This easy homemade fresh Georgia peach ice cream is a sweet treat bursting with fruity goodness! With ripe peaches and creamy goodness, it’s perfect for hot days.
I love how simple it is to whip up this creamy dream. Plus, who can resist the taste of fresh peaches? It truly feels like summer in a bowl! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh Georgia peaches are the star here! Their sweetness and flavor are hard to match. If you don’t have Georgia peaches, use any ripe, sweet peach variety or even frozen peaches if fresh ones aren’t available.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is used to sweeten the peaches and the cream mixture. If you’re looking for healthier options, consider using honey or maple syrup as a substitute, but keep in mind they will alter the taste somewhat.
Heavy Cream & Whole Milk: These create that rich and creamy base. If you want lighter ice cream, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use 2% milk instead. However, this might make the ice cream less creamy.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds depth to the flavor. If you don’t have it, some vanilla bean paste can work just as well, or even imitation vanilla in a pinch.
How Do I Make the Peaches Sweet and Juicy?
Macerating the peaches is key to enhancing their flavor. By adding sugar and lemon juice, you allow the peaches to release their natural juices and sweeten up nicely. This step is simple but vital for making your ice cream delicious!
- Mix diced peaches with sugar and lemon juice, let sit for 15-20 minutes.
- This process brings out the peach juices and makes them extra sweet!
What’s the Best Way to Get a Creamy Texture?
Getting the right texture in homemade ice cream can be tricky. Churning in an ice cream maker helps incorporate air, which gives it that light, fluffy quality. Just remember not to over-churn, as this can lead to a grainy texture!
- Churn the mixture until it reaches soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze it in an airtight container for a few hours for a firmer result.
Easy Homemade Fresh Georgia Peach Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ice Cream:
- 4 large ripe Georgia peaches, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided (1/2 cup + 1/4 cup)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing ice cream takes about 30 minutes of active preparation time, plus an additional 4 hours to freeze and firm up in the freezer. So, grab your peaches and let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Macerate the Peaches:
In a medium bowl, mix the diced peaches with 1/2 cup of sugar and the lemon juice. Stir well and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the peaches to soften and release their sweet juices, making them extra delicious!
2. Puree the Peach Mixture:
After the peaches have macerated, transfer them along with their juices to a blender or food processor. Pulse a few times to create a chunky puree. You want to keep some peach chunks for texture, so don’t over-blend! Set this aside for now.
3. Prepare the Cream Mixture:
In another bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until the sugar is fully dissolved. This will be the creamy base for your ice cream.
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Now it’s time to bring the flavors together! Gently fold the peach puree into the cream mixture. Do this lightly to create a pretty marbled effect—don’t mix it in entirely so you can still see gorgeous swirls of peach!
5. Churn the Ice Cream:
Pour the combined mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You want to churn it until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
6. Freeze to Firm Up:
Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container. Cover it well and place it in the freezer. Allow it to freeze for at least 4 hours, or until it’s firm enough to scoop.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your ice cream is ready, scoop it into bowls or glasses. Enjoy the delightful taste of fresh Georgia peach ice cream—it’s absolutely perfect for warm weather!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Fresh Georgia Peach Ice Cream
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Peaches?
Absolutely! This base recipe is versatile, and you can substitute peaches with other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or even mangoes. Just make sure to adjust the sugar depending on the sweetness of the fruit you choose.
Can I Make This Ice Cream Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make a dairy-free version, simply replace the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut cream and almond milk, respectively. This will still yield a delicious and creamy texture, with a hint of coconut flavor!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Homemade ice cream can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 weeks. To maintain the best texture, make sure it’s well-covered to prevent ice crystals from forming.
What If I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No ice cream maker? No problem! You can still make this ice cream by placing the mixture in an airtight container, then freezing it. Stir the mix every 30 minutes for the first 3 hours to help incorporate air and create a smoother texture. After that, let it freeze until firm.
