Capture the essence of summer with a scoop of homemade Strawberry Cream Ice Cream. Bursting with the bright, juicy sweetness of ripe strawberries and wrapped in a cloud of creamy richness, this dreamy dessert offers pure refreshment and joy with every bite.
Ingredients Breakdown
The heart of this recipe lies in the strawberries. Choosing the ripest berries ensures a vibrant flavor—look for fruits that are deep red, fragrant, and slightly soft to the touch. These strawberries will yield the most intense, natural sweetness and juiciness for the perfect ice cream base.
Natural sweeteners bring balance to the mix. A combination of honey and granulated sugar not only enhances the strawberries’ flavor but also helps to tenderize the fruit, creating a syrupy consistency that melds beautifully with the cream.
Heavy whipping cream and half-and-half are essential for achieving a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The cream provides the fat needed for richness, while the half-and-half lightens the mixture just enough to keep it from feeling heavy.
A splash of lemon juice and a dash of vanilla extract, though small additions, make a significant impact. Lemon juice brightens the flavors, keeping the sweetness lively, while vanilla lends a warm, aromatic backdrop that deepens the overall profile.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Begin by macerating the strawberries. Mix the diced berries with honey, sugar, and lemon juice, then allow them to sit for 15–20 minutes. This resting period draws out the juices, intensifying the strawberries’ flavor and creating a natural syrup.
Depending on the desired texture, you can either mash the strawberries with a potato masher for a rustic, chunky ice cream or blend them until silky smooth. A blended base will produce a uniformly creamy finish, while mashed berries give bursts of fruity texture in every bite.
Gently stir in the heavy cream, half-and-half, and vanilla extract until the mixture is evenly combined. It’s important to stir just until mixed to maintain the lightness and richness of the cream.
Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to your machine’s instructions. Typically, it takes about 15–20 minutes to reach a luscious, soft-serve consistency.
After churning, you can enjoy it immediately for a soft, creamy treat. For a firmer scoop, transfer the ice cream into an airtight container and freeze for 3–4 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving to achieve a perfect, easy-to-scoop texture.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
Selecting the best strawberries for maximum flavor
Choose strawberries that are richly colored, aromatic, and just soft enough to promise maximum juiciness without being overly ripe.
Adjusting the sweetness depending on the fruit’s ripeness
Taste your strawberries before adding sweeteners—if they are very sweet, slightly reduce the sugar or honey to avoid overwhelming the natural flavor.
How to avoid overmixing the cream for a lighter texture
Stir the cream gently into the strawberry mixture just until it is fully incorporated to preserve the airy quality needed for a smooth mouthfeel.
Soft-serve vs. fully frozen: which to choose for different occasions
Soft-serve is ideal for immediate indulgence and showcases the freshest flavors, while fully frozen ice cream is better for structured desserts or serving guests.
Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes, simply freeze the mixture in a shallow dish, stirring vigorously every 30 minutes for 2–3 hours to break up ice crystals.
How long will homemade strawberry ice cream stay fresh in the freezer?
It remains at its best for up to two weeks when stored in a tightly sealed container, although the texture is freshest in the first few days.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Frozen strawberries can be used, but thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid a watery base.
What other fruits can I add to create flavor variations?
Raspberries, peaches, or blueberries pair wonderfully with strawberries and can be added for a vibrant mixed-berry or stone fruit twist.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Pair Strawberry Cream Ice Cream with buttery shortbread or almond biscotti for an irresistible contrast of textures. The crispness of the cookies perfectly complements the creamy, smooth ice cream.
For a lighter presentation, serve it alongside a fresh berry salad sprinkled with a hint of mint. The freshness of the berries highlights the rich creaminess of the ice cream without overpowering it.
For a gourmet flourish, drizzle each serving with a little chocolate sauce or a balsamic reduction. These unexpected touches deepen the flavor and create a visually stunning dessert plate.
Creative Variations
Swirl a ribbon of strawberry jam into the churned ice cream just before freezing for intense pockets of fruity sweetness. This adds beautiful marbled patterns and extra bursts of flavor.
For texture lovers, add chopped white chocolate or a handful of crushed pistachios into the mixture before the final freeze. These crunchy elements bring a delightful contrast to the creamy base.
Infuse the mixture with a few leaves of mint or a touch of fresh basil to create a refreshing herbal note that pairs beautifully with the natural brightness of the strawberries.
Strawberry Cream Ice Cream is a homemade treasure that captures everything magical about fresh, sun-ripened berries and luscious cream. Simple yet luxurious, it transforms a few humble ingredients into a spectacular dessert that feels both nostalgic and special. Perfect for family gatherings, summer celebrations, or a sweet moment of everyday joy, it’s a recipe worth savoring to the very last spoonful.
Ingredients
1 cup Heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup Half and half
1 1/2 cups Strawberries, hulled and diced
2 tablespoons Honey
1/2 cup Granulated sugar
1 teaspoon Lemon juice
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
In a large bowl, toss the diced strawberries with honey, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Let the mixture rest for about 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the strawberries to release their natural juices and intensify their sweetness.
Once the strawberries are softened, mash them using a potato masher, fork, or pastry cutter until no large chunks remain. If you prefer a smoother, silkier ice cream, blend the mixture in a food processor or blender until it reaches your desired consistency.
Pour in the heavy whipping cream, half and half, and vanilla extract into the strawberry mixture. Stir gently, just until the ingredients are fully combined, ensuring not to deflate the creaminess of the base.
Transfer the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually taking about 15–20 minutes until it reaches a soft-serve stage.
You can enjoy it immediately for a light, airy soft-serve texture, or transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container and freeze it for an additional 3–4 hours to firm up. When ready to serve, allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to scoop and enhancing its rich, creamy texture. Enjoy each spoonful filled with bright strawberry flavor and luscious creaminess.
Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup Half and half
- 1 1/2 cups Strawberries hulled and diced
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss the diced strawberries with honey, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Let the mixture rest for about 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the strawberries to release their natural juices and intensify their sweetness.
- Once the strawberries are softened, mash them using a potato masher, fork, or pastry cutter until no large chunks remain. If you prefer a smoother, silkier ice cream, blend the mixture in a food processor or blender until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Pour in the heavy whipping cream, half and half, and vanilla extract into the strawberry mixture. Stir gently, just until the ingredients are fully combined, ensuring not to deflate the creaminess of the base.
- Transfer the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually taking about 15–20 minutes until it reaches a soft-serve stage.
- You can enjoy it immediately for a light, airy soft-serve texture, or transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container and freeze it for an additional 3–4 hours to firm up. When ready to serve, allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to scoop and enhancing its rich, creamy texture. Enjoy each spoonful filled with bright strawberry flavor and luscious creaminess.
