Name: Peach Ice Cream Recipe: Creamy and Summery
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 390 min
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh peaches (peeled and diced); 1 cup granulated sugar (divided); 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 4 large egg yolks; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/8 tsp kosher salt; Optional: Fresh peach slices (mint leaves); Suggested Pairings: Iced tea (waffle cones)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Peach Ice Cream is a creamy, summery dessert, perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or family dinners. This homemade treat, featuring ripe peaches and a rich custard base, delivers sweet, fruity flavors with a velvety, refreshing texture. Presented in a white ceramic bowl or chilled dessert cups, optionally garnished with fresh peach slices or mint leaves, this Peach Ice Cream recipe offers a vibrant, inviting aesthetic that elevates any occasion. This recipe provides a simple version with accessible ingredients, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing dessert that brings Southern-inspired charm to any table, with or without an ice cream maker.

Ingredients

For the Peach Ice Cream:

2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (or canned, drained, or frozen, thawed)
1 cup granulated sugar, divided
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
4 large egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp kosher salt

For Serving:

Optional: Fresh peach slices, mint leaves
Suggested Accompaniments: Waffle cones, shortbread cookies
Suggested Pairings: Iced tea, sparkling water
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic bowl or chilled dessert cups
Suggested Equipment: Ice cream maker (optional), medium saucepan, blender or food processor, mixing bowl, whisk, measuring cups/spoons, peeler, knife, freezer-safe container

Step-by-Step Process

Prepare Peaches: In a blender or food processor, puree diced peaches with 1/4 cup sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Set aside.
Make Custard Base: In a medium saucepan, heat heavy cream, milk, and 1/2 cup sugar over medium heat until steaming but not boiling (about 160°F). Stir occasionally.
Temper Eggs: In a mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks with the remaining 1/4 cup sugar. Slowly pour 1 cup of the hot cream mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Return the mixture to the saucepan.
Cook Custard: Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and reaches 170°F (about 5–7 minutes; it should coat the back of a spoon). Do not boil.
Combine and Chill: Remove from heat. Stir in peach puree, vanilla extract, and salt. Taste and adjust the custard base with a pinch more sugar or lemon juice to ensure a balanced, sweet-tangy flavor. Strain through a fine mesh sieve for smoothness (optional). Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Churn (Ice Cream Maker): Pour chilled custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (about 20–30 minutes) until soft-serve consistency.
No-Churn Option: If no ice cream maker, pour custard into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 1 hour, stir vigorously to break up ice crystals, and repeat every 30 minutes for 3–4 hours until creamy.
Freeze: Transfer churned or no-churn ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2–4 hours for a firmer scoopable texture.
Serve: Scoop into a white ceramic bowl or chilled dessert cups. Optionally garnish with fresh peach slices or mint leaves. Serve with waffle cones, shortbread cookies, iced tea, or sparkling water.

Tips for Better Peach Ice Cream

Use ripe, fresh peaches for the best flavor; canned or frozen peaches work if drained or thawed.
Taste the custard base before churning to balance sweet, fruity, and tangy notes; adjust sparingly.
Chill the custard thoroughly before churning for a smoother texture.
Stir no-churn ice cream regularly to prevent ice crystals and ensure creaminess.
Present in a white ceramic bowl or chilled dessert cups to highlight the creamy peach color.
Make ahead: Prepare custard up to 2 days in advance; churn or freeze when ready.
Cook custard slowly to avoid scrambling the eggs.
Enhance aesthetic: Garnish with peach slices or mint for a vibrant, summery pop.

Variations and Customization

Gluten-Free Peach Ice Cream: Naturally gluten-free; ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Vegan Peach Ice Cream: Replace heavy cream and milk with coconut milk, egg yolks with 2 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 1/4 cup cold milk), and use vegan sugar.
Low-Sugar Peach Ice Cream: Reduce sugar to 3/4 cup total; use a sugar substitute like erythritol.
Peach Cobbler Ice Cream: Swirl in 1/4 cup crumbled shortbread cookies and 1/4 cup cooked peach chunks before freezing.
Spiced Peach Ice Cream: Add 1/4 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard base.
Peach Swirl Ice Cream: Reserve 1/4 cup peach puree and swirl it into the churned ice cream before freezing.
Dairy-Free Peach Ice Cream: Use coconut cream and almond milk; blend well for smoothness.
Peach Sorbet: Omit eggs, cream, and milk; blend peaches with 3/4 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water, then churn or freeze.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 weeks; cover with parchment paper before sealing to prevent ice crystals.
Let the ice cream soften at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping for easier serving.
Serve chilled for the best creamy, refreshing texture.
Use as a dessert for summer gatherings or a sweet treat after dinner.
Pair with iced tea or sparkling water to complement the sweet, peachy flavors.
Present in a white ceramic bowl or chilled dessert cups with garnishes for a vibrant, inviting charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 8 servings (1/2 cup each):

Calories: 260 kcal
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 135mg
Sodium: 80mg
Total Carbohydrates: 22g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: 15% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 8% Daily Value
Calcium: 10% Daily Value
Iron: 4% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and substitutions (vegan options reduce cholesterol). Moderate in calories; enjoy as a sweet treat.

Conclusion

This Peach Ice Cream recipe delivers a creamy, summery dessert perfect for summer gatherings or family dinners. It transforms simple ingredients into a Southern-inspired favorite. Its straightforward preparation and vibrant presentation make it a go-to. The sweet peaches and creamy custard delight with every scoop. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its crowd-pleasing charm.