Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe – Easy Homemade Frozen Dessert

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe – Easy Homemade Frozen Dessert

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, a hot day just begs for a cool, creamy treat. And honestly, nothing beats the simple joy of homemade ice cream. I first made this strawberry ice cream a few summers ago, and it’s been a family favourite ever since. It’s surprisingly easy to whip up, and the flavour is just… incredible. Let’s get started, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This strawberry ice cream is a winner for so many reasons! It’s incredibly refreshing, bursting with strawberry flavour, and doesn’t require an ice cream maker (though you can use one if you have it!). It’s perfect for a quick dessert on a warm evening, a fun activity to do with kids, or even to bring along to a summer picnic. Plus, who doesn’t love the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into their food?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy strawberry ice cream:

• 500 ml whipping cream
• 1/2 – 3/4 tin condensed milk (depending on your sweetness preference)
• 450 gm frozen strawberries
• 1 tbsp strawberry essence

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! Using good quality whipping cream is key here. It needs to be able to hold its shape when whipped. I usually go for a cream with at least 35% fat content.

As for the condensed milk, you can use regular or low-fat, depending on how rich you want the ice cream to be. I prefer regular for that extra creamy texture.

Frozen strawberries are perfect because they give us that intense strawberry flavour and help with the ice cream’s texture. But, if you’re using fresh strawberries, make sure to freeze them solid first!

And finally, the strawberry essence. This really boosts the strawberry flavour, especially when using frozen fruit. It’s a little secret weapon! You can find it at most baking supply stores or online.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some ice cream!

1. First, let’s get those strawberries ready. Slightly thaw the frozen strawberries, then puree them until smooth. Don’t worry if there are a few small chunks – it adds to the homemade charm!
2. Now, in a nice big bowl, whip the whipping cream until you get soft peaks. This means when you lift the whisk, the cream will hold its shape a little, but the peaks will gently fold over.
3. Gradually beat in the condensed milk, a little at a time, until everything is well combined and smooth. Taste as you go – add more condensed milk if you like it sweeter!
4. Gently fold in half of the strawberry puree and the strawberry essence into the cream mixture. Be gentle! We want to keep all that lovely air we whipped into the cream.
5. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container. A loaf pan works great, or you can use a plastic container with a lid.
6. Freeze for about an hour. This is just a pre-freeze to get things started.
7. Take it out of the freezer and spread the remaining strawberry puree over the top. Now, grab a fork and swirl the puree into the ice cream. This creates those beautiful ribbons of strawberry goodness!
8. Back into the freezer it goes! Freeze until completely set, which will take around 4 hours. Patience is a virtue, I promise!
9. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly. This makes it much easier to scoop. Then, scoop and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Want to make this ice cream even better? Here are a few of my favourite tips:

• Consistency is key: Don’t overwhip the cream! Soft peaks are what you’re after.
• Preventing ice crystals: Make sure your freezer is nice and cold. Also, covering the ice cream tightly helps prevent ice crystals from forming.
• Softening for scooping: Letting it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes makes all the difference. If you’re really in a hurry, you can run the scoop under warm water.

Variations

Let’s get creative!

• Vegan Strawberry Ice Cream: Swap the whipping cream for full-fat coconut cream. It gives it a lovely, subtle coconut flavour that complements the strawberry beautifully. My friend, Priya, swears by this version!
• Gluten-Free Strawberry Ice Cream: Good news! This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
• Spice Level: This might sound a little strange, but a tiny pinch of black pepper really enhances the strawberry flavour. Trust me on this one! It’s optional, of course.
• Festival Adaptations: This is the perfect summer dessert for picnics, parties, or any festive occasion. It’s always a hit!

Serving Suggestions

This strawberry ice cream is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to take it to the next level:

• Serve with fresh strawberries and a sprig of mint.
• Drizzle with a little chocolate sauce.
• Crush some biscuits or cookies on top for a bit of crunch.
• Pair it with a slice of warm apple pie – a classic combination!

Storage Instructions

Store your homemade strawberry ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. After that, it might start to develop ice crystals, but it will still be delicious!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen? What adjustments should I make?

Yes, you can! But you’ll need to freeze the fresh strawberries solid first. Also, fresh strawberries have more water content, so you might want to reduce the amount of condensed milk slightly.

2. How do I prevent ice crystals from forming in my homemade ice cream?

Make sure your freezer is cold, cover the ice cream tightly, and avoid letting it thaw and refreeze.

3. What is the best way to soften the ice cream before serving?

Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Or, run your ice cream scoop under warm water.

4. Can I add other fruits to this recipe? What would complement strawberry well?

Absolutely! Raspberries, blueberries, or even a little bit of mango would be delicious additions.

5. How long can I store homemade strawberry ice cream in the freezer?

Up to 2 weeks for the best quality.

6. What does strawberry essence add to the recipe that fresh strawberries don’t?

Strawberry essence intensifies the strawberry flavour, especially when using frozen strawberries. It gives it that extra punch of deliciousness!

Enjoy making (and eating!) this delightful strawberry ice cream. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!