This homemade strawberry ice cream is creamy, fruity, and perfectly sweet. Made with fresh strawberries, milk, and cream, it’s a classic frozen treat that’s easy to make in your own kitchen.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You’ll love this ice cream because it’s made with real strawberries, giving it a natural flavor that store-bought versions can’t match. It’s refreshing, versatile, and a fun recipe for both kids and adults to enjoy.

Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream

Homemade ice cream is one of life’s simple joys. It feels nostalgic and special, transporting us to summer afternoons and family gatherings. Among all the flavors, strawberry holds a timeless place in our hearts. Its natural sweetness and vibrant color make it a favorite across generations.

This recipe uses fresh mashed strawberries, which provide both flavor and texture. Unlike artificial strawberry ice cream, this version has a brightness that can only come from real fruit. Every bite is creamy, with bursts of strawberry in each spoonful.

The combination of milk and heavy cream creates a luxurious base. The cream adds richness, while the milk keeps it from feeling too heavy. Sugar balances the tartness of the berries, and vanilla enhances the overall flavor.

Optional red food coloring can deepen the pink hue, but the natural color from strawberries is often enough. The result is a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Making ice cream at home also means you control the ingredients. No preservatives, no artificial flavorings—just simple, wholesome components. It’s pure comfort food at its finest.

The process is straightforward: mix, churn, and freeze. The ice cream maker does most of the work, ensuring a creamy, scoopable texture. Once firm, it’s ready to enjoy on its own or paired with other desserts.

Strawberry ice cream pairs beautifully with cakes, pies, or even just a simple waffle cone. It’s versatile enough for birthdays, cookouts, or a quiet evening treat.

Kids especially love this recipe. They can help mash the strawberries, pour ingredients, and watch the ice cream transform before their eyes. It’s an interactive kitchen project with a sweet reward.

This recipe is also adaptable. Add chocolate chips for extra indulgence, swirl in strawberry jam for a marbled effect, or mix in crushed cookies for texture.

One of the best parts about homemade ice cream is the freshness. It tastes vibrant, unlike anything pre-packaged. The strawberries shine through, reminding you of summer markets and sun-ripened fruit.

Serving it is pure joy. A scoop of strawberry ice cream with a few fresh berries on top looks beautiful and feels indulgent. It’s the kind of dessert that brings smiles with every spoonful.

And beyond flavor, there’s the satisfaction of saying, “I made this.” Ice cream feels like a treat from the store, but making it yourself feels empowering and rewarding.

This recipe is a classic you’ll return to again and again. Simple, sweet, and timeless—it captures everything we love about homemade desserts.

Servings

8 servings

Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Freeze Time: 4 hours (including churning)

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups mashed fresh strawberries

• 2 cups whole milk

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 1 cup white sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 2 drops red food coloring (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine strawberries, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, salt, and food coloring (if using). Mix until well blended.

2. Pour mixture into ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze until firm, about 3–4 hours.

4. Scoop and serve with fresh strawberries if desired.

Tips

• Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor.

• Chill the mixture before churning to speed up the process.

• For extra texture, fold in chopped strawberries after churning.

• Store ice cream covered tightly to prevent ice crystals.