This Easy Blender Strawberry Ice Cream is a sweet treat you can whip up in no time! Just fresh strawberries, cream, and a touch of sweetness come together for a yummy dessert.
I love how simple this ice cream is! Just blend, freeze, and enjoy. It’s perfect for hot days—or any day really! Who doesn’t want a scoop of homemade goodness? 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show! Make sure to use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor. If fresh isn’t an option, frozen strawberries can work too, just thaw and drain excess liquid.
Heavy Cream: This gives the ice cream its creamy texture. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: It adds sweetness and creaminess. If you prefer a healthier option, try using coconut milk or a sugar-free alternative, but it might change the flavor slightly.
Vanilla Extract: It enhances the flavor. You can use almond extract for a different twist, or leave it out if you’re short on it.
Sugar: Use it to adjust sweetness. You can replace it with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute if you’re looking to cut back on refined sugars.
What’s the Best Way to Achieve a Creamy Texture?
One of the challenges with making ice cream at home is ensuring it stays creamy and doesn’t turn icy. Here are tips to achieve that perfect texture:
- Blend the mixture well until smooth—this helps incorporate air, making it fluffier.
- Stir the mixture every 30-60 minutes while it freezes. This breaks up ice crystals and keeps the texture creamy.
- Consider covering the container with plastic wrap before sealing. This helps reduce ice buildup on the surface.
Easy Blender Strawberry Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, adjust based on sweetness of strawberries)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious strawberry ice cream takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 4-5 hours to freeze. So, a little bit of waiting, but totally worth it when you have that creamy ice cream ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blend the Strawberries:
Start by putting your hulled and halved fresh strawberries into a blender or food processor. If you’re using sugar to sweeten, add it in as well. Blend the strawberries until they’re nice and smooth—this will be the fruity base of your ice cream!
2. Combine the Ingredients:
Next, pour the smooth strawberry puree into a mixing bowl. Now, add the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. These ingredients will contribute to that rich, creamy texture we all love.
3. Mix it Up:
Using a whisk, gently mix everything together until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps and it looks all nice and creamy.
4. Freeze the Mixture:
Now, transfer your delicious mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe container. This helps it freeze more evenly. Pop it into the freezer!
5. Stir for Creaminess:
To keep the ice cream creamy and prevent it from getting icy, stir the mixture every 30-60 minutes while it’s freezing. Use a fork or a whisk and give it a good mix. This part is crucial for that smooth texture!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
After about 4-5 hours, your ice cream should be firm and ready! Scoop it into serving glasses or bowls. You can enjoy it right away or store it in the freezer until you’re ready for a treat.
This homemade strawberry ice cream is creamy, refreshing, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. Perfect for warm days or any occasion you want to treat yourself! Enjoy every scoop!
FAQ for Easy Blender Strawberry Ice Cream
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just thaw them first to make blending easier. Drain any excess liquid before adding them to the mix to avoid watery ice cream.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Your strawberry ice cream can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping, as it may become very firm.
What If I Don’t Have Sweetened Condensed Milk?
If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk, you can substitute it with an equal amount of regular milk mixed with 3 tablespoons of sugar. Just blend it well and adjust the sweetness according to your taste!
Can I Make This Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk or make your own using coconut milk and sugar. It’ll still be delicious and creamy!
