Few desserts are as creamy, refreshing, and full of flavor as homemade strawberry ice cream recipe . With its smooth texture and naturally sweet taste, this frozen treat is perfect for warm days or whenever you’re in the mood for something delicious. While store-bought ice cream often contains artificial flavors, preservatives, and stabilizers, making it at home lets you enjoy a fresher and healthier version with simple, real ingredients.

Getting the perfect creamy texture takes more than just blending strawberries and freezing them. The right balance of ingredients, proper chilling, and the right churning method all help create an ice cream that’s rich, soft, and easy to scoop. If you want to learn more about how ice cream works, check out this expert guide on ice cream science. Also, strawberries are not just delicious; they’re packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Learn more about their benefits at this strawberry nutrition guide.

If you’re a fan of homemade ice cream, you’ll love this Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe – Perfect Steps and Tips. It’s another creamy, classic flavor that pairs beautifully with fresh strawberries!

Why Make Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream recipe?

Many people believe that making ice cream at home is difficult or time-consuming, but it’s actually simple, fun, and rewarding. With just a few basic ingredients and the right technique, you can create an ice cream that is fresher, richer, and more flavorful than anything you’d find at the store. Plus, homemade ice cream allows you to control the ingredients, making it a healthier and more natural alternative to commercial brands.

Benefits of Making Your Own Ice Cream

• No artificial ingredients – Unlike store-bought ice cream, this version is made with real strawberries, milk, and cream, without preservatives, artificial colors, or stabilizers.
• Customize sweetness and texture – Whether you prefer your ice cream extra creamy, slightly tangy, or mildly sweet, you can adjust sugar, fat content, and mix-ins to suit your taste.
• Healthier than store-bought – Many commercial ice creams contain high-fructose corn syrup, artificial thickeners, and excess sugar. Homemade ice cream allows you to choose natural sweeteners and quality dairy options.
• Unlimited flavor possibilities – You can experiment with different mix-ins, fruit combinations, and add-ons like chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or caramel swirls to make each batch unique.
• Fun and rewarding process – Making ice cream from scratch is a great way to spend time with family and friends. Kids will love helping with stirring, tasting, and adding mix-ins, making it an enjoyable kitchen activity.

Whether you love silky smooth ice cream or prefer a version with real chunks of fresh strawberries, this recipe gives you full control over flavor and texture, ensuring a perfect scoop every time.

Ingredients for the Best Strawberry Ice Cream recipe

Each ingredient in this recipe has a special job. Choosing the right ones helps create an ice cream that is creamy, flavorful, and easy to scoop.

Main Ingredients and Why They Matter

• Strawberries (2 cups, fresh or frozen)
  • The main flavor in this recipe.
  • If using frozen berries, let them thaw and drain extra liquid to avoid an icy texture.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup)
  • Adds sweetness and helps keep the ice cream soft.
  • Other options include honey, maple syrup, or monk fruit sweetener.
• Heavy cream (2 cups, at least 36% fat)
  • Makes the ice cream rich and smooth.
  • High-fat dairy helps prevent ice crystals from forming.
• Whole milk (1 cup)
  • Keeps the texture light and creamy instead of too thick.
  • Can be replaced with almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
  • Brings out the natural strawberry flavor.
• Lemon juice (1 tablespoon)
  • Keeps the flavor bright and fresh, balancing the sweetness.

Optional Ingredients for Extra Creaminess

• Salt (½ teaspoon) – Makes the flavors stronger and balances the sweetness.
• Egg yolks (2, for custard-style ice cream) – Adds richness and a smooth texture.
• Strawberry jam (¼ cup) – Intensifies the strawberry flavor and adds swirls.

How to Make Strawberry Ice Cream recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

To start, take your chopped strawberries and place them in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle half of the sugar over the top, then give everything a good stir. Let the mixture sit for 20–30 minutes, allowing the sugar to pull out the strawberries’ natural juices—a process called maceration.

At this point, you have two options. If you prefer a smooth, uniform ice cream, blend the strawberries until you get a silky puree. For a more textured version with bits of real fruit, simply mash them lightly with a fork or potato masher.

Step 2: Make the Ice Cream Base

In a separate bowl, combine the heavy cream, milk, and the remaining sugar, whisking until everything is fully blended. Next, add the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to bring out the flavors.

For those making a custard-style ice cream, now is the time to incorporate egg yolks. Warm the mixture over low heat, stirring continuously until it begins to thicken slightly. This extra step will result in an even creamier and richer texture.

Step 3: Chill the Mixture

Once both the strawberry puree and the ice cream base are ready, stir them together until fully combined. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, though overnight chilling will enhance the flavor even more.

Step 4: Churn the Ice Cream

When the mixture is well chilled, it’s time to churn. Pour it into your ice cream maker, then follow the manufacturer’s instructions—typically, this will take 20–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the consistency becomes thick and creamy.

