If you’re craving a luscious treat that sings of summer and feels like a hug in a bowl, then the Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. This ice cream is the perfect balance of velvety creaminess and vibrant strawberry sweetness, studded with fresh fruit pieces that burst with every bite. Whether you’re making it to cool down on a hot day or to impress friends with a homemade dessert, this recipe turns a handful of simple ingredients into a heavenly experience that’s both refreshing and satisfyingly rich.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in building that perfect texture, flavor, and beautiful color. Every element is easy to find, yet powerful enough to transform into a stunning homemade ice cream.
- Fresh strawberries (2 cups, hulled and chopped): The star fruit that gives the ice cream its fresh, natural sweetness and delightful texture in chunks.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup, divided): Sweetens the strawberries and the creamy base just right without overpowering the natural fruit flavor.
- Heavy cream (2 cups): Provides the rich, smooth mouthfeel that makes this ice cream luxuriously creamy.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Lightens the texture just enough, balancing richness and creaminess perfectly.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, subtle depth that enhances the strawberry’s natural flavor.
- Pinch of salt: Brings out sweetness and rounds out the overall flavor profile.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the strawberry notes and helps keep the color vibrant.
How to Make Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe
Step 1: Macerate the Strawberries
Start by tossing your chopped strawberries with a quarter cup of sugar and the lemon juice in a medium bowl. Letting them sit for 20 minutes allows the sugar to draw out their juices, creating a natural syrup that amplifies their flavor. Afterward, gently mash them a little with a fork to release even more of their juices — this step is key to infusing the base with authentic fresh fruit goodness.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Base
In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining half cup of sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisking here helps dissolve the sugar fully and ensures the base is smooth and velvety. This creamy mixture forms the foundation that complements the bright strawberries perfectly.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Stir the macerated strawberries and their beautiful, ruby-colored juices into the cream mixture until everything is evenly blended. Cover this magic mixture and place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you have the patience. Chilling deeply is essential because it helps the flavors meld and the base thicken slightly, setting you up for an amazing churn.
Step 4: Churn Your Ice Cream
Pour the well-chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which is typically about 20 to 25 minutes. During the last 5 minutes, toss in a few extra fresh strawberry chunks if you love that extra fruity texture. This final step ensures your ice cream is ultra creamy with delightful bursts of fresh strawberry in every spoonful.
Step 5: Freeze Until Perfect
Transfer your churned ice cream to an airtight container and pop it into the freezer for at least 4 hours. This freeze time solidifies the creaminess and enhances the texture, making your homemade treat scoopable and ready to enjoy whenever the craving hits.
How to Serve Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe
Garnishes
For an irresistible finishing touch, sprinkle a few chopped fresh strawberries on top or add a drizzle of strawberry syrup. A light dusting of crushed pistachios or a sprig of fresh mint provides a beautiful contrast in color and a subtle crunch, elevating the experience even further for your guests or family.
Side Dishes
This ice cream pairs wonderfully with a warm slice of pound cake or a buttery shortbread cookie to complement its creamy texture. Fresh berries or a scoop alongside a warm fruit cobbler also make lovely companions, balancing warm and cold sensations for an irresistible dessert duo.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe in clear glasses layered with crushed graham crackers for texture, or swirl some homemade strawberry jam on top for added color and zing. For a fun twist, try it served inside hollowed-out strawberries or waffle cones adorned with colorful sprinkles—presentation can make the dessert feel even more special and festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover ice cream can be kept in an airtight container in the freezer. It’s best to consume within a week to enjoy the freshest flavor and perfect creamy texture. Avoid frequent temperature changes to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Freezing
This ice cream freezes beautifully. When storing, press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface before sealing the container to help minimize ice crystal buildup. Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results before serving.
Reheating
Since this is a frozen treat, reheating isn’t needed, but if your ice cream becomes too hard, simply let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping. This brief softening time restores that perfect creamy texture and makes serving a breeze.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well if fresh ones are out of season. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well so they don’t add excess water to your ice cream, which can affect texture.
Do I need an ice cream maker to make this recipe?
While an ice cream maker delivers the best, creamiest texture, you can still enjoy this recipe without one by freezing the mixture in a shallow dish and stirring every 30 minutes until set to prevent large ice crystals.
How long can I store this ice cream in the freezer?
For optimal taste and texture, consume within one week. Storing it longer may cause ice crystals to form and the flavor to dull.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut cream and a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be different but still delicious.
What if I want a smoother ice cream without chunks?
Simply blend the macerated strawberries before combining them with the cream base. This creates a smooth, uniform mixture perfect for those who prefer no fruit pieces.
Final Thoughts
Making this Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe is such a rewarding way to celebrate the flavors of summer right in your own kitchen. The way the fresh strawberries mingle with that rich, velvety base creates a dessert that’s truly special and surprisingly simple to make. I can’t wait for you to scoop into this creamy delight and share it with friends and family. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will be on your dessert rotation all season long!
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Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy strawberry ice cream features fresh strawberry chunks folded into a luscious homemade base, offering a refreshing and naturally sweet summer dessert that’s easy to prepare with an ice cream maker.
Ingredients
Strawberries
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Additional fresh strawberry chunks (optional, for garnish)
Ice Cream Base
- ¾ cup granulated sugar, divided
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Macerate Strawberries: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped strawberries with ¼ cup of the sugar and lemon juice. Let them sit for 20 minutes to release their juices, then mash slightly with a fork to enhance the flavor and texture.
- Prepare Ice Cream Base: In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining ½ cup sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Stir the macerated strawberries and their juices into the ice cream base. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to ensure the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
- Churn Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually for 20 to 25 minutes, until it reaches a thick, creamy consistency.
- Add Fresh Chunks: In the last 5 minutes of churning, gently add a few extra fresh strawberry chunks if desired for added texture and bursts of fruitiness.
- Freeze Until Set: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours, allowing the ice cream to fully set before serving.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, blend the strawberries before adding them to the ice cream base.
- If fresh strawberries are unavailable, frozen strawberries can be used; simply thaw and drain them thoroughly before macerating.
- Be sure to chill the mixture well before churning to ensure optimal ice cream texture.
