
This homemade peach ice cream is the creamiest summer treat you can whip up in your own kitchen with just a few fresh ingredients and no fancy machines. Whether you have a bucket of ripe peaches to use up or want to impress guests at a barbecue this is a refreshing and tangy dessert that is truly bursting with real fruit flavor.
I made this when my neighbor handed me a bag of peaches and now every year we count down the days until peach season returns so I have an excuse to make another batch.
Ingredients
- Cream: look for heavy whipping cream or double cream for the richest texture I always use fresh dairy for best results
- Whole milk: adds a touch of lightness without losing creaminess choose full fat
- Lemon juice: freshly squeezed gives the ice cream a pop of brightness and helps balance the sweetness opt for juicy lemons with no soft spots
- Sugar: you can adjust to your taste I prefer just enough for the peaches to shine granulated works best
- Peaches: ripe and fragrant peaches make this recipe sing choose ones that give slightly when pressed and smell sweet
- Extra peach for garnish: optional but I love those extra little bits of fruit on top
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Measure and Mix Sugars:
- Pour the sugar into the lemon juice and stir well The sugar will not totally dissolve but that is fine as it will blend in smoothly later
- Set Up the Blender:
- Pour the sweetened lemon juice into the bottom of your blender jar
- Add Dairy:
- Next add the cream and whole milk to your blender The mix of heavy cream and whole milk gives that luscious texture
- Blend Base:
- Blend the lemony sweet cream base for about 20 to 30 seconds until just combined This creates a fluffy foundation before you add the peaches
- Add Peaches:
- Drop your cut peaches into the blender and pulse a few seconds more You are aiming to keep a few tiny pieces here and there for texture
- Freeze First Time:
- Pour the thick mixture into a metal loaf pan or other freezer safe container Metal chills the mixture quicker which helps incorporate air
- Add Peach Chunks:
- If you want extra peach texture stir in those tiny cut pieces from the reserved half peach now Just fold in with a spoon for maximum juiciness
- Freeze and Stir:
- Place in the freezer for about an hour Remove and stir vigorously with a spoon This breaks up any forming ice crystals and keeps things creamy
- Repeat and Finish:
- Repeat the freezing and stirring process two more times over the next two hours This hands on method helps create the smoothest no churn ice cream
- Serve Up:
- Scoop the finished ice cream into bowls or cones Garnish with a fresh peach slice for visual pop and extra flavor

Peaches have always been special in my family summer meant a crate of them on the kitchen table we would peel and slice together My absolute favorite part of this recipe is fishing out those little soft bites of unblended peach in every scoop just like the way my grandmother did it.
Storage Tips
Transfer any leftover peach ice cream to a covered airtight container and store in the freezer It is best enjoyed within a week for the creamiest texture Press a piece of parchment paper onto the surface before sealing the lid to help prevent ice crystals Whether making ahead for a party or just a cool treat after dinner this freezes beautifully
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap half and half for the cream for a lighter texture but you will miss out on some richness For a dairy free option use full fat coconut milk in both cream and milk measurements Choose honey or agave for a more floral natural sweetness just dissolve in lemon juice first
Serving Suggestions
This peach ice cream shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a slice of buttery pound cake or crisp sugar cookies For parties spoon into waffle cones or set up a sundae bar with extra chopped peaches and fresh berries I sometimes drizzle with a little raspberry sauce for color contrast and zip

Cultural and Seasonal Reflection
Fresh peach ice cream traces its roots back to the American South where homemade ice cream churns were a summer ritual This recipe keeps that spirit alive using modern kitchen tools It is a wonderful way to celebrate peach season and capture that sun ripened taste as an old fashioned treat
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
Fresh peaches provide the best flavor, but well-drained canned peaches can be used if fresh are unavailable.
- → Is it necessary to use heavy cream?
Heavy cream ensures a creamy texture. Substituting with lighter cream or milk will change the results.
- → How do I prevent ice crystals in homemade ice cream?
Stirring the mixture several times as it freezes helps break up ice crystals, resulting in smoother texture.
- → Can lemon juice be omitted?
Lemon juice brightens the overall flavor, but omitting it will result in a sweeter, less tangy taste.
- → How should I store the finished ice cream?
Store the ice cream in a tightly sealed container in the freezer to maintain its creamy consistency and avoid freezer burn.
- → Can I add other fruits?
Yes, berries or nectarines blend well, but keep peaches as the primary ingredient for best results.