A classic summer treat! This recipe delivers the sweet, creamy goodness of homemade peach ice cream with minimal fuss. It’s bursting with fresh peach flavor and has a texture that’s both rich and refreshing. Prepare to be transported to a sunny orchard with every spoonful.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 pint half-and-half cream
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups whole milk, or as needed
Preparation:
Step 1: Prep the Peaches Begin by washing your peaches thoroughly. Then, peel them (a vegetable peeler works well, or you can blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds to loosen the skins) and remove the pits. Chop the peaches into small, uniform pieces – about ½ inch dice is ideal. Place the chopped peaches into a medium-sized bowl and mix them with the white sugar. Gently stir until the sugar is evenly distributed throughout the peaches. This maceration process will draw out the natural juices from the peaches, intensifying their flavor. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. This allows the peaches to soften slightly and release their delicious juices.
Step 2: Combine the Dairy Ingredients In a separate large bowl (at least a 2-quart capacity), combine the half-and-half cream, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to thoroughly blend these ingredients together until they are smooth and homogenous. Ensure that no clumps remain, especially from the sweetened condensed milk.
Step 3: Incorporate the Peach Mixture Gently pour the peach and sugar mixture (including all the accumulated juices) into the bowl with the dairy ingredients. Stir the mixture well with a spatula or large spoon until everything is fully combined. The peach juice will tint the dairy mixture a lovely pale orange hue.
Step 4: Prepare the Ice Cream Freezer Pour the peach ice cream base into your ice cream freezer container. Most home ice cream freezers have a fill line to prevent overflow. Add the whole milk slowly, reaching the fill line or leaving a little headroom if you’re unsure. Remember that the mixture will expand as it freezes. Secure the lid tightly onto the ice cream freezer container.
Step 5: Freeze the Ice Cream Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific ice cream maker. Generally, this involves chilling the ice cream maker’s canister beforehand (usually overnight in the freezer) and then assembling the machine with the canister and dasher inside. Pour the ice cream base into the chilled canister, attach the motor, and begin the freezing process. Depending on your machine, this may take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes. The ice cream is ready when it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Fresh, Natural Flavor: Using fresh, ripe peaches makes all the difference. The flavor is far superior to anything you’d find in store-bought ice cream.
- Creamy Texture: The combination of half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk creates a luxuriously creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Easy to Make: While it does require an ice cream maker, the process is very straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated cooking or techniques.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or add other ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
- Perfect for Summer: There’s nothing quite like homemade peach ice cream on a hot summer day. It’s a delightful and refreshing treat for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions:
- Classic Scoop: Serve a generous scoop of peach ice cream in a waffle cone or a simple bowl.
- Peach Melba: Create a classic Peach Melba by placing a scoop of ice cream on top of sliced peaches, drizzling with raspberry sauce, and topping with whipped cream and toasted almonds.
- Affogato with Peach Twist: Pour a shot of hot espresso over a scoop of peach ice cream for a delightful twist on the traditional affogato.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use homemade peach ice cream to create delicious ice cream sandwiches with cookies or brownies.
- With Grilled Peaches: Complement the cool ice cream with warm, grilled peach halves for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
Tips:
- Peach Ripeness is Key: Use peaches that are ripe but still firm to the touch. Overripe peaches can become mushy and watery.
- Chill Everything: Make sure your ice cream maker canister and all ingredients are well-chilled before starting the freezing process. This will help the ice cream freeze faster and more evenly.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling the ice cream maker canister, as this can prevent the ice cream from freezing properly.
- Add Alcohol (Optional): A tablespoon or two of vodka or another neutral spirit can help prevent the ice cream from becoming too icy.
- Storage: Store leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week. To prevent freezer burn, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus 30-60 minutes macerating time) Churning Time: 20-40 minutes Total Time: 40-100 minutes (plus chilling time for ice cream maker canister)
Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 6-8 grams
- Fat: 18-22 grams
- Sugar: 40-45 grams
- Sodium: 100-150 mg
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary depending on specific ingredients and serving size.)
Conclusion:
This Homemade Peach Ice Cream recipe is a delightful way to capture the essence of summer. With its fresh, fruity flavor and creamy texture, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. So gather your ingredients, dust off your ice cream maker, and get ready to enjoy a taste of homemade goodness! The little extra effort makes the difference.
Q&A:
- Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
- While fresh peaches are ideal for the best flavor, you can use frozen peaches in a pinch. Be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different compared to using fresh peaches.
- What if I don’t have an ice cream maker?
- Unfortunately, this recipe is designed for use with an ice cream maker to achieve that creamy texture. Without one, it will be difficult to get the right consistency, and it is not advisable.
- Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
- Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet ice cream. However, keep in mind that sugar not only adds sweetness but also helps to prevent the ice cream from becoming too icy. Start by reducing the sugar by ¼ cup and adjust to taste.
- How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the half-and-half and whole milk with coconut cream and unsweetened almond milk. You may also need to adjust the sugar to taste. Be sure to use a high-fat coconut cream for the best texture.
- What other fruits would work well in this recipe?
- This recipe is very versatile, so if you would prefer another fruit feel free to substitute the peaches! Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, or even nectarines would all be delicious alternatives. Adjust the amount of sugar as needed depending on the sweetness of the fruit.
