasion: Perfect for summer parties, picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing after-dinner treat on hot days.
Why You’ll Love This Peach Ice Cream Recipe
The taste of this homemade peach ice cream is simply unmatched by store-bought versions. The natural peach flavor shines through without being overpowered by artificial sweeteners or stabilizers. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of creamy dairy and bright fruitiness that will have you reaching for seconds.
This recipe offers incredible convenience despite being made from scratch. With just 20 minutes of active prep time, you can create a dessert that impresses guests and satisfies family members alike. The ingredients are simple and accessible, available at any grocery store during peach season.
Nutritionally, this peach ice cream offers some benefits over commercial varieties. Using real fruit provides vitamins A and C, along with dietary fiber from the peach pieces. You can control the sugar content based on your preferences and the natural sweetness of your peaches.
For entertaining, this dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The beautiful presentation and familiar yet elevated flavor make it perfect for summer gatherings. Kids and adults alike will appreciate the homemade touch and fresh fruit flavor.
Cost-wise, making peach ice cream at home can be more economical than premium store-bought brands, especially if you have access to reasonably priced local peaches. The recipe yields about 1.5 quarts, enough to serve 6-8 people generously.
The Recipe
Homemade Peach Ice Cream
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins (plus chilling and freezing)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Ice cream maker
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Blender or food processor
- Fine mesh strainer
- Rubber spatula
- Airtight freezer container
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 3-4 medium peaches)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions
- In a medium bowl, combine diced peaches, 1/4 cup sugar, and lemon juice. Let macerate for 30 minutes, then blend half the mixture until smooth.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the cream, milk, and remaining 1/2 cup sugar until steaming but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks. Slowly pour about 1 cup of the warm cream mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly.
- Return the egg mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 170°F).
- Strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Stir in vanilla, salt, and the peach puree. Chill completely (at least 4 hours or overnight).
- Churn in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions. During the last 5 minutes, add the remaining diced peaches.
- Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
Recipe Notes
- For best results, use ripe but firm peaches that are fragrant.
- If peaches aren’t in season, you can substitute 2 cups frozen peaches (thawed and drained).
- For a no-churn version, whip 2 cups heavy cream to stiff peaks and fold into the chilled custard before freezing.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon or almond extract for flavor variations.
