This easy fresh Georgia peach ice cream is a summer treat you can’t resist! It’s creamy, fruity, and filled with sweet peach flavors, perfect for a hot day.
Making it is super simple—you just blend the peaches, mix in some cream, and freeze! I love serving it with a sprinkle of nuts on top for a crunchy twist. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Georgia Peaches: These are the star of the show! Their sweetness is unmatched. If you can’t find them, feel free to use any fresh peaches, nectarines, or even canned peaches in juice (drain them first).
Sugar: The recipe uses granulated sugar, but you can substitute it with brown sugar for a richer flavor or use honey or maple syrup. Just adjust the amount to taste, as these sweeteners can be sweeter than sugar.
Heavy Cream and Whole Milk: I recommend these for a rich, creamy texture. You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version, but your ice cream may be less creamy.
Lemon Juice: This brightens the peach flavor. If you’re out of lemons, lime juice works too—just keep the tanginess in mind!
How Do You Get the Perfect Ice Cream Consistency?
Achieving the right texture with ice cream is all about mixing and freezing properly. Here are a few tips:
- Macerating the peaches allows their juices to come out, enhancing the flavor. Don’t skip this step!
- Pureeing half of the peaches gives a smooth base, while chopped peaches add chunks for texture. Aim for a mix of both!
- Churning the mixture in an ice cream maker incorporates air. If you don’t have one, pour the mix into a container and stir every 30 minutes during freezing to break up ice crystals.
With these tips and adjustments, your ice cream should turn out delicious and creamy every time! Enjoy making it!
Easy Fresh Georgia Peach Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 ripe Georgia peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus at least 4 hours to freeze the ice cream until firm. So, you can make it in the morning and enjoy it later after a little wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peaches:
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced peaches with 1/4 cup of sugar and lemon juice. Stir everything gently and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. This will help the peaches release their juices, making a nice syrupy mixture.
2. Blend the Peaches:
Now, take half of the macerated peaches (including some of that yummy juice) and put them in a blender or food processor. Puree them until smooth. For added texture, chop the rest of the peaches into small chunks and set them aside.
3. Mix the Ice Cream Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peach puree, chopped peach pieces, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until the sugar has dissolved completely. Your ice cream base should be creamy and delicious at this point!
4. Churn the Mixture:
Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes. The mixture should get thick and have a soft-serve consistency.
5. Freeze the Ice Cream:
Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Spread it evenly, and cover it well. Freeze it for at least 4 hours, or until it’s firm and scoopable.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your ice cream is ready, scoop it into bowls or sundae glasses. You can garnish with fresh peach slices or a sprig of mint if you like. Enjoy the creamy, fresh flavors of your homemade Georgia peach ice cream!
Delight in those fruity swirls and share this treat with friends and family. It’s the perfect summer dessert!
FAQ for Easy Fresh Georgia Peach Ice Cream
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! If using frozen peaches, be sure to thaw them completely first. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture before proceeding with the recipe. This will help maintain the right texture in your ice cream.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
You can substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut cream and almond or oat milk. Make sure to use a dairy-free vanilla extract too! The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
How Should I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It’s best enjoyed within 1-2 weeks, but it can last longer. If it gets hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping for easier serving.
Can I Use Other Fruits?
Absolutely! This recipe works great with other fruits like strawberries, mangoes, or blueberries. Just adjust the sugar level according to the sweetness of the fruit you choose!