Homemade Peach Ice Cream

Ingredients

For the Ice Cream Base:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 6 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Peach Mixture:

• 2 pounds ripe peaches, peeled and pitted
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Peaches: Peel and pit the peaches, then cut into small chunks. Place in a bowl with 1/3 cup sugar and lemon juice. Mash gently, leaving some texture. Let sit for 30 minutes to release juices.
2. Make the Custard Base: In a large saucepan, combine cream and milk. Heat over medium heat until small bubbles form around the edges (do not boil).
3. Prepare Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks and remaining 1/2 cup sugar until pale and thick, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour 1/2 cup of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Gradually add another 1/2 cup, whisking continuously.
5. Cook the Custard: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture coats the back of the spoon and reaches 170°F (77°C).
6. Strain and Cool: Immediately strain the custard through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl. Stir in vanilla extract and salt. Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface.
7. Chill Completely: Refrigerate the custard for at least 4 hours or overnight until completely cold.
8. Combine Mixtures: Stir the prepared peach mixture into the chilled custard base, including all the accumulated juices.
9. Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions, typically 20-25 minutes.
10. Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.

Notes

• Use fully ripe peaches for the best flavor and natural sweetness
• The custard must be completely cold before churning for optimal texture
• Don’t skip the straining step as it ensures a smooth, silky finish
• Churning time may vary depending on your ice cream maker model
• The ice cream will have a soft-serve consistency when first churned

Tips for Success

Peach Selection: Choose peaches that give slightly to gentle pressure and have a fragrant aroma. Freestone varieties work best for this Homemade Peach Ice Cream recipe as they separate easily from the pit.

Perfect Custard: Cook the custard base slowly and stir constantly to prevent curdling. The mixture is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and leaves a clear line when you run your finger through it.

Temperature Control: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the custard reaches exactly 170°F. Higher temperatures may cause the eggs to scramble.

Texture Enhancement: For extra smooth Homemade Peach Ice Cream, puree half the peach mixture and leave the rest chunky for delightful fruit pieces throughout.

Churning Success: Ensure your ice cream maker bowl is completely frozen before use, typically requiring 24 hours in the freezer.

Additional Tips and Variations

Flavor Enhancements: Elevate your Homemade Peach Ice Cream by adding 1 tablespoon of bourbon or rum to the custard base for an adult version with complex flavor notes.

Texture Variations: Fold in 1/2 cup of crushed gingersnap cookies or toasted almonds during the last few minutes of churning for added texture and complementary flavors.

Seasonal Adaptations: When fresh peaches aren’t available, substitute with 2 cups of high-quality frozen peaches, thawed and drained, though fresh fruit yields superior results.

Lighter Version: Replace half the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the texture will be slightly less rich.

Spice Additions: Experiment with 1/8 teaspoon of ground ginger or cardamom for a sophisticated flavor profile that complements the peaches beautifully.

No-Churn Alternative: For those without an ice cream maker, freeze the mixture in a shallow pan, stirring every 30 minutes for 3-4 hours to break up ice crystals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this Homemade Peach Ice Cream without an ice cream maker? A: Yes! Pour the mixture into a shallow freezer-safe dish and freeze, stirring vigorously every 30 minutes for 3-4 hours until set. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Q: How do I know when the peaches are perfectly ripe? A: Ripe peaches should yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a sweet, fragrant aroma. The skin should have a warm, golden undertone rather than green.

Q: Why is my custard base lumpy? A: This usually happens when the eggs get too hot too quickly. Always temper the eggs gradually and strain the mixture to remove any lumps for smooth Homemade Peach Ice Cream.

Q: Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh? A: While fresh peaches provide the best flavor, you can use canned peaches packed in juice (not syrup). Drain thoroughly and reduce the added sugar accordingly.

Q: How long should I churn the ice cream? A: Most ice cream makers require 20-25 minutes of churning. The ice cream is ready when it reaches a soft-serve consistency and the machine begins to strain.

Q: Why is my ice cream too hard to scoop? A: Homemade ice cream without commercial stabilizers freezes harder than store-bought versions. Let it soften at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping.

Conclusion

This Homemade Peach Ice Cream recipe represents the pinnacle of summer dessert perfection, transforming simple, fresh ingredients into an extraordinary frozen treat that captures the essence of sun-ripened peaches in every luxurious spoonful. The careful balance of rich custard base and vibrant fruit flavors creates a dessert experience that far exceeds anything available in stores, while the satisfaction of creating this masterpiece from scratch adds immeasurable value to every serving.

The beauty of making Homemade Peach Ice Cream lies not only in its incredible taste but also in the memories created during the process. From selecting the perfect peaches at the farmer’s market to the anticipation of waiting for the final product to freeze, this recipe transforms dessert making into a cherished tradition that brings families together and celebrates the abundance of summer’s harvest.

As you savor each creamy, peachy bite of your Homemade Peach Ice Cream, you’ll appreciate the difference that quality ingredients and traditional techniques make in creating truly exceptional frozen desserts. This recipe will undoubtedly become a treasured part of your summer repertoire, providing countless opportunities to share the joy of homemade ice cream with friends and family for years to come.