Homemade strawberry ice cream is the perfect treat for hot days! It’s creamy, fruity, and made with fresh strawberries, which make each bite delightful.
Making this ice cream is simple and fun! I love to whip it up with friends and see who can scoop the biggest bowl—trust me, it’s harder than it sounds! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the star of this ice cream! Make sure they’re ripe for the best flavor. If strawberries are out of season, you can use frozen ones. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
Sugar: Granulated sugar enhances sweetness, but feel free to use less sugar if you’re watching it. Alternatives like honey or agave syrup can work too, though you might need to adjust the amounts since they’re sweeter than regular sugar.
Heavy Cream & Whole Milk: Heavy cream gives that luxurious texture. If you’re looking for lighter options, try half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Just check the consistency since it might affect the creaminess.
Vanilla Extract: This adds warmth to the flavor. If you’re out of vanilla, you could use vanilla bean paste or scrape the seeds from a vanilla pod for that rich taste!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Strawberries?
Letting your strawberries sit with sugar and lemon juice is key. This process draws out their natural juices and enhances their sweet flavor. The lemon juice isn’t just for zing; it also helps balance the sweetness.
- Combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice, and let them sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Gently mash with a fork or potato masher for a mix of smooth and chunky pieces.
This technique not only gives great flavor but also perfect texture for your ice cream!
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 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious homemade strawberry ice cream takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus some chilling and freezing time. You’ll need at least 4 hours to allow it to freeze completely, so plan ahead to enjoy this delightful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberries:
In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of the sugar and the lemon juice. Toss everything gently to coat the strawberries, then let them sit for about 10-15 minutes. This will help release their delicious juices, making them extra sweet and juicy!
2. Mash the Strawberries:
After the strawberries have sat for a while, use a fork or a potato masher to mash them to your desired consistency. If you love chunks of fruit in your ice cream, leave some bigger pieces intact for more texture!
3. Mix the Cream Base:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar with the heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Keep whisking until the sugar is completely dissolved and everything is well combined.
4. Combine Strawberries and Cream:
Now, stir the mashed strawberries along with all their lovely juice into the creamy mixture. Make sure everything is mixed well so you get that wonderful strawberry flavor in every scoop!
5. Churn the Ice Cream:
Pour the entire mixture into your ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes but may vary depending on your machine.
6. Freeze Until Firm:
Once churned, transfer the ice cream into an airtight container. Place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours or until it’s nice and firm. Patience is key, but it will be worth it!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy your homemade strawberry ice cream, scoop it into bowls or cones. Grab a spoon, and delight in your sweet creation. Perfect for hot days or simply celebrating life’s little moments!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure they are completely thawed beforehand. Drain any excess liquid after thawing, then mash them as directed. This will help maintain the best texture in your ice cream!
How to Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet ice cream, start by using only 1/4 cup of sugar in total and adjust to taste. You can always add more sugar during the mixing process if needed, but it’s harder to fix if it’s too sweet!
Can I Make This without an Ice Cream Maker?
Absolutely! Simply pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Stir it every 30 minutes for the first few hours to break up ice crystals until it reaches a creamy texture, which usually takes about 4-5 hours.
How to Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. To prevent icy crystals from forming, press a piece of parchment paper directly on the surface before sealing the container. It can last for up to 2 weeks, but it’s best enjoyed sooner for optimal creaminess!
