Transform that bounty of juicy summer peaches into this homemade peach ice cream. Bursting with the vibrant flavor of ripe peaches, this frozen treat is perfect for enjoying on a lazy summer afternoon, or for serving as a refreshing dessert at your next cookout. Velvety smooth and tangy-sweet, use this ice cream recipe as a guide for incorporating a variety of fresh fruits into your homemade ice creams using this same method.

To make this ice cream, you'll need a blender (or food processor) and an ice cream maker. Use your blender or food processor to prepare enough peach puree for both the ice cream and an optional chocolate-peach sauce to serve alongside. A peach-infused custard is then processed in your ice cream maker until creamy and frozen. Should you have leftover peach ice cream, drop scoops into glasses of cold lemon-lime soda for a fantastic float.

Ingredients for Fresh Peach Ice Cream

Ripe peaches add intense peach flavor to this homemade ice cream, with richness from half-and-half and egg yolks, additional sweetness from sugar, and depth from vanilla extract. To make fresh peach ice cream, you'll need:

• Ripe peaches: Adds a vibrant, fresh peach flavor to the ice cream and sauce.
• Half-and-half (or light cream): The creamy, rich base of the custard.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard.
• Large egg yolks: Binds and thickens the custard, while adding additional richness.
• Vanilla extract: For depth of flavor to complement the peach puree.

If serving with chocolate-peach sauce, you'll need: Half-and-half (or light cream), semisweet chocolate, reserved peach puree (from above), and peach liqueur.

How To Make Fresh Peach Ice Cream

If your ice cream maker has been sitting unused, having an abundance of fresh, juicy peaches on hand is the perfect reason to break it out. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

1. Prepare peach puree: Cut peaches into chunks and process or blend until smooth. Refrigerate 2 cups of puree for ice cream, and 2 tablespoons for sauce, if using.
2. Cook ice cream base: In a large saucepan, cook half-and-half and sugar until sugar is dissolved. Gradually stir half of the hot mixture into the egg yolks. Add yolk mixture to remaining cream mixture in saucepan. Cook, stirring, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl. Stir in vanilla.
3. Chill and freeze: Cover and chill for 4 to 24 hours. Stir in 2 cups peach puree. Freeze in a 4- or 5-quart ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions. Transfer to a freezer-safe container, cover, and freeze at least 4 hours until firm. If desired, serve with chocolate-peach sauce.
4. For the chocolate-peach sauce: Bring half-and-half to a boil in a small saucepan. Turn off heat and stir in chocolate until melted. Stir in peach puree and liqueur. Cool slightly.

Fresh Peach Ice Cream Variations

To change up or give this ice cream additional flavor, consider these variation ideas:

• Roast the peaches: Roast or grill the peaches before pureeing to add a deepened peach flavor.
• Dark brown sugar: For a caramelized flavor, swap the granulated sugar for dark brown sugar for subtle notes of molasses.
• Spices: Add ground cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, or other favorite spices for a warm touch.
• Extracts: Add a splash of vanilla, almond, or lemon extract for depth.
• Citrus: Add lemon or orange zest for a citrusy touch.
• Alcohol: A splash of bourbon or rum can add great flavor to the ice cream, as well as keep it scoopable straight out of the freezer.
• Mix-ins: Stir in shredded coconut, white chocolate chips, fresh fruits, raspberry preserves, or other favorite mix-ins after churning.
• Herbs: Infuse the half-and-half with fresh mint, basil, or thyme for an herbaceous touch.

Tips for the Best Fresh Peach Ice Cream

For the best peach ice cream, keep these tips in mind:

• Temper the eggs: Whisk the hot liquid into the egg yolks slowly to keep the eggs from curdling.
• Keep it smooth: Strain the custard after cooking to avoid any lumps in your final product.
• Blend if needed: If you accidentally overcook your custard, process in a blender until smooth.
• Shop smart: Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor, including the most ripe, juicy peaches.
• Lower the freezing point: Try adding a splash of vodka, rum, or bourbon to your homemade ice cream—the alcohol keeps the ice cream scoopable when frozen.
• Don't over-churn: Process according to the instructions for your specific ice cream maker to avoid ice cream with a grainy texture.
• Freeze properly: Keep your ice cream well-sealed to avoid freezer burn. You can even top the ice cream with a layer of parchment paper right on the surface before wrapping or covering for even more protection.

What To Serve With Fresh Peach Ice Cream

Once you have your ice cream frozen and ready to serve, don't stop there. Transform this ice cream into an incredible dessert by adding toppings or serving with other homemade items. Scoop over slices of fresh fruit pies, crisps, or cobblers, or serve with warm blondies or oatmeal cookies. You can also top scoops of the ice cream with caramel sauce, raspberry coulis, a nutty crumble, or roasted peaches to double down on that fresh peach flavor.