Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks

Name: Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 6 h 55 min
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped; 1 cup granulated sugar (divided); 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Pinch of salt

Sara

Writer & Blogger

Desserts
April 9, 2025

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Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks: A Luscious Summer Treat 🍓🍦💖

1. Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade creamy strawberry ice cream with fresh chunks to brighten up a summer day. This delightful dessert combines the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries with a velvety smooth texture, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, planning a dessert party, or simply craving a refreshing treat, this creamy strawberry ice cream recipe is a must-try! The best part? You don’t need to be an expert chef to create this frozen masterpiece that rivals any premium ice cream shop.

2. Ingredients

To make this heavenly creamy strawberry ice cream, you’ll need simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. For the absolute best results, we recommend using fresh, ripe strawberries when they’re in season:

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped (look for bright red, fragrant berries)
1 cup granulated sugar (divided – we’ll use this in two stages)
2 cups heavy cream (for that signature creamy texture)
1 cup whole milk (don’t substitute with low-fat for best results)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste for extra flavor)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (brightens the strawberry flavor)
Pinch of fine sea salt (enhances all the flavors)

If you’re looking for more baking inspiration, check out our other sweet recipes that pair perfectly with this ice cream!

3. Equipment Needed

Before you begin making your creamy strawberry ice cream, gather these essential tools. While an ice cream maker gives the best results, we’ll include alternatives for those without one:

Blender or food processor (for creating that smooth strawberry puree)
Mixing bowls (various sizes for different preparation steps)
Whisk (for combining ingredients thoroughly)
Fine mesh strainer (optional but recommended for seed-free ice cream)
Ice cream maker (we love the recommendations from A Latte Food)
Airtight freezer container (prevents ice crystals from forming)
Rubber spatula (for scraping every last bit of deliciousness)

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Start by washing and hulling your fresh strawberries. For the creamiest strawberry ice cream, choose berries that are deep red all the way through – pale centers mean less flavor. Chop them into small, even pieces (about 1/4-inch) and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle with ¼ cup of sugar and let them macerate for about 30 minutes. This process not only draws out the natural juices but also creates a light syrup that will enhance the strawberry flavor in your final product. While waiting, why not browse our soup recipes for a complete meal plan?

Fresh strawberries being prepared for creamy strawberry ice cream.

Step 2: Create the Ice Cream Base

In a blender, combine the macerated strawberries (reserving about 1/2 cup of chunks for later), remaining sugar, heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and salt. Blend on high speed until completely smooth, about 1-2 minutes. For an ultra-creamy strawberry ice cream texture with no seeds, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl, pressing with a spatula to extract all the liquid. This extra step makes a noticeable difference in the final texture, especially if you’re serving discerning guests or children who might object to seeds. The vibrant pink color at this stage is absolutely gorgeous!

Strawberries, cream, and sugar in a blender for homemade ice cream.

Step 3: Chill and Add Fresh Chunks

Transfer the blended mixture to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent skin formation), and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This chilling step is crucial for several reasons: it allows the flavors to meld, ensures the mixture is cold enough for proper churning, and helps create that signature creamy strawberry ice cream texture we’re after. About 30 minutes before churning, gently fold in the reserved strawberry chunks – this creates those delightful bursts of fresh fruit that make this recipe special. If you’re enjoying this recipe, you might also love our quick dinner ideas for busy weeknights!

Creamy strawberry ice cream mixture with fresh chunks being prepared.

Step 4: Churn and Freeze

Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (typically 20-25 minutes). The creamy strawberry ice cream will have a soft-serve consistency at this stage – thick enough to hold its shape but still slightly soft. For those without an ice cream maker, you can pour the mixture into a shallow freezer-safe container and freeze, stirring vigorously every 30 minutes for the first 2-3 hours to break up ice crystals. Transfer to an airtight container, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface (this prevents ice crystals), and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm. For more frozen treats, check out our quick and easy recipes collection!

Strawberry ice cream mixture churning in an ice cream maker.

5. Serving Suggestions

Your homemade creamy strawberry ice cream is now ready to enjoy! Here are some fabulous ways to serve it:

Classic waffle cones with rainbow sprinkles for a festive touch
Warm brownie sundaes with hot fudge sauce
As part of a brunch spread with fresh berries and whipped cream
Sandwiched between homemade cookies for ice cream sandwiches
In elegant glass coupes with champagne for adults-only dessert
As a topping for pound cake or angel food cake

The natural strawberry flavor and creamy texture make this dessert perfect for any occasion from casual family dinners to elegant dinner parties.

6. Storage Tips

Store your creamy strawberry ice cream in an airtight container in the coldest part of your freezer for up to 2 weeks (though it’s so delicious, it probably won’t last that long!). These professional tips will help maintain perfect texture:

Always press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the container
Place the container in the back of the freezer where temperature fluctuates less
If storing long-term, place the container inside a freezer bag for extra protection
For easy scooping, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving
Consider portioning into smaller containers if you won’t eat it all at once

7. Variations

This creamy strawberry ice cream recipe is wonderfully versatile. Try these delicious variations to keep things interesting all season long:

Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream: Add 4 oz of softened cream cheese to the blender and swirl in graham cracker crumbs
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry: Swirl in melted dark chocolate during the last few minutes of churning
Strawberry Shortcake: Fold in crumbled shortbread cookies and a splash of bourbon before freezing
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute full-fat coconut milk for the dairy products
Strawberry-Basil: Add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh basil for a sophisticated twist
Berry Medley: Replace half the strawberries with raspberries or blackberries

For more creative recipe ideas, explore our dinner recipes that would pair beautifully with this dessert!

8. Health Benefits

While this creamy strawberry ice cream is certainly an indulgent treat, it does offer some nutritional benefits from the fresh strawberries. Here’s why you can feel slightly better about enjoying this dessert:

Strawberries are packed with vitamin C (more than oranges per serving!)
They contain powerful antioxidants called polyphenols
Natural fiber from the fruit helps slow sugar absorption
Homemade versions contain no artificial colors or preservatives
You control the sugar content – reduce by 1/4 cup if desired
Contains some calcium from the dairy ingredients

For more nutritious options, browse our healthy soup recipes to balance your menu!

9. Conclusion

This creamy strawberry ice cream with fresh chunks is truly the perfect way to celebrate strawberry season or satisfy your sweet tooth any time of year. With its rich, velvety texture and bursts of fresh fruit, it’s sure to become a family favorite that you’ll make again and again. The simple preparation and customizable nature of this recipe make it ideal for both novice and experienced ice cream makers alike. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with our suggested variations, you’re guaranteed a delicious result. For more culinary inspiration, visit our about page to learn about our cooking philosophy. So grab your ingredients, channel your inner ice cream artisan, and get ready to enjoy the creamiest, most delicious strawberry ice cream you’ve ever tasted – made with love in your own kitchen!

Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks

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Indulge in this luscious Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Chunks, a perfect summer treat that combines velvety smooth texture with bursts of fresh strawberry flavor. This homemade delight is easy to make and far superior to store-bought versions.