Nothing says summer like the sweet, refreshing taste of homemade peach ice cream. This recipe, designed for a Cuisinart ice cream maker, brings together the creamy richness of heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk with the natural sweetness of fresh, ripe peaches. What’s great? It’s straightforward and fuss-free—no eggs, no custard, just pure peachy goodness.
A splash of almond extract and a hint of lemon juice elevate the flavors, giving you that perfect mix of sweet and tangy in every bite. Whether you’re a pro with an ice cream maker or trying it for the first time, you’ll love how easy (and delicious) this recipe is.
Quick Overview
What You Need to Know:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 2–4 hours
- Churn Time: 20–30 minutes
- Optional Freezing Time: 2–3 hours
Yields: About 1½ quarts, perfect for sharing with 6–8 people.
Skill Level: Easy. No cooking or complicated steps involved.
Equipment:
- A Cuisinart ice cream maker (or similar)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Freezer-safe container
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, dreamy treat:
- 2½ cups fresh peaches (chopped or mashed) – Skip the canned ones for the best flavor. Frozen work if fresh peaches aren’t available.
- ½ cup sugar – Not just for sweetness; it also helps soften the peaches.
- 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk – Makes the ice cream creamy and prevents ice crystals.
- 2 cups heavy cream – Use full-fat for the richest texture.
- 1 cup whole milk – Balances richness without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Brightens the flavor and enhances the peaches.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract – This secret ingredient pairs beautifully with peaches!
- Pinch of salt – A little goes a long way in bringing out all the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Peaches
First, peel your peaches. Blanch them in boiling water for 20–30 seconds, then dunk them in an ice bath. The skins should slip off easily. Then, chop or mash the peaches based on whether you want chunks or a smoother texture.
Step 2: Sweeten Them Up
Mix the peaches with the sugar in a large bowl. Let this sit for about 10 minutes. Why? It helps the peaches release their juices, making them soft and syrupy.
Step 3: Mix the Ice Cream Base
Add the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, whole milk, lemon juice, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt to the bowl of peaches. Give it a nice stir until everything is combined.
Step 4: Chill Out
Cover the mixture and let it chill in the fridge for 2–4 hours (or overnight). This step ensures smoother, creamier ice cream.
Step 5: Churn Time
Pour the chilled mix into your pre-frozen ice cream maker. Follow the instructions for your machine—it usually takes about 20–30 minutes to reach soft-serve consistency.
Step 6: Freeze (Optional)
Prefer firmer ice cream? Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for another 2–3 hours.
Tips & Variations
Make It Your Own:
- Want it vegan? Use coconut milk or almond milk and a plant-based condensed milk.
- Lower the sugar? Swap in honey, agave syrup, or a sugar substitute.
Other Fruits:
Not peach season? Try this recipe with mangoes, strawberries, or even cherries for a fun twist.
Smooth or Chunky:
Love smooth ice cream? Puree all the peaches. Prefer texture? Leave some peach chunks in the mix.
How to Serve & Store
Serving Ideas:
Scoop into cones or bowls and top with fresh peach slices—or add a sprig of mint for a fancy touch! Want to go all out? Pair your ice cream with a warm peach cobbler or drizzle it with caramel sauce.
Storage Tips:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container. To avoid freezer burn, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream. It’ll stay fresh for about two weeks.
Too Hard to Scoop?
Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving. Easy fix!
This recipe is peach perfection in a bowl. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday treat or a backyard BBQ dessert, you’ll love how it captures the warmth and sweetness of summer. Let’s be real—you probably won’t have leftovers, but if you do, they won’t last long!
