Hello to all lovers of authentic flavors and sun-kissed sweets! Is there anything better than homemade peach ice cream with all the fragrance and sweetness of freshly picked fruit? I don’t think so! This dessert is the perfect treat for the hottest days, a true explosion of freshness that will win you over at the first taste.
Today I will guide you in preparing a naturally delicious peach ice cream, without preservatives or artificial flavors, just the pure taste of summer. It’s super easy to make, whether you have an ice cream maker or prefer the “traditional” method without one! Whether it’s for a light snack, to end a meal with a sweet and fresh note, or simply for a moment of pure pleasure, this ice cream is the answer. Are you ready to capture the taste of summer in a cup? Let’s get started!
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very cheap
- Rest time: 30 Minutes
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 4 People
- Cooking methods: No cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Summer
Ingredients
- 12 oz peaches (fresh from the fridge)
- 4 oz sugar
- 1/2 cup liquid cream
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/2 lemon
Tools
- 1 Blender
- 1 Ice Cream Maker
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Spoon
- 1 Grater
Steps
Wash the fresh peaches thoroughly. Peel them with a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife (if the peaches are very ripe, the skin will come off easily). Cut them into rough pieces, removing the pit.
Put the peach pieces in the glass of the blender or in a tall bowl if using a hand blender. Add the granulated sugar. Blend everything until you get a smooth and homogeneous puree.
Pour the liquid cream (cold from the fridge), the milk (cold from the fridge) into the peach puree. Finely grate the zest of half a lemon (only the yellow part, to avoid bitterness) and add it to the mixture. Gently mix with a spatula or spoon.
Why lemon? Lemon zest enhances the peach’s fragrance, and a bit of juice (optional, see tips) helps prevent oxidation and balance the sweetness.
Freezer Cooling (recommended!): To achieve an even better texture, transfer the freshly prepared liquid mixture into a bowl or container and place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This step will make it very cold and facilitate churning, reducing times in the ice cream maker and improving creaminess.
Option A: With the Ice Cream Maker (The Fast Way!)
Start the ice cream maker: After the cooling time, pour the well-chilled mixture into the basket of your accumulation ice cream maker, which must have been previously frozen in the freezer for at least 12-24 hours. Make sure the ice cream maker is already running before pouring in the mixture.
Set the timer to about 30 minutes. Let the ice cream maker work, stirring the mixture until you get a dense, creamy, and velvety consistency, similar to that of soft serve ice cream. The exact time may vary slightly depending on your ice cream maker model.
Rest (if necessary): If you want firmer ice cream, transfer it to a cold tub and store it in the freezer for 1-2 hours before serving.
Option B: Without an Ice Cream Maker (With a Bit of Patience!)
In the freezer: Pour the well-chilled mixture into a freezer-safe tub (preferably metal, which speeds up cooling). Put it in the freezer.
Mix vigorously: This is the secret to creamy ice cream without an ice cream maker! Every 30-40 minutes, take the tub out of the freezer and vigorously mix the mixture with a spatula or hand whisk. Break up the ice crystals forming on the edges and mix well, from bottom to top.
Repeat: Continue mixing every 30-40 minutes for at least 3-4 hours, or until the ice cream reaches a homogeneous, dense consistency without large ice crystals. The more you mix, the creamier it will be!Serve immediately: Your homemade peach ice cream is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it in individual cups.
Decoration ideas: You can make it even more inviting with some fresh peach pieces, a mint leaf, almond flakes, or a touch of hazelnut granules.
Tips
Choosing peaches: Choose well-ripe, sweet, and juicy peaches. If they are not in season, you can use frozen peaches (thaw before blending) or even canned peaches (well-drained and reduce the sugar a bit).
Sweetness to taste: The amount of sugar may vary based on the peaches’ sweetness. Taste the base mixture before churning and adjust as needed. Remember that ice cream seems less sweet when cold.
Lemon touch: Besides the zest, a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice in the mixture can enhance the peach flavor and maintain a brighter color.
Light variant: For lighter ice cream with a slightly tangier touch, you can replace the cream with whole Greek yogurt (always cold from the fridge). The consistency will still be creamy.
Enhancing flavor: For a more complex and aromatic taste, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of finely ground cinnamon to the mixture before blending.
Vegan/Lactose-Free Version: Substitute the cream and milk with plant-based cream for desserts (e.g., chilled coconut cream or soy cream) and plant-based milk (e.g., almond or oat). Ensure they are well chilled.
Delicious additions: After churning (or in the last stir if without an ice cream maker), you can add pieces of fresh peach, white or dark chocolate chips, or chopped toasted almonds.
Storage
The peach ice cream keeps in the freezer for 2-3 days in an airtight container. After this period, it may lose some of its creaminess and become harder or form some small ice crystals.
To serve it best after storage, I recommend taking it out of the freezer 5-10 minutes before consumption, to let it soften slightly.
FAQ – Peach Ice Cream
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh or canned ones?
Yes, you can, but make sure to completely thaw and drain them well before blending, to avoid altering the ice cream’s texture.
Can the ice cream be made without an ice cream maker?
Absolutely yes! You just need to pour the mixture into a tub and put it in the freezer, stirring vigorously every 30-40 minutes for about 3-4 hours. This step is crucial to avoid ice crystals.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
Of course, you can reduce it if your peaches are very sweet or if you prefer less sweet ice cream. However, keep in mind that sugar not only sweetens but also contributes to the ice cream’s creaminess and softness, helping to prevent ice formation.
Is the ice cream suitable for those who are lactose intolerant?
Yes, it’s easily adaptable! Just replace the cream and milk with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and almond/soy milk.
Can I add other ingredients to the ice cream?
Yes, you can add fresh peach pieces, chocolate chips, or even a pinch of cinnamon to vary the flavor.
Do I need to peel the peaches before blending?
It’s highly advisable to peel them for a smooth and velvety texture. If a blender is very powerful, you could also leave them with the skin (if well washed and organic), but the risk of a slightly grainy texture remains.
And here you are, with your wonderful Creamy and Genuine Peach Ice Cream, ready to be enjoyed! You saw how, with simple ingredients and a few steps, you can create a fresh and delicious dessert that encapsulates the best of summer?
This ice cream is not only good, but it’s also proof that homemade things, made with love and real ingredients, have a unique and inimitable taste. Enjoy it in good company, perhaps under the sun, and let yourself be refreshed by its authentic goodness.
What is your favorite summer ice cream flavor? And what is the next fruit you would like to turn into a creamy frozen dessert? Leave a comment below and share your ideas! And don’t forget to share this recipe with those who love fresh and genuine sweets!
