This yummy homemade strawberry ice cream is a sweet treat made with fresh strawberries and cream. It’s creamy, fruity, and perfect for hot days!
Making it is a breeze; just blend, chill, and churn. I love enjoying it in a cone while sitting outside—nothing beats a cold scoop in the sunshine!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Strawberries: Using fresh, ripe strawberries is key for great flavor. If strawberries aren’t in season, you can use frozen strawberries, just thaw and drain them well before mashing.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is typical, but you could substitute it with honey or maple syrup if you prefer a natural sweetener. Keep in mind that the sweetness level may vary.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you might swap with half-and-half or coconut cream if you want a dairy-free option. Just remember that this will affect the creaminess!
Whole Milk: You can replace whole milk with low-fat milk or almond milk if you’re looking for a lighter or dairy-free ice cream. Note that it might change the texture a bit, but it will still be delicious!
How Do I Make Sure My Ice Cream is Creamy?
A big part of making creamy ice cream is in the mixing. Churning it properly helps incorporate air, which makes your ice cream fluffy. Here are some tips:
- Start by gently mashing your strawberries. This helps release their flavor but keeps some chunks for a nice texture.
- Make sure your milk and cream mixture is well mixed until all sugar is dissolved. This ensures no graininess in the final product.
- When using your ice cream maker, don’t overfill it. This allows the mixture to churn properly without spilling over.
- For an even creamier result, try chilling your ice cream mixture in the fridge for a couple of hours before churning!
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided (1/4 cup + 1/2 cup)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious homemade strawberry ice cream will take you about 30 minutes to prepare and about 20-30 minutes to churn in the ice cream maker. Don’t forget to allow at least 4 hours in the freezer to firm up. So, in total, you’re looking at roughly 5 hours with chilling time included!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberries:
Start by placing the sliced strawberries in a bowl and add 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Gently stir them together and let the strawberries sit for about 30 minutes. This process helps the strawberries release their delicious juices, making your ice cream extra flavorful!
2. Mash the Strawberries:
After 30 minutes, grab a fork or a potato masher and lightly mash the strawberries. You want to break them down a bit but still leave some chunks for texture. This will add a wonderful bite to your ice cream!
3. Mix the Cream Base:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the sugar has dissolved completely. This creamy mixture will serve as the base for your ice cream.
4. Combine Strawberry and Cream Mixtures:
Carefully stir the mashed strawberries (with all those yummy juices!) into the creamy mixture until everything is well combined. This is where the magic starts to happen as the flavors meld together!
5. Churn the Ice Cream:
Pour the combined mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning, which usually takes about 20-30 minutes. You’ll want it to reach a soft-serve consistency—you can taste test it at this point!
6. Freeze Until Firm:
Once your ice cream has reached the right consistency, transfer it to an airtight container. Put it in the freezer and let it freeze for at least 4 hours, or until it’s firm. Patience is key here, but the end result will be worth the wait!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to indulge, scoop the delicious strawberry ice cream into bowls or cones. Everyone will love this homemade treat, so get ready to enjoy some sweet smiles!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using. This will ensure the right consistency and flavor in your ice cream.
What If I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No problem! You can pour the mixture into a shallow dish and place it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork to break up any ice crystals until it reaches a creamy texture, which may take about 2-3 hours.
How to Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. To keep it fresh, press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container. It should stay good for up to 2 weeks!
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Ice Cream?
Absolutely! Taste the strawberry mixture after mashing and adjust the sugar to your preference. Keep in mind that the sweetness might slightly lessen after freezing, so err on the side of a little extra sweetness if you like your ice cream on the sweeter side!
