Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Strawberry Chunks
Yield
8–10 servings
Prep Time
25 minutes
Chill Time
4–6 hours (or overnight)
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Mixture
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, washed and diced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Ice Cream Base
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 can (14 oz/397 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional
- A few drops pink food coloring (if you want a brighter pink color)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
- Mix diced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice.
- Let sit for 20–30 minutes.
- Mash about half the berries, leaving the rest chunky.
Step 2: Make the Ice Cream Base
- In a large bowl combine:
- Heavy cream
- Whole milk
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Vanilla
- Salt
- Whisk until smooth.
Step 3: Combine
Fold the strawberry mixture into the ice cream base.
Step 4: Freeze
Ice Cream Machine
- Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (20–30 minutes).
- Fold in extra fresh strawberry pieces.
- Freeze another 2–4 hours.
No-Churn Version
- Whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks.
- Fold in the condensed milk, vanilla, and strawberry mixture.
- Freeze for 6–8 hours.
To Serve Like the Picture
Layer in a clear cup:
- Ice cream
- Fresh strawberry chunks
- Ice cream
- More strawberries
- Top with 2–3 scoops
- Garnish with fresh strawberries
- Serve with a spoon or smoothie straw.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Per serving (1 cup)
- Calories: 360
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Sugar: 31 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Vitamin C: 45 mg
- Calcium: 150 mg
- Potassium: 240 mg
Nutrition values are estimates and vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
Tips
- Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor.
- Chill the mixture before freezing for a creamier texture.
- Add extra strawberry pieces after churning to keep them intact.
- Freeze in a shallow container to speed up freezing.
- Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping.
Storage
- Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to reduce ice crystals.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes. Thaw and drain them well before using.
Q: Can I make this without an ice cream machine?
Yes. The no-churn method works well.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, but the ice cream may become firmer because sugar helps keep it soft.
Q: Can I use low-fat milk?
You can, but the texture will be less creamy.
Q: Why is my ice cream icy?
Too much water from the fruit or insufficient fat can cause ice crystals. Drain excess strawberry juice if needed and use full-fat dairy.
Q: Can I add mix-ins?
Yes. Try:
- White chocolate chips
- Cheesecake pieces
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Chocolate chunks
- Strawberry jam swirls
Q: How long does homemade ice cream last?
It is best enjoyed within 1–2 weeks for the freshest flavor and texture.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use sweetened condensed coconut milk.
This recipe produces a rich, creamy strawberry ice cream with visible fresh strawberry pieces, similar in
