This homemade strawberry ice cream is the perfect treat for hot days! It’s made with fresh strawberries, cream, and a touch of sugar, bringing a sweet and fruity flavor.
Making this ice cream is super easy! Just blend the ingredients, freeze it, and enjoy a scoop (or two) on a cone. Trust me, you won’t regret it! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Strawberries: Ripe strawberries are the star here, providing flavor and color. If fresh ones aren’t available, frozen strawberries are a good alternative; just thaw and drain them before use.
Sugar: The recipe calls for granulated sugar to balance the tartness of strawberries. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try honey or agave syrup, but start with less since they’re sweeter.
Heavy Cream: This gives the ice cream its richness. If you prefer a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can be used, but the ice cream may be less creamy.
Whole Milk: Staying with whole milk keeps the texture smooth. If you want to cut calories, use 2% milk, though again, the texture might change a bit.
Vanilla Extract: It enhances the ice cream’s flavor. Pure vanilla gives the best taste, but imitation vanilla can work in a pinch if needed.
Lemon Juice: This optional ingredient brightens the strawberry flavor. If you don’t have it, a tiny splash of orange juice can also add a nice zing.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Strawberries?
Macerating strawberries is a great way to draw out their natural juices and sweetness. Here’s how to get the most flavor:
- Combine the sliced strawberries with sugar in a bowl and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This step is key!
- Make sure to stir occasionally to coat all pieces with sugar, enhancing the release of juices.
After this step, blend them until smooth. If you prefer a mix of smooth and chunky, pulse a few times to keep some strawberry pieces whole. This adds texture to 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 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, enhances flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious strawberry ice cream takes about 10 minutes of active prep time, plus 30 minutes for the strawberries to macerate, 20-30 minutes for churning, and at least 4 hours in the freezer to firm up. So, plan for about 5 hours total before you can enjoy your icy treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberries:
In a medium bowl, add your sliced strawberries and sprinkle 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar over them. Gently toss the strawberries so they are well coated with sugar. Let them sit for about 30 minutes. This will help the strawberries release their yummy juices, making your ice cream extra flavorful!
2. Blend the Strawberries:
After the strawberries have had time to sit, transfer them to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. If you’d like some strawberry chunks in your ice cream, just pulse the mixture a few times instead of blending it completely. This way, you can enjoy those lovely bits of strawberries in every bite!
3. Make the Cream Mixture:
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using). Keep whisking until the sugar has fully dissolved into the liquid. You want a creamy base for the ice cream!
4. Combine and Stir:
Now, add the blended strawberries (and any chunks if you chose to keep them) into the cream mixture. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. You should have a deliciously fruity and creamy mixture that’s ready for churning!
5. Churn the Ice Cream:
Pour your mixture into an ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning, which usually takes about 20-30 minutes. You’re looking for a soft-serve consistency. It’ll smell amazing, too!
6. Freeze to Firm Up:
Once churned, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container. Put it in your freezer and let it freeze for at least 4 hours. This will help it set and become nice and firm.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
After the ice cream is firm, scoop a generous portion into a bowl or cone. Enjoy your homemade strawberry ice cream on a hot day, or any day you just want a sweet treat!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them completely before you start. You may want to reduce the sugar slightly since frozen strawberries can be sweeter. Blend as directed, and you’ll still have a delicious ice cream.
What If I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No problem! After mixing the ingredients, pour the mixture into a shallow baking dish and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork to break up any ice crystals, continuing until it reaches a creamy consistency, usually around 2-3 hours.
How Long Can I Store the Ice Cream?
Homemade strawberry ice cream can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. To avoid ice crystals, try to press a piece of parchment paper directly against the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Ice Cream?
Absolutely! If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar to 1/4 cup for the strawberries and 1/3 cup for the cream mixture. Taste the strawberry mixture before adding it to the cream, and adjust to your liking!
