Homemade Gourmet Strawberry Ice Cream: A Creamy, Dreamy Delight

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Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade ice cream—rich, creamy, and bursting with fresh flavors. While store-bought versions can be convenient, making your own allows you to control the ingredients and customize the sweetness and texture to your liking. This Gourmet Strawberry Ice Cream recipe combines the luscious creaminess of whole milk, condensed milk, and cream cheese with the bright, fruity flavor of fresh strawberries. The result is a velvety-smooth frozen treat that rivals any high-end dessert shop creation.

Perfect for warm summer days, special occasions, or simply as a sweet indulgence, this recipe is straightforward yet yields professional-quality results. By using simple ingredients like fresh strawberries, half-and-half cream, and a touch of vanilla, you’ll create an ice cream that’s rich, flavorful, and irresistibly scoopable.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to ensure your homemade strawberry ice cream turns out perfectly every time.

Ingredients

To make this luxurious Strawberry Ice Cream, you’ll need:

  • 1.5 litres (6 cups) of whole milk – Provides a creamy base.
  • 1 can (14 oz) of condensed milk – Adds sweetness and a smooth texture.
  • 4 tablespoons of powdered milk – Enhances richness and creaminess.
  • 1 ½ cups of half-and-half cream – Gives a velvety mouthfeel.
  • ½ bar (4 oz) of cream cheese (Philadelphia), softened – Contributes a slight tang and extra creaminess.
  • ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract – Balances the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
  • Sugar, to taste – Adjust depending on the sweetness of your strawberries.
  • Fresh strawberries, cubed (about 1-2 cups) – For a burst of fruity flavor in every bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Strawberries

  • Wash, hull, and cube the strawberries.
  • If desired, macerate them with a little sugar to enhance their sweetness and juiciness.

2. Blend the Ice Cream Base

  • In a blender, combine the whole milk, condensed milk, powdered milk, half-and-half cream, cream cheese, vanilla, and sugar.
  • Blend until smooth and fully incorporated.

3. Chill the Mixture

  • Pour the blended mixture into a large bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken slightly.

4. Churn the Ice Cream

  • Transfer the chilled mixture to an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually about 20-30 minutes).
  • If you don’t have an ice cream maker: Pour into a freezer-safe container and freeze, stirring vigorously every 30 minutes for the first 2-3 hours to prevent ice crystals.

5. Add the Strawberries

  • Once the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency, gently fold in the cubed strawberries.
  • For a smoother texture, you can blend some strawberries into the base before churning.

6. Freeze Until Firm

  • Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

  • Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping for easier serving.
  • Garnish with fresh strawberries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce, if desired.

Tips for the Best Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream

  • Use ripe, sweet strawberries – They provide the best natural flavor.
  • Adjust sugar to taste – If your strawberries are very sweet, you may reduce the added sugar.
  • For extra creaminess – Replace half-and-half with heavy cream for a richer texture.
  • Prevent ice crystals – Ensure your freezer is set to the coldest setting and store the ice cream in an airtight container.
  • Experiment with mix-ins – Try adding white chocolate chunks, crushed cookies, or a swirl of strawberry jam.

Conclusion

This Homemade Gourmet Strawberry Ice Cream is a delightful treat that captures the essence of fresh strawberries in a luxuriously creamy base. Unlike store-bought versions, it contains no artificial flavors or preservatives—just pure, high-quality ingredients blended into a smooth, dreamy dessert.

Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, enjoying it as a sweet ending to a meal, or simply indulging in a solo treat, this ice cream is sure to impress. With its rich texture and vibrant strawberry flavor, it’s a recipe worth making again and again.

So grab your ingredients, fire up the ice cream maker, and get ready to enjoy one of the finest homemade frozen desserts you’ll ever taste!

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