Peach Ice Cream Recipe is one of those delightful treats that feels like a sunny afternoon captured in a scoop. There's something truly magical about the way fresh peaches blend into creamy, dreamy ice cream — it’s sweet, slightly tangy, and utterly refreshing. Whether you’re craving a cooling dessert after a long day or looking to impress friends on a hot weekend, this Peach Ice Cream Recipe is sure to bring smiles all around. I love making it in summertime when peaches are at their peak, but honestly, it’s a great anytime indulgence for anyone who enjoys fresh fruit and creamy textures.
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What Makes This So Good
This Peach Ice Cream Recipe shines because it strikes the perfect balance between natural fruity sweetness and creamy richness. I've found it’s not overly complicated, yet the flavor feels like a treat from an artisan shop.
- Big Flavor, Minimal Fuss: You get fresh, juicy peach flavor without spending hours — just a bit of maceration and blending, then the magic of your ice cream maker.
- Family-Friendly: Once you taste it, this recipe quickly becomes a go-to for everyone from kids to grandparents — pure comfort food in a bowl.
- Simple Ingredients: Real peaches, cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla — no strange additives or preservatives here.
- Works Any Night: It’s easy to prepare and then let your ice cream maker do the rest, making it a perfect dessert for spontaneous dinner parties or just a cozy night in.
Ingredient Guide
Picking the right ingredients can really make or break your Peach Ice Cream Recipe. Freshness and quality bring out the best flavors, so here’s what to focus on when shopping and prepping.
- Fresh Peaches: Choose ripe, fragrant peaches with a slight give to the touch. If they’re a bit underripe, you can ripen them on the counter for a day or two.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar works perfectly here to sweeten and help the peaches release their juices during maceration.
- Heavy Cream & Whole Milk: These give you that creamy texture and richness—don’t swap out for low-fat or non-dairy if you want the best, smooth mouthfeel.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash adds warmth and depth—don’t skip it even if peaches shine on their own.
- Salt: A pinch of salt amplifies sweetness and balances flavors beautifully.
Quick Reminder: Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Peach Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1 — Prep & Ready
First things first: peel and dice about 3 cups of fresh peaches. I find it easiest to score the skin with a knife, dunk them in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then slip the skins right off. Toss the diced peaches with ¼ cup of sugar and let them sit in a bowl for about 30 minutes. This maceration process draws out their juicy sweetness, creating that fresh, syrupy base we want. While you’re waiting, you can get your ice cream maker ready and gather the other ingredients for the cream base.
Step 2 — Cook with Confidence
Once your peaches have softened in their juices, puree them in a blender or food processor. I like to keep a few small chunks for texture — it makes each bite a little surprise. Meanwhile, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, the remaining sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl until the sugar dissolves completely. Fold your peach puree into this creamy mixture gently. Pour everything into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions until it reaches a soft-serve stage — this usually takes about 20-30 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture thickens, the aroma of peaches fills your kitchen, and soft, creamy clouds form in the machine.
Step 3 — Finish & Serve
When the ice cream is just right—soft, smooth, and bursting with peach flavor—transfer it into an airtight container. Freeze it for at least 4 hours to let it firm up to that perfect scoopable texture. When you serve it, that first spoonful will greet you with creamy coolness and peachy brightness. I love to add a little homemade whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, but it’s fantastic all on its own. Watching the way this Peach Ice Cream Recipe comes together is such a rewarding kitchen moment, and I promise the results are worth every step.
Extra Helpful Tips
To make your Peach Ice Cream Recipe a reliable star every time, here are some tips I pick up from years of making homemade ice cream.
- Watch for This Sign: When churning, look for the mixture thickening enough to leave tracks on the inside of the bowl—this means it’s ready.
- Temperature Trick: Chill your cream and milk mixture in the fridge before churning; cold base means faster freezing and smoother texture.
- Prep-Ahead Option: Macerate the peaches the night before to intensify their flavor and save time the next day.
- Avoid This Common Mistake: Don’t skip straining if you want extra smooth ice cream, but for a bit more body and rustic charm, keep the chunks.
