There’s something magical about the taste of ripe, juicy peaches on a hot summer day — and when they’re transformed into creamy, dreamy homemade peach ice cream, it’s pure bliss. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests at a garden party or simply craving a nostalgic scoop of fruity comfort, this homemade peach ice cream recipe is your go-to guide.
Made with fresh peaches, a rich cream base, and a touch of vanilla, this frozen dessert is both indulgent and refreshingly light. Best of all? You don’t need to be an expert to make it — just follow the simple steps and let your ice cream maker do the magic.
Let’s dive into this irresistible summer treat, perfect for peach season and beyond.
Why You’ll Love This Peach Ice Cream Recipe
This recipe is everything summer should be — sun-kissed, refreshing, and effortlessly satisfying. Here’s why it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen:
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Made with fresh peaches: No artificial flavors or pre-made syrups — just the real, juicy goodness of ripe peaches.
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Creamy yet light: Thanks to a blend of condensed milk, evaporated milk, and half-and-half, the texture is luxuriously smooth without feeling heavy.
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No eggs required: This is a custard-free peach ice cream, making it quicker and easier to prepare.
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Customizable: Want it chunky or silky smooth? You decide the texture by blending all the peaches or leaving some pieces whole.
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Perfect for ice cream makers or no-churn methods: Whether you own an electric churner or prefer the manual freeze-and-stir approach, this recipe works beautifully.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need for Homemade Peach Ice Cream
Let’s start with the essentials. Here’s what goes into every scoop:
Ice Cream Base
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2 pounds fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped
→ The star ingredient. Choose ripe, fragrant peaches for the best flavor. -
1 cup (200g) white sugar
→ Draws out the peach juices and creates a syrupy base. -
1 pint (473ml) half-and-half cream
→ Adds smooth, balanced richness. -
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
→ Sweetens naturally while thickening the base. -
1 (12 fl oz) can evaporated milk
→ Lends creaminess without the heaviness of full cream. -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Boosts flavor with warm, floral notes. -
2 cups (480ml) whole milk, or as needed
→ Adjusts consistency and helps fill the ice cream maker.
Tools You’ll Need to Make Peach Ice Cream at Home
While the recipe is simple, a few tools will make the process smoother:
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Large mixing bowls
For combining the peaches and sugar. -
Blender or food processor
To puree the peach mixture. -
Measuring cups and spoons
Precision is key to the perfect texture. -
Ice cream maker (optional but recommended)
For that professional, creamy consistency. -
Spatula or large spoon
For stirring and transferring the mix. -
Freezer-safe airtight container
To store your ice cream once churned. -
Peeler or paring knife
For prepping those juicy peaches.
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
Want to personalize your ice cream? Here are some creative and practical variations:
Ingredient Swaps
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Peaches out of season?
Use high-quality frozen peaches. Thaw and drain them before use. -
No half-and-half?
Substitute with equal parts whole milk and heavy cream. -
Prefer plant-based?
Use coconut cream, almond milk, or oat milk. Just note the texture may be a bit icier. -
Sugar alternative
Try honey or maple syrup (start with ¾ cup) for natural sweetness.
Flavorful Additions
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Lemon zest
Adds brightness and depth to the peach flavor. -
Cinnamon or nutmeg
Warm spices pair wonderfully with peaches. -
Chopped pecans or almonds
For crunch in every bite. -
A swirl of raspberry puree
For a tangy contrast and a stunning color swirl.
How to Make Homemade Peach Ice Cream (Step-by-Step)
Here’s exactly how to create your summer masterpiece from scratch:
1. Prepare the Peaches
Place your chopped, peeled peaches in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with the sugar. Stir and let sit for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The sugar will draw out the juices and create a syrupy, fragrant base that’s the foundation of your ice cream.
🍑 Pro Tip: Choose peaches that are slightly soft and deeply fragrant. These are at peak ripeness and offer the most flavor.
2. Puree the Peach Mixture
Once the peaches are nice and juicy, transfer them to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, set aside about ½ cup of chopped peaches and fold them in at the end of churning.
3. Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, stir together the peach puree, half-and-half cream, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Mix well to ensure a smooth and uniform base.
4. Adjust with Whole Milk
Add 1 cup of whole milk and stir. Then, slowly add more (up to 2 cups total) to reach the desired consistency or to match your ice cream maker’s capacity.
5. Churn the Ice Cream
Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, typically churning for 20–30 minutes, until the mixture reaches a soft-serve consistency.
🌀 Chunky Add-In Alert: Add reserved peach pieces during the last 5 minutes of churning for texture.
6. Freeze and Set
Scoop the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Cover tightly and freeze for 2–4 hours for a scoopable, firmer texture.
❄️ No Ice Cream Maker?
Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze. Stir every 30 minutes for 3–4 hours to mimic the churning process.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Scoop into cones or bowls, garnish with fresh peach slices or mint, and savor the flavor of summer in every bite.
Pro Tips for Perfect Peach Ice Cream
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Don’t skip maceration: Letting the peaches sit with sugar is essential for a juicy, flavorful base.
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Chill the mixture: If your kitchen is warm, chill the peach mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes before churning.
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Avoid over-blending: Too much blending can make your mixture foamy — a quick pulse will do.
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Use an airtight container: Prevent freezer burn by sealing tightly and storing with plastic wrap pressed on top.
Serving Suggestions
Peach ice cream is a blank canvas for creativity! Here are some delicious serving ideas:
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Peach Melba-style: Serve with raspberry sauce and toasted almonds.
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Ice cream sandwiches: Use between soft sugar cookies.
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Summer sundaes: Top with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and chopped nuts.
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With pie: A scoop on warm peach or apple pie is pure heaven.
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As a milkshake: Blend with a splash of milk for a thick, dreamy shake.
Storing and Reheating (Sort of)
Storing
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Store in an airtight, freezer-safe container.
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Press plastic wrap directly on the surface to avoid ice crystals.
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Enjoy within 2–3 weeks for optimal texture and flavor.
Reheating?
While you don’t reheat ice cream (unless you’re making a lava cake with it!), if it becomes too hard, simply let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping.
Nutritional Information (Per 1/2 Cup Serving – Approximate)
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Calories: 220
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Total Fat: 9g
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Saturated Fat: 5g
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Cholesterol: 35mg
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Carbohydrates: 30g
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Sugars: 27g
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Protein: 5g
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Calcium: 15% DV
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Fiber: 1g
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to drain them well. Use canned peaches in juice, not syrup, for better control over sweetness.
2. What if I don’t have an ice cream maker?
No worries! Use the no-churn method: freeze the mixture in a shallow dish, stirring every 30 minutes until set (about 3–4 hours).
3. How do I peel peaches easily?
Blanch them! Boil peaches for 30 seconds, then transfer to an ice bath. The skins will slide right off.
4. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, but sugar helps with texture and freezing. Reduce slightly, but don’t skip it entirely.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes — it’s naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your canned milk products and vanilla extract are certified if needed.
Conclusion
Creamy, fruity, and full of sunshine — this Homemade Peach Ice Cream recipe is everything a summer dessert should be. Whether you serve it solo or as part of a festive dessert table, one thing’s certain: this is the kind of treat that disappears fast.
Grab those peaches while they’re ripe and make a batch (or two) of this unforgettable frozen delight.
Craving more cool creations? Dive into our creamy dessert collection and keep the chill vibes going!
