There’s nothing quite like homemade peach ice cream made from fresh, ripe Georgia peaches. This recipe brings out the natural sweetness and juicy flavors of the peaches, combined with a creamy, rich base that makes for the perfect summertime treat. Whether you’re serving this at a family gathering or enjoying it on your porch on a hot afternoon, this ice cream is sure to be a hit with everyone. You can easily customize this recipe by adjusting the sweetness to your liking or adding a swirl of peach chunks for a delightful texture contrast. The fresh and fruity flavor of peaches, combined with the smooth creaminess of homemade ice cream, creates a refreshing dessert that will have you reaching for seconds.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 6 fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- In a medium bowl, combine the sliced peaches with 1/2 cup of sugar and lemon juice. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to release their juices.
- Puree the peaches in a blender until smooth.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, remaining sugar, and vanilla extract until the sugar dissolves.
- Stir in the peach puree and mix until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically for 20-25 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours or until firm.
Prep Time: 45 minutes | Churning Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours (includes freezing time)
Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Georgia Peach Homemade Ice Cream: A Sweet Taste of Southern Summer
When it comes to iconic summer desserts, few things embody the sweetness of the season quite like homemade peach ice cream. The juicy, fragrant peaches blend harmoniously with creamy ice cream to create a cool, refreshing dessert that’s hard to resist. While peach ice cream can be found in stores across the country, nothing quite compares to making it at home, especially when using fresh Georgia peaches, known for their exceptional sweetness and flavor.
A History of Peach Ice Cream
The history of ice cream stretches back to ancient civilizations, but fruit-flavored ice creams have always been a beloved variation. In the United States, peaches are especially significant to the southern states, particularly Georgia, where they have been grown commercially since the 19th century. Georgia peaches are known for their natural sweetness, making them ideal for desserts. Homemade peach ice cream became a popular summer treat in the South, enjoyed during family gatherings, church socials, and picnics. It was a way to make the most of the abundant summer fruit harvest, preserving the flavor of the peaches while keeping cool in the hot southern heat.
Today, peach ice cream remains a nostalgic and treasured dessert, symbolizing the simplicity and joy of summer. When made from scratch, it takes on an even more special quality—one that can evoke memories of lazy afternoons, warm breezes, and the scent of ripening fruit in the air.
Why Georgia Peaches?
Georgia peaches have earned their reputation as some of the best in the world due to the state’s warm climate, sandy soil, and expert cultivation practices. Peaches thrive in Georgia’s environment, developing a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. They are juicy, fragrant, and vibrantly colored, making them the star of many summer recipes. In fact, the Georgia peach is so beloved that it’s often referred to as the “queen of fruits” in the South.
The flavor of these peaches is what truly sets them apart in ice cream. When fresh peaches are puréed and combined with cream and sugar, their natural sweetness intensifies, creating a luxurious, smooth, and fruity ice cream. This recipe captures the essence of Georgia’s summer bounty, offering a delicious way to enjoy the season’s best produce.
Tips for Making the Best Homemade Peach Ice Cream
While this recipe is relatively simple, there are a few tips and tricks that can take your homemade peach ice cream to the next level:
- Choose Ripe Peaches: The quality of your peaches will make or break this recipe. Look for peaches that are fragrant, slightly soft to the touch, and free of bruises or blemishes. Overripe peaches can be used, as their sweetness will intensify during the freezing process, but avoid using underripe peaches as they can result in a less flavorful ice cream.
- Chill the Mixture: Before churning, it’s a good idea to let the peach and cream mixture chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This ensures that the ice cream base is cold enough to freeze properly, which helps to achieve a smooth texture.
- Add Peach Chunks: For added texture and bursts of peach flavor, consider reserving some of the fresh peaches and folding them into the ice cream after churning. The chunks will freeze but retain their sweetness, creating delightful peachy bites throughout the ice cream.
- Don’t Over-Churn: Over-churning your ice cream can lead to an icy or grainy texture. Keep an eye on your ice cream maker and stop churning as soon as the mixture reaches a soft-serve consistency. The ice cream will firm up further when you transfer it to the freezer.
- Experiment with Flavors: While the classic peach ice cream is delicious on its own, you can experiment by adding other flavors to the mix. A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can complement the peaches beautifully, while a swirl of caramel sauce can elevate the richness of the ice cream. You might also consider adding a touch of bourbon for an adult twist on this summer favorite.
Serving Suggestions
Homemade Georgia Peach Ice Cream is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Classic Scoop: Serve it in a bowl or cone for a simple yet satisfying dessert. The creamy texture and fruity flavor of the ice cream make it a perfect stand-alone treat.
- Ice Cream Sandwich: For a fun twist, sandwich the peach ice cream between two sugar cookies or snickerdoodles. The combination of sweet, soft cookies with the fruity ice cream creates a delightful contrast of textures.
- Peach Cobbler à la Mode: Take your peach cobbler to the next level by adding a scoop of peach ice cream on top. The double peach flavor is irresistible, and the cold ice cream melting over the warm cobbler is pure heaven.
- Milkshake: Blend a few scoops of the peach ice cream with some milk for a creamy peach milkshake. It’s a quick and delicious way to enjoy your homemade ice cream.
Storage and Freezing
Homemade ice cream doesn’t contain the preservatives that store-bought ice creams do, so it’s best enjoyed within a few days of making it. If you plan to store it longer, keep it in an airtight container in the freezer. To prevent ice crystals from forming, press a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container.
When you’re ready to serve, let the ice cream sit out at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. This makes it easier to scoop and ensures the texture is creamy and smooth.
A Peachy Summer Delight
Georgia Peach Homemade Ice Cream is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of summer’s sweetest flavors. Whether you’re making it for a backyard BBQ, a family picnic, or just to satisfy a craving, this ice cream brings together the best of summer’s bounty in a cool, refreshing treat. The balance of creamy, rich dairy and the natural sweetness of fresh peaches makes for a perfect dessert that everyone will love. Enjoy the taste of Georgia peaches all summer long with this easy and delicious homemade ice cream recipe!
