Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream: Creamy and Fruity Delight
This simple homemade strawberry ice cream recipe uses fresh strawberries to create a rich and creamy treat. Whether you have an ice cream maker or not, this recipe is easy to make and will surely satisfy your craving for a refreshing dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries (about 2 cups)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, to enhance the flavor)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Strawberries: Wash and hull the strawberries (remove the green leaves). Cut them into small pieces and place them in a medium bowl.
- Macreate the Strawberries: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of the sugar over the strawberries and gently mash them with a fork or potato masher. For a smoother texture, you can blend them in a food processor or blender. If you want a chunkier ice cream, leave some small pieces of strawberries. Add lemon juice if desired. Let the strawberry mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to draw out the juice.
- Make the Ice Cream Base: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine the Strawberry Puree: Once the strawberries have released their juice, stir them into the cream mixture. If you want extra smoothness, you can blend the mixture again until fully combined.
- Freeze the Mixture: Without an Ice Cream Maker: Pour the mixture into a shallow container (like a loaf pan or shallow dish). Cover it with plastic wrap or a lid, and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm, stirring every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours to break up ice crystals and create a creamy texture.With an Ice Cream Maker: Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Once it reaches a soft-serve consistency, transfer it to a container and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- Serve: Once the ice cream is firm and ready to serve, scoop it into bowls or cones. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream:
- Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor, use ripe, fresh strawberries in season. Frozen strawberries can be used, but fresh will give you a more vibrant flavor.
- Make it Extra Creamy: If you want a richer ice cream, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to the cream base.
- Smooth vs. Chunky: For a smooth texture, blend the strawberry mixture completely. For a chunkier ice cream, mash the strawberries by hand and leave small pieces.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add extra goodies like mini chocolate chips, crumbled cookies, or chopped nuts in the last few minutes of churning if using an ice cream maker.
Enjoy making this creamy, homemade strawberry ice cream that’s perfect for hot summer days or any time you need a sweet treat! 🍓🍦