Serve & Enjoy
Easy Enhancements
Want to jazz up your Peach Ice Cream Recipe? Swirl in a ribbon of tangy raspberry sauce for a pretty pink contrast. Fresh mint leaves torn on top add a refreshing herbal note. A dash of cinnamon or a sprinkle of nutmeg warms things up beautifully if you’re serving in cooler weather. Even adding crushed graham crackers for a little texture surprise takes this ice cream to the next level!
Tasty Pairings
This ice cream pairs wonderfully with a slice of warm pound cake or buttery shortbread cookies. If you’re feeling fancy, a glass of chilled Moscato or a light Riesling complements the peach’s sweetness perfectly. For a casual treat, fresh berries or a simple fruit salad on the side brighten up your dessert plate.
Quick Plating Tips
Scoop your peach ice cream into chilled bowls or pretty glasses to keep it from melting too fast. Garnish with a thin peach slice or a sprig of mint for color and fragrance. A drizzle of honey across the top or a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt can transform each spoonful into a little gourmet moment.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
Fridge Storage
This Peach Ice Cream Recipe is best stored in an airtight container in the freezer rather than the fridge, since the fridge is too warm for ice cream. If you do keep leftovers in the fridge after thawing, enjoy within 1-2 days — but expect softer, more melted texture.
Freezer Friendly?
Yes! This ice cream freezes beautifully. Just make sure to use a good, airtight container to prevent ice crystals. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge for 10-20 minutes to soften slightly — this helps avoid that icy hardness and brings back the creamy scoop perfection.
Reheat Like New
Ice cream isn’t reheated like other dishes, but if it’s too firm from the freezer, a few minutes at room temperature or a brief microwave zap on low power can help. Just watch closely so it doesn’t melt too much. Stir gently after thawing to restore silky smoothness before serving.
Peach Ice Cream Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Frozen peaches work fine, especially when fresh peaches aren’t in season. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before macerating with sugar.
While an ice cream maker is ideal for the perfect texture, you can also freeze the mixture and stir it every 30 minutes until firm to mimic churning. It takes longer and can be a bit icier but still tasty.
This Peach Ice Cream Recipe balances natural peach sweetness with added sugar. If your peaches are very ripe and sweet, feel free to reduce sugar by a tablespoon or two to suit your taste.
You can experiment with coconut milk or almond milk and coconut cream, but the texture will be less creamy and the flavor a bit different. I recommend the classic version for best results.
Final Flavor Thoughts
I hope this Peach Ice Cream Recipe inspires you to scoop up the flavors of summer no matter the season. It’s one of those recipes that’s simple yet special, and it always sparks joy at the table. If you try it, I’d love to hear how it goes — and if you add a twist, share that too! Don’t forget to give it a star rating below if it becomes your new favorite, and come back soon for more recipes that make everyday cooking feel like a celebration.
Print📖 Recipe
Peach Ice Cream Recipe
This Peach Ice Cream recipe captures the essence of summer with fresh, juicy peaches blended into a creamy homemade delight. Combining fresh peaches with cream, milk, and a touch of vanilla, this frozen treat is refreshing and easy to make with an ice cream maker.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (churning included)
- Total Time: 4 hours 70 minutes
- Yield: About 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Ice Cream Maker (Churning)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Peach Mixture
- 3 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (divided into ¼ cup and ½ cup)
Cream Base
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Macerate Peaches: In a bowl, combine the diced peaches with ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Let this mixture sit for about 30 minutes to allow the peaches to release their natural juices, enhancing their sweetness and flavor.
- Puree Peaches: Transfer the macerated peaches to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth, leaving a few chunks if you prefer a bit of texture in your ice cream.
- Prepare Cream Base: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, remaining ½ cup sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the sugar is completely dissolved, creating a smooth, sweet cream base.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the peach puree into the cream base, mixing until well combined to ensure even peach flavor throughout the ice cream.
- Churn Ice Cream: Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically about 20-30 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze Until Firm: Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container and place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours to firm up to a scoopable texture.
- Serve: After freezing, scoop the peach ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy the creamy, fruity taste of homemade summer ice cream.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe, juicy peaches for maximum flavor and natural sweetness.
- Peeling the peaches is important to avoid a grainy texture in the ice cream.
- If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can freeze the mixture in a shallow container, stirring every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals until firm.
- The peach ice cream can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
- Adjust the sugar amount depending on the sweetness of your peaches.
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