This Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream is creamy, fresh, and bursting with flavor! With just strawberries, cream, and a hint of sugar, it’s a real treat on hot days.
Making this ice cream is a breeze! I love how simple it is—just blend, churn, and freeze. Plus, I get to enjoy it without any weird ingredients. Yum!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Strawberries: These are key for flavor. Opt for ripe, sweet strawberries. If fresh ones aren’t available, frozen strawberries can work; just thaw and drain excess liquid before mashing.
Sugar: Granulated sugar enhances sweetness. For a healthier alternative, use honey or agave syrup, keeping in mind they may alter the texture slightly.
Heavy Cream and Whole Milk: This combo gives the ice cream a creamy texture. If you’re looking for lighter options, try low-fat milk with a bit of Greek yogurt. Coconut milk can be a great dairy-free choice!
Vanilla Extract: It adds depth to the flavor. Real vanilla is best, but you can substitute with vanilla essence in a pinch.
Pinch of Salt: A small amount enhances sweetness. You can skip it if you’re watching your sodium intake.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Strawberry Mash?
Mashing the strawberries is a fun step and determines the texture of your ice cream. You want some chunky bits for that delightful fruit experience!
- After letting the strawberries macerate, use a fork or potato masher to crush them. Adjust the chunkiness to your preference—some like it smoother, others enjoy more bits!
- Feel free to add a splash of lemon juice while mashing for an extra flavor boost.
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Strawberry Mixture:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious strawberry ice cream takes about 20 minutes of active prep time and then requires at least 4 hours to freeze before it is ready to serve. Most of the time is waiting for the mixture to freeze, so you can relax while it sets!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberries:
In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar. Give it a gentle stir and let the strawberries sit for about 15-20 minutes. This allows them to release their sweet juices, making your ice cream even tastier!
2. Mash the Strawberries:
After the strawberries have sat, use a fork or a potato masher to mash them to your preferred chunkiness. Some like it smooth, while others enjoy some nice chunky bits of strawberry. Set the mashed strawberries aside for later.
3. Make the Ice Cream Base:
In another bowl, mix together the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk this mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved. This will be the creamy base for your ice cream.
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Add the mashed strawberries to the cream mixture and stir until everything is well combined. You should have a lovely pink mixture filled with delicious strawberry flavor!
5. Churn the Ice Cream:
Pour the combined mixture into your ice cream maker and churn it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You’ll know it’s ready when it reaches a soft-serve consistency. Yum!
6. Freeze the Ice Cream:
Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container and pop it in the freezer. Let it freeze for at least 4 hours, or until it’s nice and firm. It’s hard to wait, but it’ll be worth it!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy your homemade strawberry ice cream, scoop it into bowls and dig in! It’s perfect for hot days or any time you need a sweet treat!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just thaw them completely before mashing. Keep in mind that frozen strawberries may result in a slightly different texture and may release more liquid, so you may want to adjust the sugar a bit if the strawberries are particularly sweet.
What If I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No worries! You can still make delicious ice cream without one. Just pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir it well with a fork to break up any ice crystals, until it’s creamy and firm (about 4-5 hours).
How to Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. To maintain the best texture, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container. It should stay good for about 1-2 weeks.
Can I Add Other Flavors or Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to add mix-ins like chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or nuts after churning for added flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different extracts, like almond or coconut, to switch things up!
