Peach Ice Cream: A Creamy and Refreshing Summer Treat
Peach ice cream is the ultimate summer dessert, offering a creamy and refreshing way to enjoy the season’s ripest fruit. This homemade ice cream is packed with the natural sweetness of fresh peaches, making it a delightful treat for hot days. Whether served in a cone, a bowl, or as a topping for pies and cobblers, peach ice cream is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
What Makes Peach Ice Cream Great
- Natural Sweetness: Fresh peaches add a natural, juicy sweetness that’s hard to resist.
- Creamy Texture: Made with a rich custard base, this ice cream is incredibly smooth and creamy.
- Homemade Goodness: No preservatives or artificial flavors, just pure, delicious ingredients.
- Versatile: Perfect on its own or as a complement to other desserts like pies and cakes.
Components of Peach Ice Cream
- Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches provide the best flavor. Frozen or canned peaches can be used in a pinch.
- Cream and Milk: Heavy cream and whole milk create a rich and creamy texture.
- Sugar: Sweetens the ice cream and enhances the natural sweetness of the peaches.
- Egg Yolks: Add richness and help create a smooth, custard-like base.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the peaches and adds depth to the ice cream.
How to Make Peach Ice Cream
- Prepare the Peaches:
- Wash, peel, and pit the peaches. Dice them into small pieces. If using frozen or canned peaches, make sure they are thawed and drained.
- Cook the Peaches:
- In a saucepan, combine the diced peaches with a few tablespoons of sugar. Cook over medium heat until the peaches are soft and syrupy, about 10 minutes. Let cool, then puree half of the peaches if you prefer a smoother texture, or leave them chunky for more texture.
- Make the Custard Base:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cream, milk, and remaining sugar. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is hot but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually add a small amount of the hot cream mixture to the yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Combine and Chill:
- Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and cooked peaches (pureed and/or chunky).
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to ensure it’s thoroughly cold.
- Churn the Ice Cream:
- Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically about 20-25 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze Until Firm:
- Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Scoop the peach ice cream into bowls or cones. Enjoy it on its own or with your favorite toppings.
Tips for Perfect Peach Ice Cream
- Choose Ripe Peaches: The riper the peaches, the sweeter and more flavorful your ice cream will be.
- Temper the Eggs: Gradually adding the hot cream to the egg yolks prevents them from scrambling.
- Chill Thoroughly: Ensuring the custard base is thoroughly chilled before churning helps achieve the best texture.
Peach Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large ripe peaches peeled, pitted, and chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar divided
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Prepare the peaches:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped peaches and 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the peaches are soft and the sugar is dissolved (about 5-7 minutes).
- Use a blender or food processor to puree the peach mixture until smooth. Let the puree cool to room temperature, then stir in the lemon juice.
Make the ice cream base:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is hot but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are light and creamy.
- Gradually add a small amount of the hot cream mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Slowly pour the tempered egg yolks back into the saucepan with the cream mixture, whisking constantly.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Do not let it boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine and chill:
- Stir the peach puree into the ice cream base until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until completely chilled (at least 4 hours or overnight).
Churn the ice cream:
- Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20-25 minutes, until the ice cream is thick and creamy.
Freeze the ice cream:
- Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
Serve:
- Serve the peach ice cream in bowls or cones. Enjoy!
Notes
This Peach Ice Cream is a delightful and refreshing treat perfect for hot summer days. The fresh peaches add a natural sweetness and vibrant flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy base. Enjoy this homemade ice cream as a dessert or a special treat any time!
Why You’ll Love Peach Ice Cream
Peach ice cream is loved for its rich, creamy texture and the natural sweetness of fresh peaches. It’s a simple yet indulgent treat that captures the essence of summer in every bite. Perfect for family gatherings, barbecues, or a special treat on a hot day, this homemade ice cream is sure to delight.
Ready to Enjoy?
Next time you’re in the mood for a refreshing dessert, try making peach ice cream. With its creamy texture and juicy peach flavor, it’s a delightful way to cool down and enjoy the taste of summer. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this homemade delight and savor the sweet, creamy goodness of peach ice cream!
