Strawberry Ice Cream

Strawberry Ice Cream is a timeless, refreshing dessert that captures the natural sweetness and vibrant flavor of fresh strawberries. Creamy, smooth, and bursting with fruity goodness, this ice cream is perfect for hot summer days, special occasions, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy anytime. Homemade strawberry ice cream is far superior to store-bought versions because you can control the sweetness, quality of ingredients, and the intensity of the strawberry flavor.

This recipe uses fresh strawberries, rich cream, and just the right amount of sugar to create a luscious, velvety texture. With a balance of natural fruit flavor and creamy indulgence, it’s a dessert that delights both kids and adults alike. The aroma of fresh strawberries combined with the creamy texture makes it a must-have in any homemade ice cream collection.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, fresh, and naturally sweet, capturing the true flavor of strawberries without being overly processed. The homemade version feels luxurious and creamy while still light and refreshing. It’s a treat that satisfies a sweet tooth and feels wholesome at the same time.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Made with fresh strawberries for natural flavor
• Creamy, smooth, and perfectly sweet
• A refreshing dessert for summer or anytime
• Easy to make at home without complicated techniques
• Can be customized with mix-ins or toppings

Recipe Overview

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American / Homemade
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Freezing / Chilling Time: 4–6 hours
Total Time: About 5 hours
Servings: 6
Calories (approx.): 200 calories per serving

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• ¾ cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Directions

1. Macerate strawberries with sugar and lemon juice.
2. Blend until smooth, leaving some chunks for texture.
3. Whisk together cream, milk, and remaining sugar until sugar dissolves.
4. Combine strawberry puree with cream mixture.
5. Chill mixture in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
6. Churn in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Freeze until firm, then serve.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
In a bowl, combine chopped strawberries, ¼ cup sugar, and lemon juice. Let sit for 15–20 minutes to macerate.

Step 2: Blend the Strawberries
Use a blender or food processor to puree strawberries, leaving some small chunks for texture.

Step 3: Make the Cream Base
In a mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, milk, remaining ½ cup sugar, and vanilla until sugar dissolves completely.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gently fold strawberry puree into the cream mixture until fully combined.

Step 5: Chill the Mixture
Refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour to ensure it’s cold before churning.

Step 6: Churn the Ice Cream
Pour chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until thickened.

Step 7: Freeze
Transfer churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for 4–6 hours or until firm.

How to Serve

Serve strawberry ice cream in bowls or cones. Garnish with fresh strawberries, chocolate drizzle, or a sprig of mint for an elegant presentation. It’s perfect as a standalone dessert or alongside cakes, pies, and summer fruit salads.

Recipe Tips

• Use ripe, fragrant strawberries for the best flavor
• Chill the ice cream mixture before churning to improve texture
• For chunkier ice cream, fold in chopped strawberries after churning
• Avoid over-churning to prevent a grainy texture

Variations

Strawberry Chocolate Swirl
Drizzle melted chocolate into the ice cream before freezing and gently swirl.

Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
Fold in small cheesecake chunks and graham cracker pieces after churning.

Vegan Strawberry Ice Cream
Replace cream and milk with coconut milk and coconut cream.

Strawberry Basil Ice Cream
Add finely chopped fresh basil to the strawberry puree for a unique flavor.

Strawberry Banana Ice Cream
Add ripe banana puree along with strawberries for extra creaminess and natural sweetness.

Freezing and Storage

Storage:

• Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks
• Keep covered to prevent ice crystals

Freezing:

• For best texture, consume within 2 weeks
• Allow ice cream to sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping

Special Equipment Needed

• Blender or food processor
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Ice cream maker (or alternative no-churn method)
• Airtight freezer-safe container

Conclusion

Strawberry Ice Cream is a classic dessert that’s fresh, fruity, and indulgent all at once. Homemade versions deliver unmatched flavor and creamy texture, perfect for warm days, family gatherings, or as a sweet ending to any meal. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe brings the joy of homemade ice cream right into your kitchen.