Old Fashioned Peach Ice Cream
This Old Fashioned Peach Ice Cream recipe brings together the natural sweetness of ripe peaches and the creamy richness of a homemade custard base, creating a dessert that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious. With fresh, simple ingredients and a step-by-step process that’s easy to follow, you’ll enjoy making this ice cream from scratch and savoring every creamy, fruity bite. Perfect for summer gatherings or a quiet treat at home, this homemade peach ice cream is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Equipment
- Ice cream maker (optional, 1)
- Medium Saucepan – 1
- Mixing Bowl – 1
- Whisk (1)
- Wooden spoon (1)
- Thermometer (optional, for custard) – 1
- Freezer-Safe Container: 1
Ingredients
- Peaches – 4-5 large peeled and chopped
- Granulated sugar – 1 cup 200g
- Heavy cream – 2 cups 480ml
- Whole milk – 1 cup 240ml
- Egg yolks – 4 large
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon 5ml
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon 1g
Instructions
Prepare the Peaches:
- Peel, pit, and chop the peaches into small chunks. Optionally, mash the peaches slightly with a fork or potato masher to release their juices. Let the peaches sit with a sprinkle of sugar for 10-15 minutes to bring out their sweetness.
Make the Custard Base:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream and whole milk over medium heat until warm (but not boiling). In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until pale and slightly thickened. Gradually pour a little of the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks to temper them, stirring constantly. Then, return the egg mixture to the saucepan, and cook on medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the custard thickens and coats the back of the spoon (about 170°F or 77°C). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt. Let the custard cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
Combine Peaches with Custard:
- Once the custard has chilled, stir in the prepared peaches. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness if needed.
Churn the Ice Cream:
- Pour the custard-peach mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, about 20-25 minutes until it reaches soft-serve consistency.If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe dish and stir every 30 minutes for 2-3 hours to break up ice crystals.
Freeze to Firm Up:
- Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up before serving.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones, and enjoy the creamy, fruity goodness of your homemade peach ice cream!
Notes
- Peach Variety: Choose ripe, sweet peaches for the best flavor. If they’re not in season, frozen peaches work as a substitute. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using.
- Churn Time: Churning time can vary based on the type of ice cream maker used. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure optimal texture.
- Customization: Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique twist. You can also add nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture.
- Storage: Store leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 weeks. Let it soften a bit before serving, as homemade ice cream tends to harden more than store-bought varieties.