Peach Ice Cream Recipe: How to Make the Perfect Summer Dessert

When summer arrives and the sun starts to blaze, there’s nothing more satisfying than a scoop of creamy, fruity, and refreshing peach ice cream. This homemade peach ice cream recipe captures the sweet essence of ripe summer peaches in every bite, making it the perfect dessert for backyard barbecues, family gatherings, or simply cooling off on a hot day.

Whether you’re an ice cream enthusiast or a beginner in the kitchen, this guide will walk you through how to make peach ice cream from scratch — with options for using fresh or frozen peaches, and with or without an ice cream maker.

Why Peach Ice Cream Is a Summer Must-Have

Peach ice cream isn’t just delicious; it’s the definition of summer in a bowl.
Here’s why it deserves a spot on your dessert table:

• Seasonal flavor: Fresh peaches are at their peak in summer, offering natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Refreshing texture: Creamy ice cream combined with juicy fruit makes for the ultimate cool-down treat.
• Customizable: Add cinnamon, honey, or even bourbon for a unique twist.
• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients for Homemade Peach Ice Cream

For the best flavor, choose ripe peaches that are fragrant and slightly soft to the touch. If fresh peaches aren’t available, frozen peaches will work too — just make sure they’re thawed and well-drained.

You’ll need:

• 2 cups fresh peaches (peeled, pitted, and diced – about 4 medium peaches)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (divided)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to enhance flavor and prevent browning)

Optional add-ins:

• 1–2 tablespoons honey for extra sweetness
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon for a warm spice note
• A splash of bourbon for a Southern-style twist

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Peaches

1. Peel the peaches by briefly blanching them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transferring to ice water. The skins should slip off easily.
2. Dice the peeled peaches into small chunks.
3. In a medium bowl, toss peaches with ¼ cup sugar and lemon juice. Let them sit for 15–20 minutes to macerate. This draws out the juices and intensifies the flavor.

Step 2: Blend for the Base

You can choose how smooth you want your peach ice cream:

• For a smooth texture: Puree all the peaches in a blender or food processor until silky.
• For a chunky texture: Puree half the peaches and leave the other half as small chunks.

Step3: Make the Ice Cream Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, remaining ½ cup sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until the sugar dissolves.
2. Stir in the heavy cream and the pureed peaches (plus chunks if desired).
3. Taste the mixture — if you want it sweeter, add a bit more sugar or honey.

Step 4: Churn or No-Churn

• With an ice cream maker: Pour the mixture into your machine and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20–25 minutes.
• Without an ice cream maker: Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container, cover, and freeze. Every 30 minutes for the first 3 hours, stir vigorously with a fork or whisk to break up ice crystals and keep the texture creamy.

Step 5: Freeze and Serve

Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container. Freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
When ready to serve, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 minutes to soften slightly before scooping.

Tips for the Perfect Peach Ice Cream

• Use peak-season peaches: The riper and sweeter the fruit, the better the flavor.
• Balance sweetness: Taste your mixture before freezing; peaches vary in sweetness.
• Add mix-ins at the end: If adding nuts, chocolate chips, or cookie pieces, fold them in after churning to keep them intact.
• Keep it creamy: Using heavy cream ensures a rich, smooth texture that won’t get icy.

Flavor Variations to Try

Once you master the classic recipe, you can have fun experimenting:

1. Honey Cinnamon Peach Ice Cream – Add 2 tablespoons honey and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon to the mixture.
2. Bourbon Peach Ice Cream – Stir in 1–2 tablespoons bourbon before freezing for a Southern flair.
3. Peach and Raspberry Swirl – Layer in raspberry puree as you transfer the churned ice cream to its container.
4. Peach Cobbler Ice Cream – Fold in crumbled shortbread cookies or pie crust pieces for a cobbler-inspired treat.

Serving Suggestions

• In a waffle cone: Perfect for kids and sunny afternoons.
• With fresh peach slices: Double down on fruity flavor.
• On top of warm pie: Peach ice cream pairs beautifully with apple or berry pie.
• As an ice cream sandwich: Use soft sugar cookies for a sweet twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen peaches?
Yes! Just thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before pureeing or chopping.

2. How long does homemade peach ice cream last?
It’s best eaten within 1–2 weeks for peak freshness, but it can last up to a month in a sealed container.

3. Do I need an ice cream maker?
No. While an ice cream maker gives the creamiest results, the no-churn method works well if you stir the mixture regularly while freezing.

4. Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute coconut milk and coconut cream for the milk and heavy cream, and use a plant-based sweetener if desired.

Nutrition (Approximate per ½ cup serving)

• Calories: 210
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Protein: 3g
• Sugar: 20g

Final Thoughts

A homemade peach ice cream recipe is more than just dessert — it’s a scoop of sunshine, a taste of summer, and a reason to gather around the table with friends and family. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy this sweet, creamy treat all season long.

So grab those juicy peaches, pull out your ice cream maker (or just a freezer-safe bowl), and start churning. Your perfect summer dessert is just a few steps away!