This Easy Blender Strawberry Ice Cream is a cool treat you’ll love! With just ripe strawberries, cream, and a touch of sugar, it’s super simple and refreshing.
Making ice cream in a blender? Yes, please! I often get the kids involved. It’s a fun way to beat the heat and enjoy a sweet moment together. 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are perfect for this recipe as they provide great flavor. If they’re out of season, frozen strawberries work well too. I like using organic strawberries when possible for better taste and fewer pesticides.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the ice cream. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you can use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free version. I prefer coconut cream for a delicious twist!
Whole Milk: It helps to balance the creaminess but can be swapped for skim milk or almond milk if you want a lighter alternative. The ice cream may be slightly less creamy with these substitutes, but it will still taste great.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is best to sweeten this treat, but honey or maple syrup can be used instead for a natural option. I often lower the sugar slightly when using super ripe strawberries, as they’re naturally sweeter.
How Do I Get the Best Texture for My Ice Cream?
Achieving a creamy texture is crucial for great homemade ice cream. Here are some steps to follow:
- Blending: Make sure to blend all ingredients well until smooth; this includes breaking down the strawberries and mixing everything thoroughly.
- Freezing: Use a shallow container for freezing—the more surface area, the faster it freezes, leading to a creamier texture.
- Softening: Before scooping, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes. This helps soften it and makes scooping easier.
These tips will help you make ice cream that’s both tasty and velvety! Enjoy the process and feel free to experiment with flavors.
How to Make Easy Blender Strawberry Ice Cream
Ingredients You Will Need:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries (hulled)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Time Needed:
This delicious strawberry ice cream will take about 10 minutes to prepare, plus a freezing time of about 4-6 hours. So, you can whip it up quickly, but just remember to plan for the freezing time to enjoy your treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Strawberries:
Start by washing the strawberries thoroughly if they are fresh, then hull (remove the green tops) and pat them dry. If you’re using frozen strawberries, let them sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes to soften a bit.
2. Blend Everything Together:
In your blender, combine the prepared strawberries, heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend all the ingredients on high speed until you get a smooth and creamy mixture. This should take about 1-2 minutes—just watch out for any chunks of strawberries!
3. Freeze the Mixture:
Pour the blended mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe container. Spread it out evenly and cover it well to prevent ice crystals from forming. Place it in the freezer and let it freeze for 4-6 hours or until it’s firm and ready to scoop.
4. Scoop and Serve:
Once the ice cream is frozen, take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften a bit, which makes it easier to scoop. Use an ice cream scoop or a spoon to dish it into bowls or glasses. Enjoy your homemade strawberry ice cream right away for the best flavor and texture!
Enjoy your delightful, easy blender strawberry ice cream! It’s perfect for sunny days or as a sweet treat any time. 🍓
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to replace strawberries with other fruits like mango, blueberries, or raspberries. Just keep the same quantity for the fruit and adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
You can easily make this ice cream dairy-free by substituting the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut cream and almond milk or oat milk. The coconut cream will add a creamy texture while giving a subtle coconut flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Ice Cream?
To store any leftover ice cream, keep it in an airtight container in the freezer. It will stay fresh for up to 1-2 weeks. Just remember to let it sit out for a few minutes before scooping for easier serving!
Can I Sweeten This With Alternatives to Sugar?
Yes! You can use honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Just adjust the amount to taste, as different sweeteners have varying sweetness levels. If using liquid sweeteners, you may want to cut back slightly on the milk to maintain a creamy texture.
