Nothing says summer quite like the juicy sweetness of ripe peaches—and when you turn them into a creamy, dreamy frozen dessert, the result is pure magic. This Gourmet Peach Ice Cream is the perfect homemade treat to cool off during warm days, enjoy at backyard BBQs, or serve as a decadent finish to a summer dinner party.

With its luscious texture and rich peach flavor, this recipe balances the natural brightness of fresh fruit with the indulgent creaminess of a classic custard-style base—without the hassle of cooking eggs. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a curious kitchen newbie, you’ll love how easy and rewarding it is to make this velvety ice cream from scratch.

Who This Recipe Is For

This recipe is a must-try for:

• Ice cream lovers seeking a fruity, homemade alternative to store-bought brands

• Families looking for fun weekend cooking projects

• Entertainers in need of a crowd-pleasing summer dessert

• Fruit enthusiasts who want to use up peak-season peaches in the tastiest way possible

• Beginner home chefs—no stovetop or egg tempering required!

Why You’ll Love This Gourmet Peach Ice Cream

• No eggs needed – Skip the fuss of making a custard and enjoy a shortcut that still yields amazing flavor and creaminess

• Packed with real peaches – Fresh, ripe peaches take center stage

• Incredibly smooth texture – Thanks to a trio of dairy ingredients

• Ice cream machine friendly – Just churn and chill

• Versatile – Try it with different fruits or add-ins like cinnamon, nuts, or even bourbon

Ingredients Overview

Here’s what you’ll need to make a generous batch of this irresistible frozen dessert:

🍑 Fresh Fruit Base:

• 2 pounds ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped

• 1 cup granulated sugar – Helps macerate the peaches and enhances sweetness

🥛 Creamy Ice Cream Base:

• 1 pint half-and-half cream – A perfect balance between lightness and richness

• 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk – Adds silkiness and depth

• 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk – Lends creaminess without overwhelming fat

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – For a classic, warm note

• 2 cups whole milk (as needed) – Used to bring the mixture to the fill line in your ice cream maker

Tip: The combination of these dairy ingredients creates a rich, scoopable texture without needing egg yolks or a cooked custard.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Ice cream maker (electric or manual churn)

• Large mixing bowl

• Rubber spatula or whisk

• Peeler and knife for prepping peaches

• Freezer-safe airtight container for storage

• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Gourmet Peach Ice Cream

1. Macerate the Peaches

Place the chopped peaches in a large bowl and mix them with the granulated sugar. Let them sit for 20 minutes, allowing the sugar to draw out the juices and enhance the fruit’s natural flavor.

Optional: For a smoother ice cream texture, you can blend half of the macerated peaches before combining with the cream base.

2. Mix the Creamy Base

In a separate bowl, whisk together the half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. This forms your decadent, no-cook base.

3. Combine and Fold

Gently fold the peach mixture (juice and all) into the creamy base. Stir until evenly distributed.

4. Prepare and Churn

Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker’s pre-chilled freezer container. Add enough whole milk to bring the liquid to your machine’s fill line (usually about 2 cups).

Follow your machine’s instructions to churn the mixture. Most machines take 20–30 minutes to reach a soft-serve consistency.

Pro Tip: Pre-freeze your ice cream bowl/container for several hours beforehand to improve churning efficiency and reduce freezing time.

5. Freeze Until Firm

Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container. Freeze for at least 2 hours for a firmer, scoopable texture.

Serve in bowls, cones, or between cookies for the ultimate summer treat!

Storage Tips

• Freezer: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. For best texture, press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing to prevent ice crystals.

• Soften Before Scooping: Let the container sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping for best results.

Variations and Flavor Swaps

Want to give your peach ice cream a signature twist? Try these:

• 🍓 Berry Bliss: Swap out peaches for strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries

• 🍌 Tropical Vibe: Replace with ripe bananas and a touch of coconut extract

• 🥃 Boozy Kick: Add a splash of bourbon or peach schnapps to enhance flavor (about 2 tablespoons)

• 🍯 Spiced Version: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the cream base

• 🍦 Crunchy Add-ins: Stir in crushed graham crackers, toasted pecans, or white chocolate chunks before the final freeze

Perfect Pairings

Pair this gourmet peach ice cream with:

• Warm peach cobbler or apple crisp

• Pecan shortbread cookies

• Buttery pound cake

• A drizzle of honey or caramel sauce

• Sweet iced tea, rosé wine, or a chilled dessert wine

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned or frozen peaches?

Yes! If using canned, be sure to drain them well. For frozen peaches, thaw and drain excess liquid before using.

Do I need an ice cream maker?

This recipe is designed for one, but you can still try a no-churn method by freezing the mixture in a loaf pan and stirring every 30 minutes for about 2 hours to reduce ice crystals.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can slightly reduce the granulated sugar, especially if your peaches are very ripe. However, be cautious with reducing condensed milk as it contributes to the texture.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes! Try swapping:

• Coconut cream for half-and-half

• Sweetened condensed coconut milk

• Almond or oat milk in place of whole milk

Final Thoughts

This Gourmet Peach Ice Cream is a celebration of everything we love about summer: sweet fruit, creamy indulgence, and simple joy. It’s a nostalgic yet elevated dessert that’s easy to make and even easier to fall in love with.

Whip up a batch this weekend and treat yourself to a spoonful (or two) of sunshine! 🍑✨

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