If you are looking for a dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite, you have to try this Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe. It is a luscious, velvety treat bursting with juicy strawberry pieces that offer the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. This homemade ice cream is not only refreshingly cool but also packed with the natural goodness of fresh fruit, making it an irresistible indulgence you’ll want to share with family and friends on a warm day or anytime you crave a classic, fruity dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe lies in its simple, carefully chosen ingredients. Each element plays a vital role in creating that silky texture, vibrant color, and intense strawberry flavor that make this ice cream truly special.
- Fresh strawberries (2 cups, hulled and chopped): The heart of the recipe—provides natural sweetness and those delightful fresh chunks.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup, divided): Sweetens the ice cream while helping macerate the strawberries to release their juices.
- Heavy cream (2 cups): Adds richness and that ultra-creamy mouthfeel that ice cream lovers crave.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Balances the creaminess with a lighter dairy note, ensuring the perfect texture.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic undertones.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the strawberries and intensifies their natural flavor.
- Pinch of salt: Just a touch to elevate all the sweet and fruity flavors.
How to Make Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe
Step 1: Macerate the Strawberries
Start by placing the chopped strawberries in a bowl and mixing them with ¼ cup of granulated sugar and the fresh lemon juice. Allow this mixture to sit for 20 to 30 minutes. This maceration gently softens the strawberries, drawing out their natural juices and creating a syrupy base that’s bursting with flavor. Before moving on, mash the strawberries slightly but carefully leave some chunks for texture in your ice cream.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Base
In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining ½ cup of sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. It’s important to whisk until the sugar completely dissolves because a smooth, sweetened base ensures each spoonful is perfectly creamy and balanced.
Step 3: Combine Strawberry Mixture and Cream Base
Gently stir the mashed strawberry mixture into the cream base, making sure the fresh chunks and vibrant juices are evenly distributed. This is where your ice cream starts to come to life, blending fruity freshness with that irresistibly creamy texture.
Step 4: Churn the Ice Cream
Pour the combined mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically for 20 to 25 minutes. This step aerates the mixture, giving the ice cream its light and fluffy texture while freezing it to the perfect consistency.
Step 5: Freeze Until Firm
Transfer the churned ice cream to a lidded container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until it becomes firm enough to scoop. This final freezing step helps develop the classic dense creaminess you expect from homemade ice cream, making every bite pure pleasure.
How to Serve Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this ice cream with fresh garnishes elevates the experience even more. Try topping each scoop with a few whole strawberries or a sprinkle of finely chopped mint leaves for a burst of color and freshness. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or white chocolate shavings can add an unexpected but delightful twist.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe pairs perfectly with light desserts like berry cobblers or angel food cake. You can also serve it alongside crisp homemade waffle cones or crunchy biscotti for a fun contrast in texture that adds a bit of excitement to every spoonful.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try layering this ice cream in a parfait glass with crushed graham crackers and whipped cream, creating a visually stunning and delicious strawberry treat. You can also sandwich it between two soft, vanilla-flavored cookies for a delightful ice cream sandwich that kids and adults will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store your ice cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and preserve its creamy texture. It’s best to keep it in the coldest part of your freezer and enjoy within a week or two for peak freshness.
Freezing
Made extra ahead of time? No worries. You can freeze this ice cream for up to a month without compromising flavor or texture. Just be sure to cover the surface with plastic wrap before sealing the container to avoid ice crystals forming on top.
Reheating
Unlike savory leftovers, ice cream is best enjoyed cold! If it hardens too much in the freezer, let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping to soften just enough for the perfect scoopability without melting away the creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries give you the best texture and flavor, you can use thawed frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just be aware that frozen berries release more water, which might slightly affect the consistency. Adjust maceration time accordingly.
Do I need an ice cream maker for this recipe?
Yes, an ice cream maker is recommended to churn the mixture and achieve that creamy texture typical of homemade ice cream. However, if you don’t have one, you can try freezing the mixture in a container and stirring every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals, though the texture will be less smooth.
Can I add other berries to this recipe?
Absolutely! This Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe is versatile—adding raspberries or blueberries can create a delightful mixed berry ice cream with layers of flavor and color.
How long does it take to soak the strawberries?
The strawberries should macerate for 20 to 30 minutes to release their juices fully. This step is crucial for bringing out that juicy sweetness without turning the strawberries into mush.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This recipe uses only vegetarian ingredients like dairy and fresh fruit, making it a delicious option for anyone following a vegetarian diet.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe is truly a gem that brings pure joy in every creamy, fruity bite. It’s simple enough to make at home yet impressive enough to serve at your next gathering or family dinner. I encourage you to give it a try and discover how fresh strawberries combined with a rich, velvety base can create one of the most satisfying desserts you’ll ever taste.
Print
Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy strawberry ice cream with fresh chunks is a delightful homemade treat perfect for summer. Made with fresh strawberries, rich cream, and a hint of vanilla, this dessert combines the natural sweetness of fruit with a smooth, velvety texture. The strawberries are macerated to enhance their flavor and mixed into a luscious ice cream base before being churned to perfection.
Ingredients
Strawberry Mixture
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Ice Cream Base
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Macerate the Strawberries: Place the chopped strawberries in a bowl and mix with ¼ cup of sugar and the lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for 20–30 minutes to macerate, which softens the strawberries and releases their juices. After this time, gently mash the strawberries a little to release more juice while leaving some chunks intact for added texture.
- Prepare the 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. Continue whisking until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Add the mashed strawberry mixture, including the juices and chunks, into the ice cream base. Stir gently to evenly incorporate the strawberries throughout the cream mixture.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the mixed ice cream base into an ice cream maker. Churn the mixture according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which typically takes about 20–25 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze Until Firm: Transfer the churned ice cream into a lidded container. Place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until it hardens fully to a scoopable consistency.
- Serve: Scoop the creamy strawberry ice cream into bowls or cones. Optionally, garnish with additional fresh strawberries for a fresh, fruity finish.
Notes
- For a deeper, more concentrated strawberry flavor, roast the strawberries at 375°F for 20 minutes before macerating them.
- Substitute some of the strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a delicious mixed berry variation.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
