This homemade strawberry ice cream is a creamy delight, bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. It’s a perfect treat for hot days or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up!
Making it is a breeze; just blend ripe strawberries with cream, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice. I love how it brings back childhood memories of ice cream trucks on sunny afternoons!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are best for flavor and texture. If they’re out of season, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before mixing.
Sugar: Granulated sugar works to sweeten the strawberries and the cream mixture. For a healthier alternative, you could use honey or agave syrup, but you might need to adjust the amount since they are sweeter.
Heavy Cream and Whole Milk: This combo gives the ice cream a rich and creamy texture. If you’re looking for lighter options, use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Keep in mind that coconut will change the flavor.
Vanilla Extract: This adds depth to the ice cream. You can substitute it with vanilla bean paste or even almond extract for a different twist.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness of the strawberries. Don’t skip this step; it brings out the flavors!
How Do I Get the Best Texture for My Ice Cream?
Achieving a creamy texture is key to delicious ice cream. Start by macerating the strawberries—they release juices, which concentrate their flavor and create a syrup. Mashed strawberries give a nice texture, so feel free to keep some chunks!
- Combine strawberries with sugar and let them sit until juicy.
- Mash to your preferred consistency before mixing with the cream mixture.
- Ensure the cream mixture is well combined with no sugar lumps before churning in the ice cream maker.
Following these tips will help your homemade strawberry ice cream turn out smooth and tasty! Don’t forget to freeze it long enough to set properly before serving for the best experience.
How to Make 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
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful homemade strawberry ice cream takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus an additional 4 hours in the freezer to firm up. Most of your time will be spent waiting for it to freeze, but trust me, it’s worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Strawberries:
First, take your sliced strawberries and place them in a medium bowl. Add 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar and toss them to coat. Let them sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. This process, called macerating, helps the strawberries release their delicious juices, making them extra sweet!
2. Mashing the Strawberries:
Once the strawberries have sat for a bit, it’s time to mash them. Use a fork or a potato masher to mash the strawberries to your preferred texture. Feel free to leave some chunky pieces for extra texture in your ice cream!
3. Mixing the Cream Base:
In a separate large bowl, mix together the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth. This will be the creamy base for your ice cream!
4. Combining and Churning:
Now, stir the mashed strawberries into the creamy mixture, making sure it’s all well combined. Pour everything into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes, and you’ll be looking for a soft-serve consistency.
5. Freezing the Ice Cream:
Once your ice cream is churned, transfer it to an airtight container. Freeze it for at least 4 hours, or until it’s nice and firm. Patience pays off, and your homemade strawberry ice cream will be oh-so-good!
6. Serving Your Ice Cream:
After the ice cream has frozen, scoop it into bowls and enjoy! You can top it with extra strawberries or enjoy it plain. Either way, it’s a sweet treat that you’ll love!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw them before using. Drain any excess liquid after thawing, as it may affect the texture of your ice cream. You can skip the maceration step since frozen strawberries will already be soft and easier to mash.
What If I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No problem! You can still make ice cream without an ice cream maker. After mixing everything, pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir it with a fork to break up ice crystals until it’s creamy, which may take about 2-3 hours.
How Long Can I Store the Ice Cream?
Your homemade strawberry ice cream can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. To help prevent ice crystals from forming, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing it with a lid.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream with a Non-Dairy Alternative?
Absolutely! You can use coconut cream or any non-dairy heavy cream replacement. Just make sure it’s unsweetened so it doesn’t interfere with the flavor balance. The texture might differ slightly, but it will still be delicious!
