Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe

A Sweet Start

Making ice cream feels like magic. You start with simple things. Then you end up with a frozen treat.

First, we get our strawberries ready. We mix them with honey, sugar, and a little lemon juice. Then we let them sit. I love watching them get all juicy. It’s like they’re waking up.

The Best Part

Now for the fun part. We get to mash the strawberries! I use my old potato masher. It makes a wonderful squishing sound.

My grandson once tried to mash them with his hands. What a sticky mess! I still laugh at that. Do you like your ice cream with bits of fruit, or completely smooth?

Making it Creamy

Next, we pour in the heavy cream and half-and-half. Add a splash of vanilla too. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It already looks like summer in a bowl.

Stir it all together gently. You want everything to be friends. This matters because being gentle keeps the mixture light. No one wants tough ice cream!

The Big Chill

Now we let the ice cream maker do its work. I love the whirring sound. It means something good is coming.

You can eat it right away for soft-serve. It’s so good. Or you can freeze it to make it firmer. Fun fact: The vanilla we use comes from a special orchid plant. Isn’t that neat?

Why This is Special

This recipe is more than just dessert. It’s about making something with your own hands. That feeling is so satisfying.

You know exactly what’s in your food. This matters a lot to me. It’s a small way to take care of your family. What is your favorite food memory from when you were young?

Time to Share

When the ice cream is ready, let it sit for a few minutes. This makes it easy to scoop. Then, get your biggest bowls.

I think sharing food is the best part. It brings people together. What is your favorite thing to add to ice cream? Sprinkles? Chocolate sauce? Tell me all about it.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Fresh strawberries, hulled and diced	1 1/2 cups
Honey	2 Tbsp
Granulated sugar	1/2 cup
Lemon juice	1 tsp
Heavy whipping cream	1 cup
Half-and-half	1/2 cup
Vanilla extract	1 tsp

A Bowl Full of Sunshine

I think every kitchen needs the smell of strawberries. It reminds me of my own grandma’s apron. She always said good food should feel like a hug. Making this ice cream is one of my favorite summer rituals. It turns simple ingredients into a bowl of pure joy.

Let’s make some memories together. This recipe is so easy and fun. You just need a few simple things. I love watching the strawberries get all juicy and sweet. It’s like a little bit of kitchen magic.

Ingredients

• 2 cups diced strawberries
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: First, take your diced strawberries and put them in a big bowl. Add the honey, sugar, and that little splash of lemon juice. Now, just let it sit for about 20 minutes. You will see a wonderful puddle of red juice form. This is where the flavor starts. I still smile when I see it.

Step 2: Next, we get to mash them up! Use a potato masher or a strong fork. Press down until the berries are mostly broken. You can make it super smooth in a blender if you like. (My hard-learned tip: Do not skip the mashing. Big chunks can freeze too hard!).

Step 3: Now for the creamy part. Gently pour in the heavy cream and half-and-half. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract too. Stir it all slowly until it becomes a beautiful pink color. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It already tastes like ice cream.

Step 4: Pour your pink mixture into the ice cream maker. Let it churn for about 20 minutes. You can eat it right away for a soft, dreamy treat. For firmer scoops, freeze it for a few hours. What’s your favorite ice cream topping? Share below!

Cook Time: 3–4 hours (freezing)
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dessert, Frozen Treats

Make It Your Own

The best recipes are the ones you can play with. Here are a few fun twists on our strawberry classic. I love trying new things in my kitchen. It keeps cooking exciting for everyone.

Berry Best Friends: Mix in some fresh blueberries or raspberries with the strawberries.

Cookie Crunch: Stir in handfuls of crushed shortbread cookies after churning.

Chocolate Dream: Drizzle melted chocolate into the ice cream maker at the very end.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

The Perfect Scoop

Now, how should we serve our masterpiece? I have a few ideas. A warm, fresh waffle cone makes everything better. You could also place a scoop on a slice of pound cake. It’s a classic for a reason.

For a drink, a tall glass of lemonade is perfect. It cuts through the sweetness so nicely. For the grown-ups, a little glass of champagne is a lovely, fizzy pairing. It feels very fancy. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Strawberry Ice Cream Perfect

Homemade ice cream is a special treat. You will want to keep it fresh. Store it in a sealed container in the freezer.

Press plastic wrap right on the ice cream’s surface. Then put the lid on the container. This stops ice crystals from forming.

I once skipped this step. My ice cream got all icy. It was a sad day in my kitchen.

Why does this matter? Good storage saves your hard work. It makes every scoop as good as the first. You can easily double the recipe for a party.

Batch cooking means more sweet treats later. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Easy Fixes for Common Ice Cream Troubles

Sometimes, ice cream does not turn out right. Do not worry. Here are some simple fixes.

Is your ice cream too hard? Let it sit on the counter for ten minutes. This makes scooping much easier. I remember when my grandson tried to scoop it frozen solid. He nearly bent the spoon!

Is it not sweet enough for you? Taste your strawberry mix before adding the cream. You can add a little more honey then. This ensures the perfect flavor.

Why does this matter? Fixing small problems builds your cooking confidence. It also makes your food taste just how you like it. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Ice Cream Questions Answered

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Enjoy it without worry.

Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Absolutely. Freeze it for up to two weeks. Just remember to let it soften before serving.

Q: What if I do not have half-and-half?
A: You can use all heavy cream. It will be extra rich and creamy.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, if your ice cream maker is big enough. Check its instructions first.

Q: Any fun additions?
A: Try adding some dark chocolate chips. Fun fact: Strawberries and bananas are technically not berries! Which tip will you try first?

A Sweet Note From My Kitchen

I hope you love making this ice cream. It always reminds me of summer days. Sharing it with family is the best part.

I would love to see your creations. Your photos and stories make me so happy. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking!

—Olivia Hartwell.