How to Make Creamy Blender Strawberry Ice Cream
Nothing beats the refreshing taste of homemade ice cream on a hot day, especially when it’s made with fresh, juicy strawberries. This Creamy Blender Strawberry Ice Cream is a perfect treat for cooling off during summer, and the best part? You can whip it up in just a few minutes using a blender and a few simple ingredients. No need for an ice cream maker—just blend, freeze, and enjoy!
In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make a luscious and creamy strawberry ice cream that strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and fresh strawberry flavor. It’s a dessert that everyone will love, from kids to adults, and it’s so easy that you’ll want to make it over and over again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Blender Strawberry Ice Cream is:
- Quick and Easy: The entire preparation process takes less than 15 minutes.
- Minimal Ingredients: Only a few staple ingredients are required—strawberries, cream, condensed milk, and vanilla.
- No Ice Cream Maker Needed: All you need is a blender and a freezer.
- Fresh and Fruity: The strawberries bring a bright and refreshing taste to this creamy dessert.
- Perfect for Hot Days: There’s nothing more satisfying than a scoop of homemade ice cream to cool you down during a heatwave.
Let’s get started!
Ingredients
To make this easy strawberry ice cream, you’ll need:
- 3 cups of strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup of condensed milk
- 1 cup of half cream (or substitute with heavy cream if unavailable)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ liter of whipping cream (around 2 cups)
These simple ingredients come together to create a velvety, smooth ice cream with the vibrant flavor of fresh strawberries. The condensed milk provides sweetness, while the vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma and depth to the ice cream.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Strawberries
The first step is to wash and disinfect the strawberries, especially if you’re using fresh strawberries.
- Rinse 3 cups of strawberries under cold water, then gently pat them dry.
- Set aside 2 cups of the strawberries for blending, and 1 cup for later, which will be cut into small cubes to add texture to the ice cream.
2. Blend the Creamy Base
Next, let’s create the creamy ice cream base.
- In a blender, combine ½ cup of condensed milk, 1 cup of half cream, ½ liter of whipping cream, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
- Blend this mixture until everything is smooth and well combined. The creamy base will give the ice cream its rich and smooth texture.
3. Add the Strawberries
Now it’s time to incorporate the strawberries into the mix.
- Add the 2 cups of strawberries to the blender with the cream mixture.
- Blend again until the strawberries are fully incorporated and the mixture turns a beautiful pale pink. The blended strawberries will infuse the ice cream with a naturally sweet and fruity flavor.
4. Prepare the Remaining Strawberries
To add extra bursts of fresh strawberry flavor and texture to the ice cream:
- Take the remaining 1 cup of strawberries and dice them into small cubes.
- Gently fold these strawberry cubes into the creamy mixture you just blended. This step adds delightful little bits of fruit to your ice cream, making each scoop more interesting and flavorful.
5. Freeze the Mixture
Once the mixture is ready, it’s time to freeze the ice cream.
- Pour the strawberry ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe dish. A shallow dish works best, as it helps the ice cream freeze more evenly.
- Smooth the top with a spatula, cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the freezer.
Let the ice cream freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until it reaches a firm consistency. For best results, freeze overnight.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once the ice cream is fully frozen, it’s time to serve!
- Scoop the creamy strawberry ice cream into bowls or ice cream cones, and enjoy the fresh, fruity flavor on a warm day.
- If you like, you can top your ice cream with fresh strawberry slices, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.
Tips for Making the Perfect Blender Strawberry Ice Cream
1. Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries
For the best flavor, use ripe and sweet strawberries. If strawberries are out of season, frozen strawberries work well too. Just be sure to thaw them slightly before blending.
2. Chill the Cream
For extra creamy ice cream, chill the whipping cream in the fridge for a few hours before blending. Cold cream helps the ice cream mixture thicken better.
3. Sweetness Adjustment
If you prefer a sweeter ice cream, you can add a bit more condensed milk to the mixture. Taste the blended mixture before freezing and adjust the sweetness to your liking.
4. Add Mix-Ins
For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in some crushed graham crackers, mini chocolate chips, or toasted nuts into the ice cream before freezing.
5. Stir During Freezing
If you have the time, stir the ice cream every 1-2 hours while it freezes to prevent large ice crystals from forming. This step helps the ice cream stay extra smooth and creamy.
Variations to Try
1. Strawberry Banana Ice Cream
Add 1 ripe banana to the blender along with the strawberries for a creamy and naturally sweet variation.
2. Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
Mix in crumbled graham crackers and small chunks of cream cheese to create a strawberry cheesecake-flavored ice cream.
3. Chocolate Strawberry Ice Cream
Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cream mixture for a chocolatey twist on this fruity ice cream. You can also fold in chocolate chips for added texture.
4. Dairy-Free Strawberry Ice Cream
Substitute the cream and whipping cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Use a plant-based condensed milk alternative to keep it completely vegan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this ice cream without a blender?
Yes, if you don’t have a blender, you can use a food processor instead. Alternatively, you can mash the strawberries with a fork or potato masher, although the texture won’t be as smooth.
2. How long does it take for the ice cream to freeze?
It takes about 4-6 hours for the ice cream to freeze completely. For the creamiest results, it’s best to freeze it overnight.
3. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Frozen strawberries work just as well in this recipe. If you’re using frozen strawberries, let them thaw slightly before blending to make it easier on your blender.
4. How long does homemade ice cream last in the freezer?
Homemade ice cream can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming.
5. Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or mangoes to the ice cream mixture for a delicious fruity blend. Just adjust the amount of fruit to taste.
6. Why is my ice cream too hard to scoop?
If the ice cream is too hard to scoop right out of the freezer, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Blender Strawberry Ice Cream is an easy, delightful way to enjoy homemade ice cream without needing special equipment or a lot of time. The natural sweetness of the strawberries, combined with the richness of cream and condensed milk, makes for a treat that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a weekend treat, or simply to cool off on a hot day, this ice cream is sure to be a hit.
Try it out today, and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade strawberry ice cream made right in your blender!