No ice cream maker? No problem. Try the no-churn method by whipping 1 cup of heavy cream separately until it forms stiff peaks. Gently fold it into the mixture, ensuring everything stays light and airy, then proceed to freezing.

Step 5: Freeze and Serve

Transfer the freshly churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container, smoothing out the top with a spatula. To keep ice crystals from forming, press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface before sealing the container.

Now, let the ice cream sit in the freezer for at least 2–4 hours to firm up properly. When it’s time to serve, take it out a few minutes beforehand and let it soften slightly—this makes scooping much easier.

Common Problems and Simple Fixes

• Too hard? Add more fat or sugar to keep it soft.
• Ice crystals forming? Make sure the base is fully chilled before churning and store in an airtight container.
• Weak flavor? Use ripe strawberries and mix in a bit of strawberry jam.
• Too sweet? A little extra lemon juice will balance it out.

Different Ways to Make Strawberry Ice Cream recipe

• Vegan Version – Use coconut cream instead of dairy.
• Keto-Friendly – Swap sugar for erythritol or stevia.
• Dairy-Free Option – Replace milk with almond or oat milk.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream – Add cream cheese and graham cracker crumbs for extra richness.

If you love fruity desserts, you might also enjoy these Peach Cobbler Egg Rolls—a crispy, sweet twist on a classic favorite that pairs perfectly with a scoop of homemade ice cream.

Tasty Toppings and Mix-Ins

• Chocolate chunks for a sweet contrast.
• Crushed cookies like Oreos or graham crackers.
• Toasted nuts for a crunchy bite.
• Caramel or berry sauce for extra indulgence.

How to Store Your Ice Cream

• Proper storage is key to keeping your homemade strawberry ice cream fresh, smooth, and free from ice crystals. Follow these tips to maintain the best texture and flavor:
  • Use an airtight container – A well-sealed container prevents excess air from getting in, reducing the risk of freezer burn. Airtight plastic or glass containers with secure lids are the best option.
  • Cover with parchment paper – Placing a layer of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly on the surface of the ice cream helps prevent ice crystals from forming.
  • Store in the coldest part of the freezer – Keep your ice cream at the back of the freezer, away from temperature changes caused by frequent door opening.
  • Eat within two weeks – While homemade ice cream can last longer, it’s best enjoyed within one to two weeks for the freshest flavor and creamiest texture.

Keep your ice cream fresh and creamy! Follow these expert storage tips.

Final Thoughts

Making homemade strawberry ice cream recipe is a fun, easy, and rewarding way to enjoy a fresh, all-natural dessert. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a smooth, creamy treat that’s far better than store-bought versions.

By following these steps, you’ll achieve perfect texture and rich flavor every time. Whether you prefer a classic creamy scoop or a chunkier fruit-filled version, this recipe is easy to customize. Don’t forget to get creative with toppings and mix-ins like chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or toasted nuts for extra indulgence.

Best of all, making ice cream at home is a great activity for family and friends. So why not give it a try? Once you’ve mastered this classic recipe, feel free to experiment with new flavors and fun add-ins!

Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe

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• Author: Elsa
• Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 3 cups 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy delight of this egg-free strawberry ice cream, where the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries meets a lusciously smooth base. This simple yet decadent dessert is perfect for those seeking a rich, fruity treat without the use of eggs. Let’s dive into this refreshing creation!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and mashed
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• A few drops of natural red food coloring (optional, for a vibrant hue)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Strawberry Mixture:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed strawberries with granulated sugar. Stir well and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their natural juices.
2. Blend the Base:
   • To the strawberry mixture, add the whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. If you desire a more pronounced pink color, add a few drops of natural red food coloring and mix well.
3. Chill the Mixture:
   • Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the mixture is thoroughly chilled. This step ensures a smoother texture in the final ice cream.
4. Churn the Ice Cream:
   • Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically for about 20-25 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
5. Freeze Until Firm:
   • Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container. Press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming. Seal the container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the ice cream is firm.
6. Serve:
   • Scoop the egg-free strawberry bliss ice cream into bowls or cones. Enjoy it plain, or garnish with fresh strawberry slices or a drizzle of strawberry syrup for an extra touch of indulgence.

Notes

• Strawberry Selection: Opt for ripe, fragrant strawberries to ensure maximum flavor. If fresh strawberries are not in season, frozen strawberries can be used; just thaw and drain them before mashing.
• Sweetness Adjustment: Taste the mixture before churning. If you prefer a sweeter ice cream, add a bit more sugar to suit your taste.
• Storage: Store the ice cream in the coldest part of your freezer to maintain its creamy texture. For the best quality, consume within 2 weeks.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Drinks
• Method: Churning
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup (of 6 servings)
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg

Keywords: Frozen lemonade recipe, refreshing summer slushie, homemade icy lemon drink, citrus dessert, healthy frozen lemonade variations