Peach Ice Cream
Peach Ice Cream is a delightful and refreshing treat that captures the essence of summer in each creamy scoop. This delightful dessert is a sweet homage to the juicy, sun-ripened peaches that burst with flavor, making it an irresistible addition to any warm-weather gathering. The combination of luscious peaches and sweet cream creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is simply heavenly. This recipe is not just easy to follow but also brings a homemade charm that store-bought versions can’t match. Whether you enjoy it nestled between two cookies or on its own, making this ice cream is a step-by-step adventure worth taking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll adore this Peach Ice Cream recipe for its simplicity and flavor-packed goodness. With just a handful of ingredients, this family-friendly dessert allows everyone to join in the fun of creating something special. It’s a quick and traditional sweet treat that captures the spirit of summer, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Plus, the minimal ingredients mean you can whip up this delightful dessert with ease, allowing for more time spent with family and less time in the kitchen.
Ingredients For Peach Ice Cream
- 1 cup (200g) white sugar
- 1 pint (473ml) half-and-half
- 2 pounds fresh peaches, peeled and chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
- 1 can (12 fl oz) evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting the perfect taste and texture for your Peach Ice Cream. The white sugar sweetens the mixture, balancing the natural tanginess of the peaches. The combination of half-and-half, whole milk, and evaporated milk provides a rich, creamy base, while the sweetened condensed milk adds an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess. A hint of vanilla extract enhances the delightful peach flavor, making every spoonful a blissful experience.
Step-by-Step Directions
Mix it Up: In a large bowl, combine the chopped peaches and white sugar. Stir gently and let this mixture sit for about an hour, allowing the peaches to release their natural juices while you catch up on your favorite show or prepare a few tasty toppings.
Puree the Peaches: After an hour, using a blender or food processor, puree the sweetened peaches until smooth. You can choose to leave a few chunks for texture if you prefer a little bite in your ice cream.
Combine the Bases: In a big bowl, stir together the peach puree, half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. The flavors will meld beautifully, creating a luscious mixture that’s just waiting to be churned.
Adjust Consistency: Slowly add whole milk until your mixture reaches your desired consistency. This could be up to 2 cups, depending on how thick you like your ice cream.
Churn it Up: Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn for 20-30 minutes. If you have any remaining peach chunks, add them during the last few minutes of churning for an extra fruity surprise in every spoonful.
Freeze to Firm: Transfer the churned ice cream into a container and freeze it for 2-4 hours until firm. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, simply pour the mixture into a dish and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes for about 3-4 hours until it reaches the perfect creamy texture.
Tips & Tricks
To enhance your Peach Ice Cream, consider adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. If you’re looking for a twist, try mixing in other fruits like strawberries or raspberries for a delicious blend. For those who love indulgence, you can fold in crushed graham crackers or nuts just before freezing to create an exciting crunch. To store your leftover ice cream, make sure it’s in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Scoop your Peach Ice Cream into bowls and serve with a sprig of fresh mint for a touch of elegance. You can drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce over the top for those wanting an extra treat. It pairs wonderfully with homemade fruit cobbler or can be enjoyed alongside a slice of pound cake for a delightful dessert combo. For a refreshing beverage, consider pairing it with iced tea or lemonade to complement the sweet peach flavor.
Nutritional Information
While indulging in this creamy delight, it’s good to keep track of your nutritional intake. A typical serving of Peach Ice Cream (approximately half a cup) contains around 250-300 calories, depending on the exact proportions used. This dessert does carry its share of indulgence, given its creamy bases and sugars, but with fresh peaches, you’re also benefiting from the nutritional value they provide, including vitamins and fiber.
Storing Tips & Variations For Peach Ice Cream
To keep your Peach Ice Cream at its best, store it in an airtight container and place it in the coldest part of your freezer. For variations, you can blend in herbs like basil or mint to add a unique flavor twist. Create a “Peach Melba” version by incorporating raspberry sauce or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elegant presentation. If you’re looking to make a lighter version, swap whole milk for almond or coconut milk.
Conclusion For Peach Ice Cream
Peach Ice Cream is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings the taste of summer straight to your home. With its delightful combination of creamy and fruity textures, this recipe is bound to impress anyone lucky enough to try it. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and dive into the delightful process of making this heavenly Peach Ice Cream today!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen peaches?
Absolutely! If fresh peaches aren’t available, frozen peaches can be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using.
2. What if I don’t have an ice cream maker?
No problem! Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze. Stir it every 30 minutes for about 3-4 hours to keep it creamy.
3. How can I make the ice cream softer when serving?
Let the Peach Ice Cream sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before scooping. This will soften it for easier serving.
4. Can I skip the sweetened condensed milk?
Yes, you can. If you do, consider adding more sugar or a natural sweetener to maintain the desired sweetness.
5. What types of toppings go well with Peach Ice Cream?
Fresh fruit, nuts, chocolate syrup, or granola make delicious toppings. You can also serve it in a waffle cone or alongside a slice of pie.
Peach Ice Cream
Ingredients
For the Ice Cream Base
- 2 pounds fresh peaches, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 pint half-and-half
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 1 can evaporated milk (12 fl oz)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped peaches and white sugar. Stir gently and let this mixture sit for about an hour to release natural juices.
- After an hour, use a blender or food processor to puree the sweetened peaches until smooth, leaving some chunks if desired.
- In another bowl, stir together the peach puree, half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Slowly add whole milk to the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency.
Churning
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn for 20-30 minutes, adding remaining peach chunks in the last few minutes.
Freezing
- Transfer the churned ice cream into a container and freeze for 2-4 hours until firm.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a dish and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes for about 3-4 hours.