Summer's here, and what better way to celebrate than with a scoop (or two!) of homemade peach ice cream? This recipe is incredibly easy, even for beginner cooks, and delivers a luxuriously smooth and flavorful dessert that'll impress your family and friends. Forget store-bought – this homemade peach ice cream, made with the help of your trusty Cuisinart ice cream maker, is a true taste of summer perfection. It's a delicious dish, a healthy meal alternative (in moderation, of course!), and a quick dinner idea for those warm evenings when you don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen for hours. Get ready to enjoy the best recipes for this simple yet delightful treat!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 large ripe peaches, peeled and pitted
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Peaches
-
Peel and Pit: Wash your peaches thoroughly. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin, then cut them in half and remove the pits. You can easily peel peaches by blanching them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then plunging them into ice water. This makes peeling a breeze!
-
Puree the Peaches: Add the peach halves to a food processor or blender and puree until completely smooth.
Making the Ice Cream Base
-
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and salt until the sugar is fully dissolved. This ensures even sweetness throughout your ice cream.
-
Add Flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract and the peach puree. Mix well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Churning the Ice Cream
-
Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling step is crucial for achieving a smoother, firmer ice cream.
-
Churn: Pour the chilled mixture into your Cuisinart ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
-
Freeze (Optional): Once churned, your ice cream will be soft-serve consistency. For a firmer texture, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2-3 hours before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- Peach Variations: For a more intense peach flavor, you can add a tablespoon of peach liqueur or a splash of peach schnapps. Alternatively, try using a mix of different peach varieties for a complex flavor profile.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sugar to your preference. If your peaches are particularly sweet, you might reduce the sugar slightly.
- Add-ins: Get creative with add-ins! Consider chopped nuts (pecans or almonds), chocolate chips, or even a swirl of caramel sauce for extra deliciousness.
- Freezing Tip: To prevent ice crystals from forming, press a sheet of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before covering the container with the lid. This minimizes air exposure.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 18-20g
- Saturated Fat: 11-13g
- Sugar: 25-30g
Enjoy this easy and delicious homemade peach ice cream! It’s the perfect homemade cooking project for a hot summer day. This recipe offers a quick dinner idea alternative that's both healthy and satisfying. It’s also one of the best recipes you can find for a simple yet elegant dessert.