Prepare to fall head over heels for Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks. This summery treat is the stuff of childhood dreams: a cloud-soft, ultra-silky ice cream that bursts with real strawberry flavor thanks to generous pockets of juicy fruit in every bite. Each scoop showcases the irresistible pairing of billowy cream and tart-sweet berries, tied together with a gentle hint of vanilla. Whether you’re cooling off on a hot day or hosting a joyful gathering, this homemade dessert makes every occasion feel extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, top-notch ingredients are the secret behind truly wonderful Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks. Each component serves a delightful purpose—building a foundation of luscious texture and authentic flavor that’s nearly impossible to resist.
- Heavy Cream: Brings decadent richness and that dreamy, smooth consistency every great ice cream needs.
- Whole Milk: Balances the cream for perfect texture and helps keep things light and scoopable.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the ice cream and is key to creating a soft, creamy scoop.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds aromatic warmth, tying together the flavors of cream and strawberries beautifully.
- Fresh Strawberries: The star ingredient—use ripe, juicy berries for the boldest flavor and brightest color.
- Lemon Juice: A splash enhances the strawberries’ tangy notes and prevents the fruit from turning dull.
- Salt: Just a pinch makes all the other flavors shine by balancing sweetness and amplifying richness.
How to Make Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks
Step 1: Macerate the Strawberries
Start by mixing your chopped strawberries with lemon juice and a portion of the sugar. Letting this mixture rest for 20 minutes allows the berries to release all their intensely fruity juices, lending vivid strawberry flavor to every spoonful. Once softened, gently mash them—keep plenty of chunks for that signature texture!
Step 2: Whisk the Creamy Base
While the berries are soaking, grab a separate bowl and whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, remaining sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. You’re looking for a smooth blend where the sugar fully dissolves, setting you up for an impossibly creamy ice cream base.
Step 3: Combine and Infuse the Flavor
Now comes the magic! Stir the mashed strawberries and their sweet juices into your cream mixture, making sure every bit of fruit is evenly distributed. This ensures that both the bright summery flavor and those irresistible fresh chunks end up in every scoop.
Step 4: Churn to Perfection
Pour the blended mixture into your ice cream maker and let it churn according to the manufacturer’s directions—typically 20 to 25 minutes. Watch as the mixture transforms into a thick, velvety-soft treat with Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks swirling through.
Step 5: Freeze Until Firm
Once churned, spoon the ice cream into a lidded freezer container. For that iconic scoopable consistency, let it firm up in the freezer for at least 4 hours. Each bite will be cold, creamy, and generously studded with juicy berry bits.
How to Serve Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks
Garnishes
Top each bowl with a flourish: think extra fresh strawberry slices, a dusting of crushed graham crackers, or even a drizzle of homemade strawberry sauce. Whipped cream and mint leaves turn it into a picture-perfect summer sundae.
Side Dishes
Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks makes a sensational pairing with shortbread cookies, crisp waffle cones, or buttery pound cake. Try serving alongside a stack of warm, fresh crepes or crispy meringues for an unforgettable dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off those glorious pink swirls by scooping into vintage coupe glasses or mason jars. Layer with crushed cookies and more fresh fruit for a fun parfait, or pile a scoop between two soft sugar cookies for the ultimate ice cream sandwich. A platter full of mini cones makes party guests swoon!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks in a tightly sealed, freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn and preserve its luscious texture. Press a layer of parchment or wax paper directly onto the surface to help keep it ultra-fresh.
Freezing
This ice cream stays delicious for up to two weeks in the freezer. The flavor actually deepens over time, though for the best texture and bright strawberry taste, enjoy within the first week.
Reheating
No actual reheating needed, but if the ice cream is too firm straight from the freezer, simply let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes. This makes it easier to scoop and brings out all those silky, creamy notes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well—just be sure to thaw and drain them first to prevent excess water and icy texture in your Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks.
Do I need an ice cream maker for this recipe?
While an ice cream maker delivers the silkiest results, you can also make this with the no-churn method by whipping the cream first, combining with other ingredients, and freezing—though you may forfeit some of the classic creamy texture.
How can I intensify the strawberry flavor?
For an even fruitier punch, blend half the strawberries and mix them into the cream base before churning, leaving the rest in juicy chunks for the best of both worlds.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the cream and milk for full-fat coconut milk or a rich non-dairy substitute, and use plant-based yogurt for extra body. Just note the flavor and creaminess may vary slightly from the original Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks.
Why is there lemon juice in the recipe?
Lemon juice brightens the berries, intensifying their flavor and keeping their color vibrant. It’s a small touch that really makes Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks pop both visually and on the palate.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a showstopping summer treat, you simply have to try Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks. Each spoonful is bursting with nostalgia and fresh, creamy delight—homemade happiness at its very best. Gather your ingredients and get ready to share the joy!
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Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the luscious delight of homemade Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks. This recipe combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with rich cream for a decadent frozen treat.
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Mix:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Mix: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, lemon juice, and 1/4 cup of the sugar. Let sit for 20 minutes, then mash slightly with a fork or potato masher to release juices, leaving some chunks.
- Make the Ice Cream Base: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, remaining sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the sugar is dissolved. Stir in the mashed strawberries and their juices.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20–25 minutes.
- Freeze and Serve: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm. Scoop and serve as desired.
Notes
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, blend half the strawberries and mix into the base before churning.
- You can also fold in extra fresh chunks just before freezing for added texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook, Churned
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
