Have you ever found yourself craving something sweet and refreshing on a hot summer day? There’s nothing quite like the pure joy of summer strawberries ice cream melting on your tongue, capturing the essence of the season in every bite. This homemade summer strawberries ice cream recipe transforms fresh, juicy berries into a velvety dessert that’s far superior to anything store-bought.

As someone who has tested countless ice cream recipes, I can confidently say this summer strawberries ice cream is the perfect balance of creamy texture and authentic fruit flavor. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, looking for a sweet ending to a family dinner, or simply treating yourself after a long day, this recipe delivers pure strawberry bliss with minimal effort.

The secret lies in using peak-season strawberries and a perfect ratio of cream to milk, creating that luxurious mouthfeel you expect from premium summer strawberries ice cream. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that captures sunshine in every scoop!

Why You’ll Love This Summer Strawberries Ice Cream

✅ Uses fresh strawberries for authentic flavor
✅ Perfectly balanced sweetness that lets the fruit shine
✅ Incredibly creamy texture without the need for eggs
✅ Can be made with or without an ice cream maker
✅ Customizable with mix-ins like chocolate chips or mint
✅ Makes approximately 1 quart – perfect for small gatherings
✅ Simple ingredients you likely already have
✅ Kid-friendly recipe that adults adore too
✅ Healthier than many store-bought options

Ingredients for Summer Strawberries Ice Cream

250 grams fresh strawberries (about 2 cups)
150 ml (2/3 cup) sugar, or alternatively, 100 ml sugar and 50 ml xylitol (birch sugar)
350 ml (1 2/5 cup) heavy cream (35% fat, preferably 40% for extra creaminess)
250 ml (1 cup) whole milk
100 ml (about 2/5 cup) crème fraîche
Juice of 1/2 lemon or lime
Optional: 1/2-1 tablespoon Kirsch (cherry liqueur)

Ingredient Notes:

For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream and milk with full-fat coconut milk
If strawberries aren’t at peak sweetness, add an extra tablespoon of sugar
Crème fraîche adds tanginess, but you can substitute with sour cream in a pinch
The Kirsch enhances the strawberry flavor but can be omitted for a family-friendly version

Easy homemade Summer Strawberries ice cream recipe with ingredients and step-by-step guide

How to Make Summer Strawberries Ice Cream – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Wash the strawberries thoroughly under cold water.
Hull the strawberries and cut them into quarters.
Place strawberries in a bowl and sprinkle with half the sugar (75ml) and the lemon juice.
Stir gently to combine and let macerate for 30 minutes. This draws out juices and intensifies flavor.

Step 2: Create the Strawberry Puree

Transfer the macerated strawberries to a blender or food processor.
Pulse until you have a smooth puree.
If you prefer chunks of strawberry in your ice cream, set aside about 50g of diced strawberries to add later.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, crème fraîche, and remaining sugar.
Whisk thoroughly until the sugar is completely dissolved.
If using Kirsch, add it now and mix well.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Fold the strawberry puree into the cream mixture until fully incorporated.
For the best flavor development, refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight.
The colder your base is, the faster it will freeze and the smaller the ice crystals will be.

Step 5: Freezing Method (With Ice Cream Maker)

Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker.
Churn according to manufacturer’s instructions (typically 20-30 minutes).
In the last 5 minutes of churning, add any reserved diced strawberries or optional mix-ins.
Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours to firm up.

Step 6: Freezing Method (No Ice Cream Maker)

Pour the chilled mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe container.
Place in freezer for 45 minutes until the edges begin to freeze.
Remove and vigorously whisk the mixture to break up ice crystals.
Return to freezer and repeat this process every 30 minutes for 3-4 hours.
After the final mix, fold in any reserved strawberry pieces and freeze for at least 2 more hours.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Summer Strawberries Ice Cream

Choose ripe, aromatic strawberries: The quality of your berries is key to the final flavor. If they don’t smell sweet, they won’t taste sweet!
Don’t skip the macerating step: This draws out the juices and intensifies the strawberry flavor.
For extra creaminess: Use the highest fat content cream you can find; the higher the fat percentage, the smoother your ice cream.
Add a pinch of salt: It may sound strange, but a tiny pinch enhances the sweetness and brings out the strawberry flavor.
For a more intense color: Add a drop of natural red food coloring if your strawberries aren’t giving you that vibrant pink hue.
Preventing ice crystals: Adding 1 tablespoon of vodka (which won’t freeze) can help prevent large ice crystals from forming.
Try chocolate swirls: For summer strawberries ice cream with chocolate swirls, drizzle melted chocolate into the mixture during the final freezing phase.
Mint variation: For summer strawberries ice cream with a hint of mint, add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh mint leaves to the cream base.

