Description
Dive into the freshness of summer with this Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe. It’s simple to make, bursting with natural strawberry flavor, and creamy in every scoop. Using only a few wholesome ingredients, this easy strawberry ice cream recipe will soon become a family favorite. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own, with toppings, or as a part of another dessert, this homemade treat is the perfect way to cool off. No artificial flavors—just the real, fresh taste of ripe strawberries combined with the creaminess you love in a classic ice cream.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for enhanced strawberry flavor)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins:
- ¼ cup graham cracker crumbs (for a strawberry cheesecake twist)
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (for a chocolate-strawberry combo)
- 1 tablespoon vodka or rum (to make the ice cream softer and prevent it from freezing too hard)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
- Start by washing and hulling 2 cups of fresh strawberries. Place the strawberries in a medium mixing bowl.
- Add ½ cup of the granulated sugar to the strawberries and mash them using a fork or potato masher until the strawberries are mostly broken down and juices are released.
- Set the mixture aside for at least 15-20 minutes. This will allow the sugar to extract more juice from the strawberries, creating a syrupy consistency that will blend perfectly into the ice cream.
Step 2: Mix the Ice Cream Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, the remaining ½ cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract.
- Whisk all the ingredients together until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Step 3: Combine with Strawberries
- Add the mashed strawberries, along with their juices, into the cream mixture.
- Stir gently until all ingredients are well incorporated. Make sure some strawberry chunks are left in the mix to add a burst of flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Chill the Mixture
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled. This step is crucial for achieving a creamy texture during churning.
Step 5: Churn the Ice Cream
- Once the mixture is well chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes around 20-25 minutes until the mixture reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- If you’re adding mix-ins like graham cracker crumbs or mini chocolate chips, add them in the last 5 minutes of churning.
Step 6: Freeze and Set
- Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container. To prevent ice crystals from forming, place a piece of parchment paper directly on top of the ice cream before sealing the container.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until it is firm enough to scoop.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries, a sprig of mint, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra treat.
Notes
Use Fresh, High-Quality Strawberries: The flavor of your ice cream heavily relies on the quality of the strawberries. Choose ripe, fragrant, and juicy strawberries for the best result. Using under-ripe or flavorless berries will significantly affect the taste of the final product, making it less vibrant and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (churning)
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg