If you’re dreaming of the perfect summer treat that’s both luxuriously smooth and packed with bursts of fruity freshness, this Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine velvety, homemade ice cream swirled with vibrant, juicy strawberries, creating an irresistible harmony of rich creaminess and delightful texture that will have you coming back for seconds. This recipe captures the essence of fresh strawberries in every bite while maintaining that dreamy ice cream softness, making it a standout dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create an extraordinary flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s building the creamy base, adding natural sweetness, or infusing that fresh strawberry essence.
- Fresh strawberries (1 ½ cups, hulled and diced): These are the star of the recipe, bringing brightness and natural sweetness alongside beautiful chunks.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon for strawberries): A little sugar helps macerate the strawberries, drawing out their juices and amplifying their flavor.
- Heavy cream (2 cups): This creates the rich, creamy texture crucial to homemade ice cream’s indulgent mouthfeel.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Adds creaminess while balancing the richness of the heavy cream for a smooth finish.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup for ice cream base): Sweetens the base evenly without overpowering the strawberries.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth, enhancing both the creaminess and strawberry flavor.
- Pinch of salt: Just a touch to accentuate the sweetness and round out the flavors.
How to Make Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Begin by tossing the diced fresh strawberries with a tablespoon of granulated sugar in a small bowl. Let them sit for 15 to 20 minutes. This simple step, called macerating, softens the berries and releases their natural juices, intensifying their vibrant flavor and ensuring juicy chunks throughout the ice cream.
Step 2: Make the Ice Cream Base
While the strawberries are doing their magic, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Whisk just until the sugar dissolves. This creates the smooth, sweet canvas that the strawberries will shine upon.
Step 3: Puree the Strawberries
Once your strawberries have macerated, pour them into a blender or food processor and pulse briefly to puree most of the berries but leave some chunks behind. This balance between smooth puree and fresh chunks will make each spoonful delightfully textured and flavorful.
Step 4: Combine the Strawberry Puree with the Base
Gently fold your strawberry puree into the ice cream base, mixing until everything is beautifully combined. For those extra strawberry bites, stir in any leftover strawberry chunks you reserved, ensuring that fabulous fresh fruit pops up throughout the ice cream.
Step 5: Churn the Ice Cream
Pour the strawberry-cream mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20 to 25 minutes. During this time, the mixture thickens wonderfully, developing that luscious creamy consistency that defines this Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe.
Step 6: Freeze the Ice Cream
Once churned, transfer your ice cream to an airtight container and freeze it for a minimum of 4 hours. This step helps the ice cream firm up without losing that softness that makes homemade ice cream so irresistible.
Step 7: Serve
When you’re ready, scoop out generous portions of this homemade delight and dive right in. The Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, with its rich, smooth base studded with juicy strawberry chunks that make every bite sing.
How to Serve Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe by adding fresh strawberry slices or a sprig of mint on top. A drizzle of strawberry sauce or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios adds texture and a burst of flavor that makes the presentation as delightful as the taste.
Side Dishes
This ice cream pairs beautifully with light desserts like angel food cake, warm berry cobbler, or a crisp shortbread cookie. Its creamy richness provides the perfect balance to slightly tart or crunchy accompaniments, making it versatile for many dessert menus.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the ice cream in hollowed-out strawberries or waffle cones for a charming twist. Layer it in parfait glasses with whipped cream and fresh berries, or make mini ice cream sandwiches with buttery cookies—there are endless ways to showcase your homemade Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the coldest part of your freezer. Make sure to press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals from forming, keeping your ice cream fresh and creamy for days.
Freezing
The ice cream is best enjoyed within one to two weeks of freezing to maintain its creamy texture and fresh flavor. Freezing it longer might lead to ice crystallization, which can dull that perfect consistency you achieved.
Reheating
No need to reheat! Instead, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5 to 10 minutes before scooping if it’s too hard. This short wait softens the ice cream just enough so you can scoop out those luscious creamy bites effortlessly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
While fresh strawberries are preferred for the best texture and flavor in the Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw them fully and drain any excess liquid before macerating to avoid extra water in your ice cream.
Do I need an ice cream maker to make this recipe?
Using an ice cream maker yields the creamiest results by properly churning and aerating the mixture. However, if you don’t have one, you can place the mixture in a shallow container and freeze it, stirring vigorously every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals until smooth and firm.
How can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version of this Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe, substitute heavy cream and milk with coconut cream and a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Use a sweetener that suits your diet, and the result will be just as creamy and delightful.
Why are the strawberry chunks important?
The fresh strawberry chunks add a wonderful contrast to the smooth and creamy texture of the ice cream base. They burst with natural sweetness and acidity, offering a refreshing surprise in every bite that truly elevates this recipe.
Can I prepare the strawberry puree ahead of time?
Yes! You can macerate and puree the strawberries a day in advance and keep them refrigerated. When ready to make the ice cream, simply combine with the chilled base. This can even deepen the strawberry flavor, making your dessert even more delicious.
Final Thoughts
Making this Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe is like capturing summer in a bowl. It’s the perfect blend of rich, velvety cream and the sweet burst of fresh strawberries that warms both heart and palate. Trust me, once you try this homemade version, you’ll wonder how you ever settled for store-bought. So grab those beautiful berries and get churning—you’re in for the sweetest reward!
Print
Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy strawberry ice cream combines fresh, macerated strawberries with a rich, smooth ice cream base for a delightful, homemade frozen treat. The fresh chunks of strawberry provide a burst of fruity texture throughout the luscious cream, making it a perfect dessert to enjoy on warm days or any time you crave a sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
Strawberries
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for the strawberries)
Ice Cream Base
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (for the ice cream base)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: In a small bowl, toss the diced strawberries with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes to macerate, which helps release their juices and intensify their flavor.
- Make the Ice Cream Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, ¾ cup of sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Puree the Strawberries: After the strawberries have macerated, use a blender or food processor to puree them, being careful to leave a few chunks for added texture. Adjust chunkiness based on your preference.
- Combine the Strawberry Puree with the Base: Stir the strawberry puree into the ice cream base. For extra strawberry texture, add any remaining chunks to the mixture.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the combined mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually around 20-25 minutes, until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.
- Freeze the Ice Cream: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until it hardens to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Scoop and serve the creamy strawberry ice cream with fresh strawberry chunks. Enjoy this refreshing and fruity homemade dessert!
Notes
- For best results, use ripe, fresh strawberries to maximize sweetness and flavor.
- You can adjust the sugar amount to taste, especially if your strawberries are naturally very sweet.
- Allow the ice cream to soften slightly at room temperature before scooping for easier serving.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can freeze the mixture in a shallow container, stirring every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals until smooth and creamy.
- Store leftovers in a tightly sealed container to prevent ice crystals and preserve flavor.
