Ice Cream: Easy Recipe with Fresh Peaches

Homemade peach ice cream is a sweet and refreshing treat, especially when made with the finest in-season peaches. This Old-Fashioned Peach Ice Cream brings the taste of summer straight into your kitchen. Creamy, smooth, and dotted with real peach chunks, every scoop is packed with fresh, fruity goodness. Whether you’re an ice cream enthusiast or a novice, this recipe will help you create the best peach ice cream you’ve ever tasted. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful dessert that combines the charm of old-fashioned recipes with modern convenience.

Why This Peach Ice Cream Stands Out

This peach ice cream recipe is not only easy to make but also delivers a rich, creamy texture that’s hard to beat. The key to its delicious flavor lies in the fresh peaches, which are macerated and processed to release their juice and natural sweetness. By using a custard base, you’ll achieve that perfectly smooth and decadent texture that makes this peach ice cream so irresistible. Plus, it’s an incredibly satisfying way to enjoy the seasonal fruit all year round.

Ingredients for Homemade Peach Ice Cream

To make this Old-Fashioned Peach Ice Cream, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Fresh Peaches: The star of this recipe, fresh peaches provide the perfect balance of sweetness and juiciness. Use ripe yellow freestone peaches for the best results.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the peaches.
• Heavy Cream: This creamy ingredient gives the ice cream its luxurious texture and rich mouthfeel.
• Milk: Whole milk balances the heavy cream and keeps the texture from becoming too dense.
• Egg Yolks: They form the base of the custard, adding creaminess and smoothness to the ice cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Real vanilla adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the peaches beautifully.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If fresh peaches are not available, you can opt for frozen peaches. Choose unsweetened frozen peaches and thaw them before using. For those with dietary preferences, consider substituting heavy cream with coconut cream or using dairy-free milk alternatives like almond or oat milk.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Peach Ice Cream

1. Prepare the Peaches: Start by peeling and chopping 3 medium peaches into small pieces. Add ¼ cup sugar and let the peaches sit for at least one hour to release their juices.
2. Blend the Peaches: After macerating, pulse the peaches and their juice in a food processor until you have small chunks of fruit, making sure not to puree it completely. The peach pieces will add texture to the ice cream.
3. Make the Custard Base: In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of milk, ¾ cup of sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks until smooth and light in color.
4. Temper the Egg Yolks: Slowly pour about ½ cup of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly. This helps prevent the eggs from cooking. Once combined, pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream.
5. Cook the Custard: Return the saucepan to medium heat and cook the custard, stirring frequently until it thickens and reaches 175°F to 185°F. The custard should coat the back of a spoon.
6. Strain and Cool: Strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any egg bits. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
7. Combine Peaches and Custard: Mix the peach chunks and juice into the cooled custard. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to fully chill.
8. Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled custard mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically for about 20–25 minutes.
9. Freeze the Ice Cream: Once churned, transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up before serving.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Peach Ice Cream

• Use Ripe Peaches: The key to great peach ice cream is using perfectly ripe peaches. They should be sweet and juicy to enhance the flavor of your ice cream.
• Chill the Custard: Make sure the custard mixture is well-chilled before churning to ensure it churns into a smooth texture.
• Churn in a Frozen Bowl: For the best results, make sure the bowl of your ice cream maker is fully frozen (at least 12 hours before churning).
• Avoid Over-Churning: Don’t over-churn your ice cream; it can turn icy instead of creamy. Stop once it reaches a soft-serve consistency.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This homemade peach ice cream is perfect on its own, but you can also pair it with warm desserts like peach cobbler, apple pie, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a fun twist, consider mixing in crushed graham crackers or a handful of fresh berries for extra flavor and texture.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store your homemade peach ice cream in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming. Keep it in the coldest part of your freezer and consume it within a month for the best taste and texture. If your ice cream becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping.

Why Homemade Peach Ice Cream is Worth the Effort

Making peach ice cream at home might take a little time and effort, but the payoff is worth it. There’s something incredibly satisfying about savoring a scoop of homemade ice cream made with fresh ingredients, and the peachy goodness in every bite will remind you of summer all year long. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or just treating yourself, this Old-Fashioned Peach Ice Cream is sure to be a hit.

Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Peach Ice Cream is the ultimate summer treat, capturing the true essence of ripe peaches and transforming them into a creamy, indulgent dessert. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a delicious homemade ice cream that tastes far better than store-bought versions. Whether you’re celebrating the peach season or craving something refreshing, this recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen. So, grab some fresh peaches and start churning — your taste buds will thank you!

FAQs About Peach Ice Cream

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