South Carolina Homemade Peach Ice Cream is a delicious summer treat that captures the sweet, juicy flavors of ripe peaches. This homemade ice cream recipe combines fresh peaches, cream, and vanilla to create a creamy and refreshing dessert that is perfect for hot days. The addition of lemon juice enhances the natural flavor of the peaches, while the cream and milk create a smooth and luscious texture. Let’s dive into how to make this classic Southern ice cream.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups ripe peaches, peeled and chopped (choose peaches that are in season for the best flavor)
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided (for sweetness and texture)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to balance the sweetness and enhance the peach flavor)
- 2 cups heavy cream (creates a rich and creamy base)
- 1 cup whole milk (helps achieve the perfect texture and richness)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (adds depth of flavor)
- Pinch of salt (balances the sweetness)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peaches:
- Begin by peeling and chopping 3 cups of ripe peaches. The peaches should be soft and juicy for the best flavor.
- Place the chopped peaches in a bowl and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of sugar. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and stir to combine.
- Allow the peaches to macerate for about 30 minutes. This process helps to soften the fruit and release its natural juices.
2. Blend the Peaches:
- Once the peaches have macerated, transfer them to a blender or food processor. Pulse the mixture until you have a smooth puree with some small chunks of peaches for texture.
- If you prefer a smoother ice cream, blend the peaches longer until completely pureed.
3. Make the Ice Cream Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and the peach puree to the mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are combined.
- Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or lemon juice if necessary.
4. Chill the Mixture:
- Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour. This step is essential for ensuring that the base is cold enough to churn properly in the ice cream maker.
5. Churn the Ice Cream:
- After chilling, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning the ice cream. Typically, this process takes 20 to 30 minutes.
- As the ice cream churns, it will thicken and take on a creamy texture. If you like a soft-serve consistency, you can serve it right away. For a firmer texture, transfer the ice cream to a lidded container and freeze for an additional 2-4 hours.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the ice cream has firmed up in the freezer, it’s ready to serve! Scoop the peach ice cream into bowls or cones and garnish with fresh peach slices or a sprig of mint for a decorative touch.
- Enjoy this refreshing dessert on a hot summer day with friends and family.
Tips for Success:
- Choosing the Peaches: For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe peaches that are in season. South Carolina peaches are known for their sweetness and juiciness, making them ideal for this ice cream recipe. If fresh peaches are unavailable, you can use frozen peaches, but be sure to thaw them completely and drain excess liquid.
- Macerating the Peaches: Letting the peaches sit with sugar and lemon juice helps to soften them and enhances their natural sweetness. This step is important for ensuring that the peaches blend smoothly into the ice cream base.
- Texture Options: If you prefer an ice cream with more texture, you can reserve some of the chopped peaches and stir them into the ice cream during the last 5 minutes of churning.
- Serving Ideas: Serve this peach ice cream alongside a slice of pie, cobbler, or with a drizzle of caramel sauce. It also pairs wonderfully with a shortbread cookie for added crunch.
Variations:
- Peach Swirl Ice Cream: Instead of blending all the peaches into the base, you can create a peach swirl. Puree half of the peaches and stir them into the cream mixture. After the ice cream has finished churning, fold the remaining peach puree through the ice cream to create a beautiful peach ripple.
- Peach and Berry Ice Cream: Add a twist by incorporating other fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. Gently fold fresh berries into the ice cream during the final minutes of churning for a fruity and colorful addition.
- Peach Pie Ice Cream: For a fun variation, mix in crumbled graham crackers or shortbread cookies during the last 5 minutes of churning to mimic the flavors of peach pie.
Storage:
- Keep it fresh: Store your homemade peach ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It will stay fresh for up to 1-2 weeks. To prevent ice crystals from forming, press a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the ice cream before placing the lid on the container.
South Carolina Homemade Peach Ice Cream is the perfect summer dessert. With its creamy texture and sweet, fruity flavor, this ice cream captures the essence of ripe peaches at their peak. Whether served as a simple treat or paired with other desserts, this peach ice cream is sure to become a family favorite