Best Ways to Serve Summer Strawberries Ice Cream

Summer strawberries ice cream is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience:

Serve in chilled bowls or cones for the classic experience
Top with fresh sliced strawberries for extra berry goodness
Add a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce for a decadent contrast
Pair with a buttery shortbread cookie on the side
Serve between two chocolate chip cookies for an incredible ice cream sandwich
For a dinner party, serve small scoops in chocolate-dipped waffle cone cups
Use as a topping for warm brownies or chocolate cake
Blend with a splash of milk for a quick and easy milkshake

This refreshing summer strawberries ice cream for parties is guaranteed to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more!

Nutritional Information for Summer Strawberries Ice Cream

Per 1/2 cup serving (approximately 100g):

Calories: 215 kcal
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 40mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 16g
Protein: 2g
Vitamin C: 35% DV
Calcium: 8% DV

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Storage & Leftovers

Properly stored, homemade summer strawberries ice cream will maintain its quality for up to 2 weeks in the freezer. For best results:

Store in an airtight container with a piece of parchment paper pressed directly on the surface to prevent freezer burn
Keep toward the back of your freezer where temperature is most consistent
Allow to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving for the perfect scooping consistency
If the ice cream becomes too hard, microwave for 10 seconds or transfer to the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving

For a longer shelf life of up to 1 month, a layered storage approach works best: place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the ice cream surface, then securely cover with the container lid.

Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Strawberries Ice Cream

How do you make creamy summer strawberries ice cream homemade?

The secret to truly creamy summer strawberries ice cream is using high-fat dairy products (at least 35% fat cream) and ensuring your mixture is properly chilled before freezing. The addition of crème fraîche in this recipe contributes to the luxurious mouthfeel, while regular stirring during the freezing process helps prevent large ice crystals from forming.

Can I make no churn summer strawberries ice cream?

Absolutely! The alternative freezing method provided in Step 6 allows you to make delicious no churn summer strawberries ice cream without special equipment. The key is to break up ice crystals by whisking the mixture every 30 minutes during the freezing process. For even better results, use a hand mixer instead of a whisk for more efficient mixing.

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen strawberries can work in this recipe when fresh aren’t available. Thaw the strawberries completely first, then drain excess liquid before proceeding with the recipe. You may need to add a bit more sugar as frozen strawberries sometimes lose some sweetness. For the best flavor and color in your best summer strawberries ice cream flavor, fresh, in-season berries are still recommended.

How long does it take to freeze strawberry ice cream?

The freezing time for summer strawberries ice cream varies depending on your method. With an ice cream maker, the churning process typically takes 20-30 minutes, followed by 4 hours of “ripening” in the freezer. Without an ice cream maker, expect the entire process to take 5-6 hours, with frequent stirring every 30 minutes for the first 3-4 hours. The result is well worth the wait!

Conclusion: Your Perfect Summer Strawberries Ice Cream Awaits

There’s something magical about transforming simple ingredients into a bowl of homemade summer strawberries ice cream that captures the essence of summer. This recipe proves that creating restaurant-quality ice cream at home is not only possible but surprisingly simple.

Whether you’re making this easy summer strawberries ice cream for kids to enjoy after a day of play, or preparing a sophisticated dessert with summer strawberries ice cream with a hint of mint for adult guests, this versatile recipe delivers consistently delicious results.

The beauty of homemade ice cream is in the customization – adjust the sweetness, experiment with mix-ins, or try the vegan summer strawberries ice cream options using coconut milk. Whatever variation you choose, you’ll be enjoying the freshest, most authentic strawberry flavor imaginable.

Have you tried making homemade ice cream before? What’s your favorite way to enjoy summer strawberries ice cream with fresh fruit? I’d love to hear your experiences and variations in the comments below!

Now that you know how to make the perfect summer strawberries ice cream, it’s time to get churning and start creating sweet summer memories that taste as good as they feel.

Delicious Summer Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe

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Author: Jannet Lisa
Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Summer Strawberries ice cream is a creamy homemade delight that captures the essence of summer with fresh strawberries and a luxurious texture, perfect for warm weather celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

250 grams fresh strawberries (about 2 cups), rinsed and hulled
150 ml sugar, or 100 ml sugar and 50 ml xylitol for a lower glycemic option
350 ml heavy cream (35-40% fat)
250 ml whole milk
100 ml crème fraîche
Juice of 1/2 lemon or lime
Optional: 1/2–1 tablespoon Kirsch (cherry liqueur)

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Instructions

Rinse the strawberries thoroughly under cold water.
Remove the green tops (hull) and cut the strawberries into quarters.
Place the cut strawberries in a medium bowl and sprinkle with half of the sugar.
Add the lemon or lime juice and gently toss to coat.
Let the strawberries macerate for 30 minutes.
Transfer the macerated strawberries and their juices to a blender and blend until smooth.
In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with the remaining sugar until soft peaks form.
Fold in the crème fraîche and gradually add the whole milk.
Add the strawberry puree and fold gently until marbled or fully combined, as desired.
Transfer to a freezer-safe container, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly.
Scoop and serve with fresh strawberries or mint if desired.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
For longer storage, keep in a deep freeze for up to 1 month.
If texture becomes icy, pulse briefly in a food processor and refreeze for improved creaminess.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No Churn
Cuisine: American