Dreamy Homemade Classic Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe

Summer’s golden rays call for a delightful strawberry ice cream recipe that dances with sweet, creamy perfection.

Fresh, ripe strawberries blend seamlessly into this classic strawberry ice cream, creating a dessert that captures pure seasonal joy.

Each spoonful whispers memories of sun-drenched berry patches and leisurely afternoons.

The vibrant red hue promises an explosion of natural strawberry flavor that melts smoothly on your tongue.

Homemade ice cream always tastes more decadent than store-bought versions, with rich, fresh ingredients making all the difference.

Simple techniques and common kitchen tools turn ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dessert.

You’ll fall in love with this irresistible frozen treat that brings pure happiness to every bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 334 kcal

Servings: 5

Classic Strawberry Ice Cream – What You’ll Need

• Strawberries: Sweet summer stars that bring vibrant color and natural fruity punch; choose ripe, deep red berries with glossy surfaces and no soft spots.
• Granulated Sugar: Magical sweetener that helps strawberries release their juices and enhances overall flavor; look for fine, pure white crystals.
• Lemon Juice: Bright acidic component that balances sweetness and prevents fruit from browning; select fresh, fragrant lemons with smooth skin.

• Heavy Cream: Rich, luxurious base that creates smooth, creamy texture; opt for high-butterfat content for maximum indulgence.
• Whole Milk: Adds silky consistency and softens cream's intensity; choose fresh, locally sourced milk for best results.
• Vanilla Extract: Aromatic enhancer that deepens flavor complexity; select pure extract with genuine vanilla bean notes.

• Plastic Wrap: Protective barrier preventing unwanted ice crystal formation; ensure it directly touches ice cream surface.
• Airtight Container: Safe storage vessel maintaining ice cream's perfect texture and preventing freezer odors.

Tools for Churning Classic Strawberry Ice Cream

• Ice Cream Maker: Essential for churning the mixture into smooth, creamy ice cream.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining cream, milk, and strawberry mixture.
• Medium Bowl: Great for macerating and preparing strawberries.
• Fork or Blender: Helps mash or puree strawberries to desired texture.
• Whisk: Ideal for blending ingredients smoothly.
• Airtight Container: Necessary for freezing and storing the finished ice cream.
• Plastic Wrap: Prevents ice crystals from forming on the surface.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Scooper: Makes serving the ice cream easy and fun.

Making Classic Strawberry Ice Cream Step-by-Step

• Strawberry Preparation

Slice fresh strawberries and let them sit with sugar to release natural sweetness. Crush berries into a smooth or chunky texture based on personal preference.

• Base Creation

Blend cream, milk, and vanilla into a silky mixture, combining with strawberry blend until perfectly incorporated.

• Cooling Period

Refrigerate the mixture until thoroughly chilled, allowing flavors to meld and develop rich depth.

• Churning Magic

Pour chilled mixture into ice cream maker and transform into creamy, soft texture through gentle spinning.

• Freezing Stage

Transfer churned cream into sealed container, protecting surface with wrap to maintain smooth consistency. Allow to solidify in freezer until perfectly scoopable.

• Delightful Serving

Scoop into favorite bowl or crisp cone, ready to enjoy summer’s sweetest treat.

Strawberry Ice Cream Flavor Add-Ins & Tricks

• Decide between chunky mashed or silky smooth pureed strawberries depending on your preferred mouthfeel and personal preference.
• Add a splash of strawberry liqueur or balsamic vinegar during maceration to enhance the fruit's natural sweetness and create deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
• Fold in chopped dark chocolate, toasted almonds, or crushed shortbread cookies just before final freezing to introduce exciting textural contrasts and unexpected taste dimensions.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a vegan version or use half-and-half for a lighter, less rich ice cream that still maintains delicious creamy consistency.
• Store homemade ice cream in the coldest part of your freezer, always sealed tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal texture for up to two weeks.

Scoop and Serve Classic Strawberry Ice Cream

• Garnish with Fresh Berries: Top each scoop with a handful of sliced fresh strawberries for a burst of color and extra fruity flavor.
• Pair with Crispy Companions: Serve alongside crunchy sugar cookies or delicate shortbread to add textural contrast to the creamy ice cream.
• Create a Decadent Sundae: Layer the strawberry ice cream with whipped cream, drizzle with chocolate sauce, and sprinkle crushed almonds for an indulgent dessert experience.
• Craft a Summer Dessert Platter: Arrange the ice cream with complementary summer fruits like peaches, raspberries, and blueberries to create a vibrant and refreshing presentation.

Keeping Classic Strawberry Ice Cream Fresh

• Optimize Ice Cream Storage: Keep homemade strawberry ice cream in a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn. Seal tightly after each use.
• Freeze for Maximum Enjoyment: Store the ice cream in the coldest part of your freezer, typically the back, where temperature remains most consistent. Consume within 1-2 weeks for best flavor and texture.
• Prevent Crystallization Tricks: Press plastic wrap directly onto the ice cream surface before sealing the container. This barrier blocks air exposure, reducing unwanted ice crystal formation and maintaining smooth consistency.
• Quick Thawing Technique: Remove the ice cream from the freezer 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly. This allows easier scooping and enhances the creamy texture, making each bite more delightful.

Velvety Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sweet summer memories come alive with classic strawberry ice cream, blending fresh berries and creamy dairy into a delightful dessert. Homemade flavors invite cool comfort, welcoming you to savor each luscious spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (473 ml / 16 fl oz) heavy cream
• 1 cup (237 ml / 8 fl oz) whole milk
• 1 pound (454 g / 16 oz) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ¾ cup (150 g / 5.3 oz) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) lemon juice
• 1 tsp (5 ml / 0.17 fl oz) vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Strawberry Preparation: Macerate ripe strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice for 30 minutes, allowing natural juices to intensify and sweeten the fruit.
2. Fruit Processing: Crush strawberries using a potato masher or food processor to create either a chunky or smooth texture.
3. Cream Base Creation: Whisk heavy cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract together until completely blended, creating a smooth and rich foundation.
4. Flavor Fusion: Incorporate the macerated strawberry mixture into the cream base, ensuring an even distribution of fruit throughout the liquid.
5. Chilling Phase: Refrigerate the combined mixture for 2-3 hours or overnight, enabling flavors to harmonize and develop a deep, complex profile.
6. Churning Process: Transfer the chilled mixture to an ice cream maker and churn for 20-25 minutes until achieving a soft, creamy consistency.
7. Freezing and Setting: Pour the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container, smooth the surface, and cover with plastic wrap to prevent ice crystal formation. Freeze for 4-6 hours until the ice cream reaches a perfect scoopable texture.
8. Serving Suggestion: Present the ice cream in chilled bowls or crisp waffle cones, optionally garnishing with fresh strawberry slices for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Fruit Maceration Magic: Let strawberries sit with sugar and lemon juice to unlock deeper, more intense sweet-tart flavors that elevate the entire ice cream experience.
• Texture Control Tip: Choose between chunky or smooth strawberry consistency by adjusting mashing technique, allowing personalized preference in every batch.
• Chill for Perfection: Refrigerating the mixture overnight helps ingredients harmonize, creating a more robust and balanced flavor profile.
• Crystal-Free Serving: Press plastic wrap directly onto ice cream surface before freezing to prevent unwanted ice crystals and maintain smooth, creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks, Drinks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 334
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 38 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg