This homemade strawberry ice cream is a fruity, creamy treat that’s super easy to make. Just blend fresh strawberries with cream, sugar, and a splash of vanilla for a delightful summer snack!
Honestly, nothing beats the taste of fresh strawberries, and I love making this ice cream with my kids. We all take turns mixing, and it’s always fun to see their smiles as they scoop it up! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are a must for the best flavor. If they’re out of season, you can use frozen strawberries—just thaw and drain any excess water before mashing.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is essential for sweetness. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try using honey or agave syrup, but keep in mind that the consistency might change slightly.
Heavy Cream: This gives the ice cream its rich texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half, but the creaminess will be less.
Whole Milk: Essential for balancing the creaminess. You can swap it with low-fat milk for fewer calories, though the ice cream may not be as smooth.
Vanilla Extract: Make sure to use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor; imitation vanilla doesn’t have the same depth. If you’re out, a teaspoon of almond extract works as a nice alternative.
Lemon Juice: This is optional but brightens the flavor of the strawberries. If you don’t have lemon, a little lime juice could offer a similar fresh twist.
How Do I Get the Cream Mixture to Blend Well?
Mixing the cream, sugar, and other ingredients properly is crucial to the texture. Follow these steps for a smooth mixture:
- Ensure your heavy cream and milk are cold before mixing, as this helps the sugar dissolve better.
- Whisk continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved—you should not see any granules left.
- For a richer flavor, you can beat the cream a bit more to incorporate some air, giving it a lighter texture once churned.
- When adding the strawberries, gently fold them into the cream mixture to keep some chunks intact for texture. This will give you a delightful bite of strawberries in every scoop!
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
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for enhanced flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes of active prep time, plus 2 hours for chilling and 4 hours for freezing. So, in total, you’ll need some patience while it sets, but the result will be worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberries:
In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar. Stir them gently, and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This helps the strawberries release their delicious juices, making them extra sweet.
2. Mash the Strawberries:
After letting the strawberries sit, take a fork or a potato masher and mash them lightly. You want some chunks for texture, so don’t mash them too much—just enough to break them down a bit.
3. Mix the Cream Base:
In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, the heavy cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Keep whisking until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is nice and smooth.
4. Combine Strawberry Mixture:
Add the mashed strawberries and all their juices into the cream mixture and stir everything together until well combined. If you want to give your ice cream an extra zing, this is the time to add the optional lemon juice!
5. Chill the Mixture:
Cover the bowl with your strawberry and cream mixture, and place it in the refrigerator. Chill it for at least 2 hours or until it’s nice and cold. This step helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
6. Churn the Ice Cream:
Once your mixture is chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to churn it until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
7. Freeze the Ice Cream:
Transfer the churned ice cream to a lidded container. Place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until firm. This helps it get that perfect ice cream texture.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
When your strawberry ice cream is firm and ready, scoop it into bowls or cones and enjoy your delicious homemade treat! It’s perfect for hot summer days or any time you crave something sweet!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw them first! Allow the frozen strawberries to sit at room temperature until soft, then drain any excess liquid before proceeding with the recipe. You might want to use a bit less sugar since frozen strawberries can be sweeter than fresh.
How to Adjust the Sweetness of the Ice Cream?
If you prefer a less sweet ice cream, you can reduce the granulated sugar by up to 1/4 cup. Just remember to taste the strawberry mixture before freezing to ensure it meets your sweetness preference!
Can I Make This Recipe Without an Ice Cream Maker?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork to break up any ice crystals, repeating this for about 2-3 hours until it reaches a creamy texture.
How to Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. For the best texture, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container. It should last up to 2-3 weeks, though it’s often gone before then!
