Why You’ll Love This Peaches and Cream Ice Cream Recipe
If you’re looking for a summer treat that’s both invigorating and indulgent, you’ll love this Peaches and Cream Ice Cream recipe. The combination of fresh, juicy peaches and creamy goodness creates a delightful harmony that’s hard to resist.
Each scoop feels like a bite of summer, perfect for hot days. Plus, making it at home means you can customize it to your taste. The creamy texture and rich flavor bring nostalgia and joy with every spoonful.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Your taste buds will thank you for this irresistible treat!
Ingredients of Peaches and Cream Ice Cream
Making Peaches and Cream Ice Cream is a delightful way to bring a taste of summer right into your kitchen, especially when peaches are in season. The creamy base combined with the sweet, juicy peaches makes for a treat that’s simply irresistible.
Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, even if you’re not a kitchen whiz. So, let’s gather our ingredients and get ready to create a scoop of happiness.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful ice cream:
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 2 1/4 cups turbinado sugar
- 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 6 eggs, beaten
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened (feel free to use reduced-fat cream cheese)
- 6 cups fresh peaches
- 3 cups pureed peaches
- 3 cups coarsely chopped peaches
- 1 1/2 tablespoons finely shredded lemon rind
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla bean paste
- 1 1/2 cups crushed waffle cones or butter waffle cookies
- 1 1/2 cups diced fresh peaches, sprinkled with 1 to 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar and a splash of bourbon (optional)
Now, before you plunge into the kitchen, let’s chat about a few ingredient considerations. Fresh peaches are the star of this show, so don’t skimp on quality. Ripe, juicy peaches will elevate your ice cream from good to heavenly.
If you can find them at a local farmer’s market, grab a few extra for snacking while you make the ice cream—trust me, you’ll want them. And don’t worry if you can’t find turbinado sugar; regular granulated sugar will work just fine, but the turbinado adds a lovely caramel-like flavor.
Also, feel free to play around with the mix-ins; adding a splash of bourbon to those diced peaches gives them an adult twist, making it a fun treat for gatherings. Just remember, the more love you put into your ingredients, the more delicious your ice cream will turn out.
Now, let’s get ready to make this creamy masterpiece!
How to Make Peaches and Cream Ice Cream
Making Peaches and Cream Ice Cream is like capturing summer in a bowl, and trust me, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. Start by gathering your ingredients, because let’s face it, nothing throws a wrench in the works like realizing you’re missing that essential item. For this recipe, you’ll need 1 cup of half-and-half, 2 1/4 cups of turbinado sugar, and 1 1/2 cups of packed light brown sugar—yes, that’s a whole lot of sugar, but it’s ice cream, so we’re allowed a little indulgence.
Now, in a large saucepan, combine those sugars with 6 beaten eggs over medium heat. Stir, stir, stir until it’s just about to boil—watch for those little bubbles forming around the edges. You might think it looks a bit curdled; that’s totally normal, don’t panic. Once you take it off the heat, let it chill out for a bit while you beat 24 ounces of softened cream cheese in a separate bowl until it’s smooth and creamy like a dream. Slowly pour in that hot mixture, continuing to beat it until it’s well mixed. Cover this creation and pop it in the fridge for at least two hours to cool down completely.
Now, the fun part: it’s time to bring the peaches into the mix. After chilling, stir in the remaining 3 cups of half-and-half, 3 cups of pureed peaches, 1 1/2 tablespoons of finely shredded lemon rind, 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and 1 1/2 tablespoons of vanilla bean paste. This is where your kitchen will start to smell heavenly.
If you have a 6-quart ice cream maker, get it ready because it’s about to work some magic. Freeze your mixture according to the manufacturer’s instructions—this usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. When it’s almost finished churning, fold in the 3 cups of coarsely chopped peaches. Can you just imagine that juicy bite of peach in every scoop?
To serve, you can sprinkle on some crushed waffle cones or butter waffle cookies for added crunch and texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t forget the optional macerated peaches sprinkled with turbinado sugar and a splash of bourbon. Just think about it… a little adult twist on a classic treat.
Peaches and Cream Ice Cream Substitutions & Variations
While crafting Peaches and Cream Ice Cream can be a delightful experience, experimenting with substitutions and variations can elevate your creation even further.
For a lighter option, I often use reduced-fat cream cheese or even Greek yogurt. If you want to jazz it up, try adding berries or other fruits like strawberries or raspberries.
For a twist, I sometimes incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. If you’re feeling adventurous, swirl in some caramel or chocolate sauce.
And don’t forget about the crunch—mix in crushed cookies or nuts for added texture. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
What to Serve with Peaches and Cream Ice Cream
After experimenting with various substitutions and variations, it’s time to think about what to serve with Peaches and Cream Ice Cream to enhance the experience.
I love pairing it with crushed waffle cones for that delightful crunch. Macerated peaches sprinkled with turbinado sugar add a sweet and juicy contrast.
For something a little different, I often drizzle a splash of bourbon over the top, which elevates the flavors beautifully. If I’m feeling indulgent, a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon can take this treat to the next level.
Trust me, these additions make all the difference!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Peaches and Cream Ice Cream turns out perfectly, it’s essential to use ripe, fresh peaches for the best flavor. I recommend tasting your peaches before using them; they should be sweet and juicy.
If you want an extra kick, consider adding a splash of bourbon to the diced peaches. For a creamier texture, let the ice cream mixture chill overnight before churning.
Don’t rush the freezing process—allow it to churn until it’s thick and creamy. Finally, serve it with crushed waffle cones for added crunch.
Trust me, these tips will elevate your ice cream experience!