There’s something magical about homemade ice cream — especially when it’s bursting with the fresh, juicy sweetness of ripe peaches. Whether you’re enjoying it on a sunny afternoon or as a refreshing dessert after dinner, this easy peach ice cream recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Best of all, you don’t need complicated equipment or fancy ingredients to make it.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make peach ice cream at home step-by-step, plus tips for selecting the best peaches, customizing the flavor, and storing it so it stays creamy and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Peach Ice Cream Recipe
Making peach ice cream at home isn’t just about taste — it’s about control. You choose the ripest peaches, adjust the sweetness to your liking, and skip artificial flavors or preservatives. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Quick and simple – Ready for the freezer in under 30 minutes of prep.
- Uses fresh or frozen peaches – Works year-round.
- No ice cream machine required – Although you can use one if you have it.
- Customizable – Add spices, mix-ins, or even make it dairy-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the simple list of ingredients for the creamiest homemade peach ice cream.
- Peaches – 3 to 4 large ripe peaches (about 2 cups chopped)
- Heavy cream – 2 cups, for that rich, creamy texture
- Whole milk – 1 cup, to balance creaminess
- Granulated sugar – ¾ cup, adjust to taste
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon, for depth of flavor
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon, to brighten the peach flavor
- Salt – A pinch, to enhance sweetness
Tip: If you’re using frozen peaches, thaw them and drain excess liquid before blending.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Peaches
- Wash the peaches thoroughly.
- Peel the skins — you can blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then place in ice water to make peeling easier.
- Remove pits and chop into small pieces.
Optional: Reserve ½ cup of chopped peaches to fold in later for chunks in your ice cream.
Step 2: Make the Peach Puree
- Place the chopped peaches in a blender or food processor.
- Add lemon juice and ¼ cup of the sugar.
- Blend until smooth for a silky ice cream, or leave slightly chunky for texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Ice Cream Base
In a large mixing bowl:
- Whisk together heavy cream, milk, the remaining sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until sugar dissolves.
- Stir in the peach puree.
At this point, you’ll have a rich, peach-infused base ready for churning or freezing.
Step 4: Freeze the Ice Cream
If you have an ice cream maker:
- Pour the mixture into your machine and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually 20–25 minutes).
- Add the reserved peach chunks during the last 5 minutes of churning.
If you don’t have an ice cream maker:
- Pour the mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for 1 hour, then stir vigorously with a fork or hand mixer to break up ice crystals.
- Repeat every 30 minutes for about 3–4 hours until the texture is creamy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Scoop into bowls or cones.
- Garnish with fresh peach slices, a drizzle of honey, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Tips for the Best Peach Ice Cream
- Choose ripe peaches – The sweeter and more fragrant they are, the better the flavor.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice – It keeps the peach flavor bright and prevents browning.
- Chill the mixture before freezing – If you have time, refrigerate the peach base for 2–3 hours before freezing to improve texture.
- Use quality dairy – High-fat cream gives you a smoother result.
Flavor Variations
While the classic recipe is perfect on its own, you can easily customize it:
- Peach & Cinnamon Ice Cream – Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon to the base.
- Peach & Raspberry Swirl – Swirl in raspberry puree before freezing.
- Peach Cobbler Ice Cream – Fold in crushed graham crackers or shortbread cookies.
- Dairy-Free Peach Ice Cream – Replace cream and milk with coconut milk and reduce sugar slightly.
Storing Your Peach Ice Cream
Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed within one to two weeks for peak flavor and texture. Store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. To make scooping easier, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Easy Peach Ice Cream Recipe (Printable Version)
Servings: 6 | Prep Time: 20 mins | Chill Time: 3–4 hours
Ingredients:
- 3–4 ripe peaches (about 2 cups chopped)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Peel and chop peaches; reserve ½ cup for later if desired.
- Blend remaining peaches with lemon juice and ¼ cup sugar until smooth.
- In a bowl, whisk cream, milk, remaining sugar, vanilla, and salt until sugar dissolves. Stir in peach puree.
- Freeze using an ice cream maker, or follow the no-churn method described above.
- Fold in reserved peach chunks, freeze until firm, and serve.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
The secret to a great easy peach ice cream recipe lies in balancing fruitiness and creaminess. Too much peach puree without enough fat can make your ice cream icy rather than smooth. That’s why this recipe combines heavy cream (for richness) with milk (for lightness), plus sugar to enhance both sweetness and texture. The lemon juice is a quiet hero here — it keeps the peaches vibrant and the flavor fresh, even after freezing.