This homemade strawberry ice cream is a sweet, creamy treat that’s perfect for hot days! It’s made with fresh strawberries, cream, and a bit of sugar for that delightful taste you love.
Making ice cream at home is so much fun! I enjoy blending the strawberries and watching it transform into a delicious dessert. Share it with friends, and you might just make a few new fans! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries give this ice cream its bright flavor. If fresh ones aren’t available, frozen strawberries work too. Just thaw them and drain excess liquid before using.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard for sweetness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try honey or maple syrup. Just remember that they are sweeter, so you may want to reduce the amount used.
Heavy Cream and Whole Milk: Heavy cream adds richness, while whole milk keeps it smooth. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy milk like coconut or almond milk. Just note this could change the flavor.
Vanilla Extract: This adds warmth and sweetness. You can substitute with vanilla bean paste or even leave it out if you prefer a stronger fruit flavor.
Lemon Juice: It enhances the strawberry taste. If you don’t have lemon, a bit of lime juice can also brighten the flavors. It’s optional, but I recommend it!
How Do I Get the Right Consistency When Churning Ice Cream?
Churning is a crucial step to achieve that creamy texture we love in ice cream. Start with a well-chilled mixture; this speeds up the churning and helps avoid ice crystals. Follow these tips:
- Ensure your ice cream maker bowl is completely frozen; at least 24 hours in advance is best.
- Don’t overfill the ice cream maker; it needs space to expand as it churns.
- Churn until it reaches a soft-serve consistency – this usually takes about 20-25 minutes. It should look thick and fluffy!
- For firmer ice cream, transfer it to a container and freeze for several hours after churning.
By giving attention to these details, you’ll end up with a wonderfully smooth and tasty strawberry ice cream every time!
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
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful homemade strawberry ice cream requires about 15-20 minutes of prep time and around 20-25 minutes for churning. After that, you’ll need at least 4 hours to freeze the ice cream until it’s nice and firm. So, total time is about 5 hours, including freezing time. Perfect for a sunny day treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberries:
Start by putting the sliced strawberries into a medium bowl. Add 1/4 cup of sugar to the strawberries and stir gently. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes. This will help the strawberries release their yummy juices, making them extra tasty!
2. Mash the Strawberries:
Once the strawberries have had some time to sit and release their juice, take a fork or a potato masher and mash them to your liking. You can make them smooth if you prefer a creamier texture, or keep them a bit chunky for that delightful fruit bite.
3. Mix the Cream Base:
In another bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk these together until the sugar is fully dissolved and everything is well mixed. This is the creamy part of your ice cream!
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Now, gently stir the mashed strawberries (along with all their juices) into the cream mixture. If you’d like, add the tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten up the flavor. It adds a nice little zing!
5. Churn the Ice Cream:
Pour your strawberry mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning, usually about 20-25 minutes. You want it to reach a soft-serve consistency!
6. Freeze Until Firm:
After churning, transfer the ice cream into an airtight container. Put it in the freezer and let it freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm. This step is essential to get the ice cream nice and solid!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Once your ice cream is firm, scoop it into bowls or cones and enjoy your delicious homemade strawberry ice cream! Perfect for sharing, but definitely not mandatory—you deserve it all!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh Ones?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Keep in mind that the flavor may be a bit different from using fresh strawberries, but it will still taste delicious!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the texture might be less creamy. For a non-dairy option, try coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream alternative, keeping in mind it may alter the flavor slightly.
How Do I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Leftover ice cream can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. To prevent ice crystals from forming, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container.
Can I Add Other Flavors or Mix-Ins to This Ice Cream?
Absolutely! You can stir in chocolate chips, nuts, or other fruits during the last few minutes of churning. For a twist, try adding a swirl of chocolate or caramel sauce just before transferring it to the container!
