This Easy Blender Strawberry Ice Cream is a cool treat made with fresh strawberries and creamy goodness. Just blend, freeze, and you’re ready for a delicious dessert!
You can customize it too! Add a sprinkle of chocolate chips or a swirl of jam for extra fun. I love making this when strawberries are in season—so refreshing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the star of this ice cream! You can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just let them thaw slightly before blending. I prefer ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the ice cream, but feel free to use honey or maple syrup for a natural alternative. Just adjust the amount to your taste! I often adjust it depending on the sweetness of my strawberries.
Heavy Cream: This gives the ice cream its rich and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or use coconut cream for a dairy-free option. I love the richness heavy cream adds, though!
Whole Milk: Whole milk helps balance the creaminess. If you’re avoiding cow’s milk, almond or oat milk work well, too. Just be mindful that it may alter the ice cream’s flavor slightly.
How Do I Get the Creamiest Ice Cream?
To achieve a creamy texture in your ice cream, the key is in how you freeze it. Stirring the mixture every 30 minutes during the first 2 hours helps break up ice crystals that can form while it freezes. This task might feel tedious, but it’s worth it for that silky-smooth texture!
- Start by blending your ingredients until they’re smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow container; this speeds up freezing.
- Stir with a fork every half hour for the first couple of hours.
- After 4-6 hours, let it sit out for a few minutes before scooping for easier serving.
How to Make Easy Blender Strawberry Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 4 to 6 hours of freezing time. You’ll spend a few minutes blending the ingredients and then just let your ice cream freeze. Perfect for a hot day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blend the Strawberries:
Start by placing the hulled and sliced strawberries in your blender. Sprinkle the granulated sugar over the strawberries, then blend until you create a smooth strawberry purée. This step helps release the natural sweetness of the strawberries.
2. Add the Creamy Ingredients:
Next, add the heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the blender. Blend everything together until fully combined and smooth. This mixture will become the creamy base of your ice cream!
3. Prepare for Freezing:
Pour the blended strawberry mixture into a shallow container. A shallow container is great because it helps the ice cream freeze faster and more evenly.
4. Freeze It:
Place the container in the freezer and let it freeze for about 4 to 6 hours. During the first 2 hours, stir the ice cream every 30 minutes. This will help break up ice crystals and keep your ice cream creamy.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your ice cream is firm, scoop it into bowls or glasses. You can enjoy it right away or let it sit out for a few minutes for easier scooping. Enjoy your homemade, creamy, and refreshing strawberry ice cream!
Have fun making it and savoring each delicious scoop!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to let them thaw slightly before blending to ensure a smooth purée. This option is especially convenient when fresh strawberries are out of season!
How Long Do Leftovers Last?
You can store any leftover strawberry ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Just be sure to let it sit out for a few minutes before scooping, as it may harden considerably after freezing.
Can I Make This Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk and the whole milk with a dairy-free milk alternative, such as cashew or oat milk. Keep in mind that this may change the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious!
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
You can mix in chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or even a swirl of chocolate or strawberry sauce just before the ice cream freezes for added texture and flavor. Be creative and make this recipe your own!
