This peach ice cream is all about the taste of fresh Georgia peaches! It’s creamy, fruity, and perfect for hot days. You won’t want to miss making this sweet treat!
Making it is so fun, especially when you get to smell those peaches! I love serving it with a peach slice on top. You’re going to feel like summer is in a bowl! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Georgia Peaches: The star of this recipe! Look for ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor. If these aren’t available, other fresh peaches or nectarines can work, though the taste may vary.
Granulated Sugar: This is used to enhance the sweetness of the peaches. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can try honey or agave syrup, adjusting the amount to your taste.
Lemon Juice: This adds brightness to the flavor. You can substitute with lime juice for a different zesty kick, or try a bit of apple cider vinegar for a tart but interesting flavor balance.
Heavy Cream and Whole Milk: These provide the rich creaminess. For a lighter option, you could use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream. Almond milk could work as a dairy-free alternative, but it might change the creamy texture slightly.
How Can I Get Creamy Ice Cream Without Ice Crystals?
Creating a smooth texture in your ice cream is crucial, and using the right technique helps avoid ice crystals. Here’s how to ensure creamy perfection:
- Chill your ice cream base well before churning. At least a couple of hours in the fridge will help.
- Don’t skip the churning process! This incorporates air and breaks up ice crystals.
- Be sure to leave your ice cream container covered tightly when freezing to avoid ice from forming on top.
- Let your ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping to make it softer and easier to serve.
With these tips, you’ll create a delightful peach ice cream that is a crowd-pleaser and captures the essence of summer! Enjoy!
Fresh Georgia Peach Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups fresh Georgia peaches (about 4-5 medium peaches), peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful peach ice cream recipe will take about 30 minutes of active prep time, plus 2 hours for chilling, and 4 hours to freeze. So overall, you’ll be looking at about 6.5 hours until you’re ready to dig in, with the majority of that time being passive while it chills and firms up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peaches:
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced peaches with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat the peaches evenly. Allow this mixture to sit for about 20-30 minutes. This helps the peaches release their natural juices, intensifying their flavor.
2. Cook Peach Mixture:
Transfer the macerated peaches and their juices to a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat while stirring occasionally, until the peaches are soft and the juices have thickened, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Once done, remove from the heat and let it cool completely.
3. Blend Peaches:
Take about a cup of the cooked peach mixture and set it aside for later. Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the remaining peach mixture until it’s as smooth or chunky as you prefer.
4. Make the Ice Cream Base:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Pour the pureed peaches into the cream mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
6. Chill the Mixture:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until it is thoroughly chilled.
7. Churn the Ice Cream:
Once chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which usually takes around 20-25 minutes.
8. Add the Peach Swirl:
When the ice cream is almost ready, gently fold in the reserved peach mixture to create a beautiful swirl effect throughout.
9. Freeze:
Transfer the ice cream into an airtight container and place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours or until it is firm.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your peach ice cream is set, scoop it into bowls or cones, and enjoy a delicious bowl of fresh Georgia peach ice cream that’s bursting with flavor!
This recipe yields a rich, creamy treat that’s perfect for summer, capturing the sweetness of ripe Georgia peaches just like a warm sunny day!
FAQ for Fresh Georgia Peach Ice Cream Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before proceeding with the recipe. The flavor will still be delicious, though fresh peaches will yield the best taste!
How Should I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It’s best consumed within 2-3 weeks for optimal freshness and texture. If it hardens too much, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping to soften.
Can I Make This Ice Cream Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with full-fat coconut milk or almond milk. Just make sure to choose a creamy non-dairy milk to maintain a rich texture!
What’s the Best Way to Serve This Ice Cream?
This peach ice cream is delightful on its own, but you can enhance it by serving it with fresh peach slices, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for added texture. Enjoy it in a cone, bowl, or even as a topping for warm desserts like cobbler!
