Indulge in the delightful taste of homemade strawberry ice cream with this easy-to-follow recipe. Fresh strawberries blend perfectly with creamy vanilla ice cream base to create a sweet, refreshing dessert that’s perfect for hot summer days. This recipe ensures a smooth and creamy texture without the need for an ice cream maker.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, enhances strawberry flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Prepare Strawberries:
- Place the chopped strawberries in a bowl and sprinkle with 1/4 cup of sugar. Let sit for about 10 minutes to macerate. This process helps release the juices and intensifies the strawberry flavor.
- Blend Strawberries:
- Transfer the strawberries and their juices to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. For a chunkier texture, you can pulse a few times to leave some small bits of strawberry.
- Mix Ice Cream Base:
- In a large bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar with the whole milk. Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined. If using, stir in the lemon juice for added brightness.
- Combine Strawberry Mixture:
- Add the blended strawberry mixture to the cream base. Stir until evenly combined.
- Chill Mixture:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled. This step helps the ice cream mixture firm up and improves the texture.
- Churn Ice Cream:
- If you have an ice cream maker, pour the chilled mixture into it and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up further.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for about 1 hour, then stir vigorously with a fork to break up any ice crystals. Repeat this process every 30 minutes for about 3-4 hours, or until the ice cream is firm and creamy.
- Serve:
- Scoop the homemade strawberry ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy! Store any leftovers in the freezer in an airtight container.
This recipe yields a creamy, fruity strawberry ice cream that’s perfect for enjoying on a sunny day. Its homemade nature ensures freshness and quality that beats any store-bought option.