There’s nothing quite like the taste of summer, and this Homemade Strawberry Ice cream captures it perfectly in every scoop. Forget the store-bought tubs; this recipe transforms a handful of simple ingredients into a vibrant, creamy dessert that bursts with the flavor of fresh, sun-ripened strawberries.

Imagine a velvety smooth, blush-pink ice cream that’s both refreshingly fruity and richly decadent. It’s the kind of treat that brings instant joy, whether you’re cooling off on a warm afternoon or serving it as the star dessert at a special gathering. Making it from scratch is not only easy but incredibly rewarding—each bite is a reminder of the simple pleasure of homemade goodness.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

Intense Strawberry Flavor: Using fresh strawberries is the secret to a bright, authentic taste that you just can’t get from artificial flavorings.
Incredibly Creamy Texture: The combination of cream and milk, churned to perfection, creates a luscious, smooth consistency that melts in your mouth.
Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: You only need a few basic ingredients—no long lists or hard-to-find additives.
A Show-Stopping Dessert: The beautiful, natural pink color makes it a stunning addition to any table, sure to impress friends and family.

Ingredients for a Creamy Delight

Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward creating this delightful dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:

Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show! Ripe, sweet berries will provide the best flavor and color.
Heavy Cream & Whole Milk: The essential duo for that rich, creamy, classic ice cream texture.
Granulated Sugar: To sweeten the base and enhance the natural sweetness of the strawberries.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla deepens the flavor and complements the fruit beautifully.
Lemon Juice: Just a touch to brighten the strawberry flavor and balance the sweetness.

How to Make Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries Begin by hulling and slicing your fresh strawberries. In a bowl, gently mash them with a portion of the sugar. This process, called macerating, draws out the natural juices and deepens their flavor. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Create the Ice Cream Base Once the strawberries are juicy, transfer them to a blender. Add the remaining sugar, cream, milk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Blend everything together until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Chill the Mixture For the creamiest results, it’s essential to chill the ice cream base thoroughly. Pour the mixture into an airtight container and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. A very cold base churns faster and produces a smoother texture.

Step 4: Churn to Perfection Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically for about 20-30 minutes. The ice cream is ready when it reaches a thick, soft-serve consistency.

Step 5: Freeze Until Firm Transfer the freshly churned soft-serve ice cream to a freezer-safe, airtight container (like a loaf pan covered tightly with plastic wrap). Freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until it’s firm enough to scoop.

Tips for Serving

Presentation makes every dessert feel more special. Scoop the firm ice cream into chilled bowls or crispy cones. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with a few fresh strawberry slices and a sprig of mint. The vibrant pink of the ice cream against the red berries and green mint is simply beautiful.

This homemade strawberry ice cream is perfect for summer picnics, family barbecues, or as a delightful end to any meal. Enjoy the incredible taste and creamy texture of your very own homemade treat!

Easy Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe

This strawberry ice cream is made with fresh strawberries, cream, and sugar, resulting in a rich and refreshing dessert. The preparation takes about 15 minutes, plus freezing time, and yields approximately 4 servings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 19

Cook Time 1

Churn Time 30

Servings 4 servings

Calories 253 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
3/4 cup granulated sugar divided
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

Prepare the Strawberries: In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of sugar. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to release their juices.
Blend the Mixture: In a blender or food processor, combine the macerated strawberries, remaining sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
Chill the Mixture: Refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour to ensure it’s cold before churning.
Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
Serve: Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy!