There’s nothing quite like a bowl of creamy, homemade peach ice cream on a hot summer day. Sweet, ripe peaches blended into a smooth custard base give this frozen treat its signature flavor — fresh, fruity, and delightfully nostalgic. This recipe combines the richness of traditional American ice cream with the natural sweetness of summer peaches, making it perfect for family gatherings, barbecues, or a cozy dessert at home.
Ingredients
- 3 large ripe peaches (about 1½ pounds), peeled, pitted, and chopped
- ¾ cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the peaches:
In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped peaches, ¼ cup sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peaches are soft and syrupy. Remove from heat and allow them to cool slightly. Puree about half the mixture in a blender, leaving the other half chunky for texture. Set aside to chill. - Make the custard base:
In a separate saucepan, heat the milk, cream, and half of the remaining sugar over medium heat until the mixture begins to steam — do not let it boil. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the rest of the sugar until pale and thick. Gradually add a small amount of the hot cream mixture to the yolks, whisking constantly to temper them. Then slowly pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan. - Cook the custard:
Continue to cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 170°F). Do not let it boil. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and salt, and strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. - Combine and chill:
Stir in the peach puree and peach chunks. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours or overnight until completely cold. - Freeze the ice cream:
Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (typically 20–25 minutes). Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 3–4 hours until firm.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this peach ice cream in waffle cones or bowls, topped with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of crushed almonds. For a Southern twist, pair it with warm peach cobbler or butter biscuits. Every spoonful captures the essence of summer — creamy, fruity, and utterly irresistible.