This easy fresh Georgia peach ice cream is a sweet treat you’ll love! Made with ripe, juicy peaches, cream, and a pinch of sugar, it’s perfect for hot days.
Making this ice cream is as simple as mixing, freezing, and enjoying. Just be ready for the smiles when you serve it – who can resist a scoop of this peachy goodness? 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Georgia Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are key for the best flavor. If you can’t find Georgia peaches, any sweet variety will do. You can also use frozen peaches if fresh ones aren’t available, just be sure to thaw and drain excess juice.
Sugar: Granulated sugar enhances sweetness, but you can use honey or maple syrup for a natural option. Just remember, you might need to adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Heavy Cream & Whole Milk: These give the ice cream its creamy texture. If you’re looking for lighter options, consider using half-and-half or a non-dairy milk like coconut or almond milk. Just be aware that it may change the creaminess.
Vanilla Extract: This adds depth to the flavor. A good-quality vanilla extract is best, but you can swap it for vanilla bean paste or leave it out for a more focused peach flavor.
How Do You Achieve the Best Peach Flavor?
Getting the best flavor from your peaches is all about preparation. Macerating them with sugar helps draw out their natural juices and sweetness. Here’s how to do it right:
- Peel, pit, and slice the peaches into a bowl.
- Toss them with sugar and let them rest for 30 minutes. This enhances their sweetness and makes the ice cream taste more peachy.
- When pureeing, only blend half to keep some peach chunks for added texture in your ice cream.
Easy Fresh Georgia Peach Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 large ripe Georgia peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to enhance peach flavor)
Time Needed:
This delightful homemade peach ice cream will require about 30 minutes of preparation time and a few hours for freezing. In total, plan for around 2.5 hours before you can enjoy your creamy treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peaches:
Start by placing the sliced peaches in a bowl. Toss them gently with 1/2 cup of sugar and the lemon juice if you’re using it. Let the peaches sit for about 30 minutes. This step helps soften them and draws out their delicious juices, making them extra sweet!
2. Make the Peach Puree:
After your peaches have macerated, it’s time to puree! Use a blender or a food processor to puree half of the peaches until smooth. Leave the remaining peach slices chunky to add texture to your ice cream. Mix the pureed peaches with the chunks in a bowl.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
In a larger mixing bowl, whisk together the peach puree, the remaining peach slices, the other 1/2 cup of sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Keep whisking until the sugar is fully dissolved and everything is nicely combined. This mixture will be the base of your ice cream!
4. Churn the Ice Cream:
Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker. Churn it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve texture. Take a moment to admire that beautiful peach color!
5. Freeze to Firm Up:
Now it’s time to transfer your ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Smooth it out on top, cover it, and freeze for at least 2 hours. This allows the ice cream to firm up and be scoopable.
6. Serve & Enjoy:
Once your ice cream is ready, scoop it into bowls or glasses and get ready to indulge in the fresh, creamy peach flavor. It’s the perfect treat for enjoying on a hot day—or any day, really!
This easy fresh Georgia peach ice cream celebrates the sweet, juicy peaches and makes a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress family and friends. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Fresh Georgia Peach Ice Cream
Can I Use Different Types of Peaches?
Absolutely! While Georgia peaches are known for their sweetness, any ripe, juicy peach variety will work. If fresh peaches aren’t available, you can also use frozen peaches. Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before proceeding with the recipe.
How Can I Make This Ice Cream Dairy-Free?
You can easily make this recipe dairy-free by substituting the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut cream and almond milk or another plant-based milk of your choice. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the creaminess of the final product.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Homemade peach ice cream can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks, but for the best flavor and texture, try to enjoy it within one week! Make sure it’s in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Recipe?
Definitely! You can mix in additional fruits, such as chopped strawberries or blueberries, or swirl in some caramel or chocolate fudge before freezing. Just make sure not to overload the mixture to maintain the texture of the ice cream.
