Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe
If you adore sweet, fruity desserts, then you’ll fall in love with this Old Fashioned Strawberry Ice Cream recipe. The creamy texture combined with luscious strawberries creates a delightful treat that brings back memories of childhood summers.
I love how simple it’s to make, turning fresh strawberries into something magical. Plus, the hint of almond extract and orange peel adds a unique twist, elevating the flavor profile.
Each scoop is a burst of summer sweetness, perfect for any occasion. Honestly, once you try it, you won’t want to go back to store-bought. This ice cream is pure bliss in a bowl!
Ingredients of Old Fashioned Strawberry Ice Cream
When it comes to making Old Fashioned Strawberry Ice Cream, having the right ingredients is key to creating that creamy, dreamy treat we all crave.
Envision this: warm summer days, a scoop of homemade strawberry ice cream in hand, and a smile on your face. It’s the kind of simple joy that makes life a little sweeter.
So, let’s gather what we need to whip up this delightful dessert.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups strawberries
- 1 cup sugar (divided)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 3/4 cups half-and-half or light cream
- 2 teaspoons finely shredded orange peel (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Now, you might be wondering about the strawberries. Fresh is always best for this recipe, but if you can’t get your hands on ripe ones, frozen strawberries can work in a pinch.
Just remember to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. And don’t skimp on the sugar; it’s what brings out the natural sweetness of the strawberries.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different flavors of extract, or even throwing in a splash of vanilla. The possibilities are endless!
How to Make Old Fashioned Strawberry Ice Cream
Making Old Fashioned Strawberry Ice Cream is an adventure that starts with the sweet, juicy strawberries. First things first, grab 2 cups of those luscious red berries. If you’re using larger strawberries, cut them in half to make sure they soften nicely while cooking. Toss them into a medium saucepan with 1/2 cup of the sugar, and let them cook over medium-low heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll want to stir occasionally and watch as they transform into a delicious, fragrant mixture. It’s like watching magic unfold in your kitchen.
Once they’re nice and soft, transfer everything to your blender or food processor and blend it until smooth. Now, cover that mixture and chill it in the fridge for at least four hours. If you can wait longer, go for it—24 hours is even better.
While the strawberries are chilling, it’s time to whip up the custard base. In a small saucepan, combine 1 egg (lightly beaten), 1 cup of the half-and-half, and the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar. Cook and stir this mixture over medium heat just until it coats the back of a metal spoon. This is where that custard magic happens.
Once it’s ready, transfer it to a bowl and stir in the remaining 1 3/4 cups of half-and-half, 2 teaspoons of finely shredded orange peel (if you want that zesty kick), and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract. Cover it and chill for the same amount of time as your strawberries.
Now, here comes the fun part—freezing! Pour that chilled half-and-half mixture into the freezer canister of your ice cream maker. Turn it on, and after about 5 minutes of churning, add in your strawberry mixture. Let it do its thing according to the manufacturer’s directions.
If you have the patience (and a little willpower), let the ice cream ripen in the freezer for about 4 hours. Trust me, it’s worth the wait. Your homemade Old Fashioned Strawberry Ice Cream will be the star of any summer gathering, and you might even feel like a culinary genius—just don’t tell anyone how easy it was. Enjoy!
Old Fashioned Strawberry Ice Cream Substitutions & Variations
While the classic Old Fashioned Strawberry Ice Cream recipe is a delightful treat on its own, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to explore that can elevate your ice cream game.
For a twist, try using raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries. You can also swap half-and-half for coconut milk to create a dairy-free version.
Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor or mix in crushed cookies for some crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, incorporate a bit of balsamic vinegar for a sophisticated touch.
These simple changes can refresh this beloved dessert and surprise your taste buds!
What to Serve with Old Fashioned Strawberry Ice Cream
There’s nothing quite like enjoying a scoop of Old Fashioned Strawberry Ice Cream, especially when you pair it with the right accompaniments.
I love serving it alongside warm, homemade brownies for that perfect chocolate-strawberry combo. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of crushed nuts adds a delightful crunch, too. Fresh whipped cream is a must; it lightens the dish beautifully.
For a revitalizing twist, I often pair it with a slice of lemon pound cake. Trust me, the tanginess complements the sweetness perfectly.
These combinations elevate the experience and make each scoop even more enjoyable!
Additional Tips & Notes
Although creating Old Fashioned Strawberry Ice Cream seems straightforward, a few extra tips can enhance your results.
First, using fresh, ripe strawberries makes a significant difference in flavor. If you like a richer texture, consider adding a little more cream to the mix.
Don’t rush the chilling process; the longer you let the mixtures chill, the better the flavors meld.
When blending the strawberries, I prefer leaving some small chunks for added texture.
Finally, if you want a fun twist, try adding a splash of lemon juice to brighten up the taste.
Enjoy your delicious homemade treat!