Homemade Peach Ice Cream

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Peach ice cream is a beloved classic, and making it at home ensures it’s fresh, creamy, and packed with authentic peach flavor. This recipe combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with a velvety smooth base, creating the perfect balance of fruitiness and creaminess. You don’t need an ice cream maker to enjoy this delicious homemade treat – just a few simple steps and you can indulge in a bowl of peachy goodness anytime!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped

• 1 cup white sugar

• 1 pint half-and-half cream

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

• 1 can (12 fluid ounces) evaporated milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups whole milk, or as needed

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Start by peeling, pitting, and chopping the peaches. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle with the white sugar. Stir and let them sit for about 30 minutes to macerate, allowing the peaches to release their natural juices.

2. After 30 minutes, blend the peaches with the sugar into a smooth puree using a blender or food processor. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can pulse a few times to leave some peach pieces intact.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peach puree, half-and-half cream, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

4. Gradually add the whole milk to the mixture, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. You can add more milk for a softer texture, or less for a richer, thicker base.

5. Once everything is mixed together, pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container. Cover tightly and place in the freezer.

6. Stir the mixture every 30 minutes for the first 2-3 hours to prevent ice crystals from forming and ensure a creamy texture.

7. Let the ice cream freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until firm.

8. Scoop and serve the homemade peach ice cream in bowls or cones, and enjoy the sweet, creamy goodness!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 8 servings of peach ice cream.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (excluding macerating peaches)

• Freeze Time: 4-6 hours

Variations

• Berry Peach Ice Cream: Add in some fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries to the peach mixture for a fun, mixed-fruit version.

• Peach Cobbler Ice Cream: Stir in small chunks of baked peach cobbler for a dessert-inspired twist.

• Dairy-Free: Swap out the whole milk, half-and-half, and condensed milk for coconut milk or almond milk, making it dairy-free.

• Peach Ice Cream with Crunch: Add crushed graham crackers, cookies, or nuts to the ice cream mixture for a bit of crunch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the peach ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It will keep for up to 2 weeks, although it’s best enjoyed within a few days for optimal texture.

• Reheating: Ice cream doesn’t need reheating. Simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before scooping if it’s too hard straight out of the freezer.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen peaches, but fresh peaches will give you the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, be sure to thaw them before making the puree.

2. Can I use a store-bought ice cream maker?

Yes! This recipe works well with an ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions after preparing the peach mixture.

4. How can I make the ice cream creamier?

Stirring the mixture every 30 minutes while it freezes will help create a smoother, creamier texture. Also, using whole milk and half-and-half cream instead of lower-fat versions will add richness.

5. How do I prevent ice crystals in homemade ice cream?

The key is stirring the ice cream every 30 minutes during the freezing process, which will help prevent ice crystals and ensure a creamy consistency.

6. Can I use non-dairy milk to make this recipe?

Yes, you can replace the whole milk, half-and-half, and condensed milk with coconut milk, almond milk, or another non-dairy alternative.

7. How long does homemade peach ice cream last?

Homemade peach ice cream will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks when stored properly in an airtight container in the freezer.

8. Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?

Fresh peaches are preferred for the best flavor, but canned peaches can be used as an alternative. Make sure to drain them well before using.

9. How do I make sure the ice cream is sweet enough?

If your peaches aren’t very sweet, feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe to taste.

10. Can I make peach ice cream without sweetened condensed milk?

Yes, you can substitute sweetened condensed milk with more sugar and some additional cream or milk, but this will alter the flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Homemade peach ice cream is a perfect summer dessert that’s both delicious and easy to make. With fresh peaches and a creamy base, you can enjoy the sweet taste of summer in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this peach ice cream is sure to be a hit with everyone!