Fresh and Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe You Can Make at Home
Making your own strawberry ice cream is the best way to welcome summer. Like really, is there really anything more delightful? Rich, creamy ice cream that tastes like fresh strawberries all the way through—it's like summer in a scoop!
I've been dreaming of making this strawberry ice cream for ages, and today, I finally gave in and did it. In the end, I made it on a sunny afternoon, and every creamy bite took me back to a park picnic. I can't wait to share this ice cream with you!
Why Make Strawberry Ice Cream?
To begin with, it's very simple to make! Really, you only need a few things to make delicious homemade ice cream, and it will be ready to eat in about 50 minutes.
You also get to choose the ingredients! That means there are no strange fillers or preservatives—just pure, tasty strawberry goodness. Also, believe me when I say that fresh strawberry ice cream is the best.
This strawberry ice cream will be the hit of any event, whether you're relaxing by the pool, having a backyard BBQ, or just treating yourself on a warm night. So, get your mixing bowl ready, and let's begin!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups chopped strawberries
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup small chopped strawberries
How to Make Strawberry Ice Cream?
Step 1: Sweeten Those Strawberries.
First up, we need to get those strawberries ready! In a large bowl, mix the chopped strawberries with the sugar and let them hang out for about 15 minutes. This little waiting game allows the strawberries to release their juices, which is exactly what we want. You’ll see them transform into a sweet, syrupy goodness!
Step 2: Blend.
Once your strawberries are glistening and juicy, grab your immersion blender (or a regular blender) and blend those beauties into a smooth puree. Just like that, you’ve created a flavorful base for your ice cream!
Step 3: Make it Creamy.
Now it’s time to bring in the heavy hitters—pour in the heavy cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract to your strawberry puree. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. I could just eat this mixture with a spoon, and you might feel the same way!
Step 4: Churn It Up!
Pour the strawberry cream mixture into your ice cream maker and let it work its magic. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, but generally, this takes about 25-30 minutes. Watch it transform from liquid to a fluffy, dreamy soft-serve consistency. It’s like watching a miracle happen right in your kitchen!
Step 5: Strawberry Surprise!
Five minutes before your ice cream is ready, toss in those small chopped strawberries. This is the cherry on top—or should I say strawberry on top? This adds bursts of fresh strawberry flavor and texture to your ice cream that will make every scoop even more delightful!
Step 6: Freeze and Enjoy!
Once your ice cream is churned to perfection, transfer it to an airtight freezer-safe container. Pop it in the freezer for at least 2 hours to let it firm up. Once it’s ready, grab your favorite bowl (or cone, no judgment here!), and dig in!
No Ice Cream Maker? No Problem!
Now, I know some of you might not have an ice cream maker just hanging out in your kitchen, and that’s totally okay! You can still whip up this scrumptious strawberry ice cream. Here’s how:
- After blending the strawberries and mixing in the cream and milk, pour the mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe dish.
- Stick it in the freezer, and every 30 minutes, use a fork or whisk to stir it up. This helps break up those pesky ice crystals and keeps your ice cream nice and smooth.
- After about 3-4 hours, you’ll have a delightful treat waiting for you! It may not be as creamy as the churned version, but trust me, it’ll still be delicious.
How to Serve Your Strawberry Ice Cream?
- Classic Delight: Serve it in a bowl or cone topped with fresh strawberries and a sprig of mint. Simple and gorgeous!
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some rich chocolate syrup over your ice cream for a delectable strawberries-and-chocolate combo that’s impossible to resist.
- Over Waffles or Pancakes: For a breakfast treat, top your waffles or pancakes with a scoop of this creamy goodness. You’ll feel like a brunch genius!
- Milkshake Madness: Blend a scoop of your strawberry ice cream with a splash of milk for an ultra-creamy milkshake. Perfect for those hot summer days!
Zulay's Final Thought
I can't explain how great it tastes to eat strawberry ice cream that you made yourself on a hot day. It's definitely a party for summer, sweetness, and all the good things in life.
Are you ready to make this delicious strawberry ice cream? I'm sure your taste buds will appreciate it. You know what? If you make it, I'd love to hear about it. Did you make changes to it? Add a twist to it? Please let me know!
The Best Recipes Await!
Don’t stop here! Check out our other delicious recipes that are perfect for summer. You’ll find everything from refreshing salads to mouthwatering desserts.
Share the Love!
And if you know someone who needs to make this strawberry ice cream (which is everyone!), share this recipe with them on social media! Tag @ZulayKitchen and use #kitchenhappiness to spread the joy of homemade ice cream!
Let’s make this summer unforgettable with delicious, homemade treats!