If you’re craving a dessert that feels like summer in every bite, you simply must try this Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe. It’s bursting with vibrant, juicy strawberries swirled into a luxuriously smooth, velvety base that practically melts on your tongue. The fresh chunks of strawberry tucked inside add delightful bursts of fruity texture, making each spoonful feel fresh and indulgent. Whether you’re looking for a family favorite or a show-stopping treat for guests, this ice cream pairs simplicity and elegance in a bowl full of homemade love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, wholesome ingredients that come together to create that perfect balance of creamy richness and bright freshness. Each component plays a crucial role — from the lush cream that delivers smoothness to the vibrant strawberries that provide natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
- Fresh strawberries (2 cups, hulled and chopped): Use ripe, fragrant berries for the sweetest and juiciest flavor.
- Granulated sugar (2/3 cup, divided): Sweetens the ice cream and helps macerate the strawberries for juicy softness.
- Heavy cream (2 cups): This is the heart of the ice cream’s creamy, velvety texture.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Balances the richness of cream with a smoother melt.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the strawberry notes with a warm, comforting depth.
- Pinch of salt: Elevates the flavors by cutting through the sweetness slightly.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Brightens and intensifies the natural strawberry flavor.
How to Make Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe
Step 1: Macerate the Strawberries
Start by combining the chopped strawberries with half the sugar and lemon juice in a bowl. Letting them sit for about 15 to 20 minutes allows the berries to release their sweet juices and soften slightly, creating a luscious base for the ice cream. Lightly mash some of the berries with a fork to add interested texture but leave plenty of chunks intact for that fresh burst in every bite.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Ice Cream Base
In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Keep whisking until you no longer feel the graininess of the sugar; this mixture forms the silky backdrop for your strawberries.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Gently stir the macerated strawberries and their vibrant juices into the cream and milk mixture. This marriage of flavors is where the magic begins, ensuring every scoop is infused with strawberry goodness.
Step 4: Churn Until Perfectly Creamy
Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually around 20 to 25 minutes. During the last few minutes, toss in extra fresh strawberry chunks—this step guarantees delightful little pockets of fruity freshness amidst the smooth ice cream.
Step 5: Freeze Until Firm
Transfer the churned ice cream into a lidded container and let it freeze for at least four hours. This resting time lets the flavors meld beautifully and the texture firm up to a scoopable perfection that feels creamy and dreamy with every taste.
How to Serve Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe
Garnishes
Top your creamy creation with a few more sliced fresh strawberries or a sprig of fresh mint to amp up the freshness visually and in flavor. A drizzle of strawberry sauce or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios adds a touch of elegance and a nice textural contrast to each bowl.
Side Dishes
This ice cream pairs beautifully with light desserts like angel food cake, waffles, or buttery shortbread cookies that complement the creamy sweetness without overpowering it. Fresh fruit salads on the side also play well, emphasizing the strawberry’s natural brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe in hollowed-out strawberry halves or in elegant dessert glasses layered with crushed graham crackers and strawberry compote for an impressive parfait. You can even roll scoops in toasted coconut or pop a scoop atop a warm slice of pie for a dreamy contrast of temperatures and textures.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover ice cream tightly sealed in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn or absorbing other odors. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping to bring out its ideal creamy texture again.
Freezing
The ice cream freezes beautifully and holds well for up to two weeks. Just make sure it’s stored in a shallow container with a lid to freeze evenly and prevent ice crystals.
Reheating
Unlike many dishes, this ice cream is best enjoyed cold. Avoid reheating; instead, simply let it soften slightly at room temperature for about five minutes before serving for the perfect scoopability.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?
Absolutely! For a no-churn version, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks then gently fold in the sweetened milk and macerated strawberry mixture. Freeze overnight, stirring once or twice in the first few hours to keep it creamy. Adding a swirl of strawberry jam before freezing adds extra flavor magic.
What’s the best way to pick strawberries for this recipe?
Look for bright red, firm berries without blemishes or soft spots. The riper and sweeter, the better – they’ll give you the most flavorful, fruity bursts in your ice cream.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh berries are recommended for their texture and flavor, you can use frozen. Just thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before macerating to avoid a watery ice cream.
How long does the ice cream take to freeze properly?
After churning, freezing for at least four hours is important to achieve the right consistency. Longer storage won’t harm flavor or texture, so you can prepare it ahead of time.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! All ingredients are vegetarian-friendly, making it a great dessert choice for vegetarians craving something refreshing and indulgent.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the recipe for this irresistible Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe, it’s time to gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a truly special homemade dessert. Whether it’s a hot summer day or any moment when you need a bit of sweetness and comfort, this ice cream is like a little scoop of happiness in every bite. I promise, once you’ve tasted this creamy, fruity delight, it will quickly become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
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Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy strawberry ice cream with fresh chunks combines ripe, juicy strawberries with rich cream and a hint of vanilla to create a refreshing, homemade summer dessert. The berries are macerated to release their natural juices, infused into a luscious ice cream base, and studded with fresh strawberry pieces for delightful texture. Perfect for enjoying a classic fruit-flavored treat with a smooth, velvety consistency.
Ingredients
Strawberries and Maceration
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for maceration)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Ice Cream Base
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar (remaining)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Texture
- Extra small chunks of fresh strawberries (to stir in during churning)
Instructions
- Macerate Strawberries: In a bowl, combine the chopped strawberries with 1/3 cup sugar and the lemon juice. Stir well, then let sit for 15–20 minutes until the berries release their juices. Lightly mash some berries to create a mixture of textures.
- Prepare Ice Cream Base: In another bowl, whisk the remaining 1/3 cup sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the sugar dissolves fully. Stir in the macerated strawberries along with their juices.
- Churn Mixture: Pour the combined mixture into an ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually for 20–25 minutes, until the mixture reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Add Fresh Chunks: During the last few minutes of churning, fold in extra small chunks of fresh strawberries to incorporate texture into the ice cream.
- Freeze Until Firm: Transfer the churned ice cream to a lidded container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm and scoopable.
Notes
- For a no-churn alternative, whip heavy cream separately to soft peaks, then fold in the sweetened milk and macerated strawberry mixture before freezing overnight.
- To boost flavor, swirl in strawberry jam before freezing in the no-churn method.
- Use fully ripe strawberries for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- Ensure your ice cream maker bowl is well frozen for optimal churning results.
