Strawberry ice cream is a timeless treat that captures the essence of summer in every creamy, fruity bite. Made with fresh strawberries, cream, and a hint of vanilla, it’s a refreshing dessert that’s both nostalgic and indulgent. Whether you’re churning it at home or enjoying a scoop from your favorite creamery, strawberry ice cream is always a crowd-pleaser.
The secret to great strawberry ice cream is ripe, sweet strawberries. Fresh berries bring a natural sweetness and vibrant flavor that frozen or artificial versions just can’t match. Start by hulling and chopping the strawberries, then macerate them with a bit of sugar. This helps draw out their juices and intensifies their flavor. For a smoother ice cream, you can puree the strawberries; for a chunkier texture, leave some pieces whole or mash lightly.
The base is typically a custard-style mixture made with heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and egg yolks. The mixture is gently heated until it thickens slightly, then cooled completely before combining with the strawberries. A touch of vanilla extract enhances the fruity flavor without overpowering it.
Once the strawberry and cream mixture is chilled, it’s churned in an ice cream maker to achieve a smooth, scoopable texture. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can freeze the mixture in a container, stirring every 30 minutes for a few hours to break up ice crystals and mimic the churning process.
For an extra twist, consider adding ingredients like crushed graham crackers, chocolate chips, or a swirl of strawberry jam. But even in its simplest form, strawberry ice cream is pure joy—cool, creamy, and bursting with berry flavor.
Serve it in a cone, a bowl, or sandwiched between two cookies for a homemade ice cream sandwich. However you enjoy it, this classic flavor is a summertime staple that never goes out of style.
Ingredients
- 2 cups strawberries fresh, hulled and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure
- 1 cup heavy cream chilled
- 1 cup milk full-fat recommended
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mash the strawberries with the sugar and vanilla extract.
- Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes, allowing the strawberries to release their juices.
- In a large bowl, combine the strawberry mixture with heavy cream and milk.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
Nutrition
Eh, I expected more. It’s just strawberries and cream, right? What’s so special? 🤷♂️
I think it’s simple but delicious! Sometimes the classics are the best. 🍓✨
I tried it but my ice cream maker broke halfway. Ended up with a slushy mess. 😩
It was okay, but my kids didn’t really like it. Too much strawberry flavor maybe?
Really? I thought it was super yummy! Kids can be picky sometimes.
Maybe try less strawberries next time? My kids love it! I added chocolate chips and it was a hit!
I dunno, it seems a bit too sweet for my taste. Maybe less sugar next time?
This recipe is super easy! My kids loved it! 🍓
Delicious flavor, but I used almond milk instead of regular milk because that’s all I had. Still turned out great!
so simple even my grandma could do it!!!
Ugh, why no recipe for homemade ice cream maker??
You can totally make it without an ice cream maker! Just blend the ingredients and freeze! 🙂
But isn’t that the point? No ice cream maker? What’s the recipe for then? 🤨
Delicious! Best strawberry ice cream I’ve ever made!
I’m so glad you loved it! It’s always nice to find a recipe that works so well. Did you add any toppings?
It was okay, but it lacked a bit of flavor. Maybe add more vanilla?
I tried this but it turned out watery. Maybe I added too much milk? 🤷♂️
I followed the recipe but it didn’t freeze properly. What did I do wrong?
Not sure why mine didn’t churn well, maybe my ice cream maker is broken? 🤔
Strawberries? Who needs that? Use chocolate!
Chocolate ice cream is great too, but strawberries are classic! Don’t knock it till you try it!
Who needs strawberries? Just dip some chocolate in the ice cream, that’s the way to go!
Works like magic! I added some chocolate chips for a twist and it was amazing!
Ice cream maker not needed! Just freeze the mixture! Works fine.
But isn’t it supposed to be creamier with an ice cream maker? Just freezing it might make it icy.
Yeah, freezing works too! I did it once and it turned out great.
Meh, everyone is saying it’s good, but I thought it was just okay.
I don’t have an ice cream maker, can I just freeze it in a bowl? Hoping it still works!
I added some chocolate chips and it turned out great!
Chocolate chips in strawberry ice cream? That sounds odd but I’m curious! Maybe I’ll try it!
Great base recipe. Next time I’ll add a pinch of salt (I know it sounds weird) because I swear it boosts the strawberry flavor.
Huh, salt boosting flavor sounds kinda made up 😅 but I guess a pinch won’t hurt. Did you add it before chilling or right before churning?
Love this! The “pinch of salt” thing totally makes sense—salt can really bring out fruit flavor. I usually do a tiny pinch in strawberry desserts too.
Super easy and yummy! Making it again for sure!
It looks easy, but isn’t ice cream super hard to make? 🤔
This sounds awesome! I can’t wait to try it out. 🍓
My kids loved it but I think it could use some more fruit. 🤷♀️
Ugh, why do you need so much sugar? Strawberries are sweet anyway. 🤔
I get what you’re saying, but sugar helps balance the tartness. Plus, strawberry ice cream is supposed to be creamy and sweet! 🍦
Can u use frozen strawberries? I don’t have fresh ones.
Yeah, I think frozen strawberries would work! Just thaw them first, right?
No way, fresh is the best! Frozen might not taste as good.
Why would anyone use fresh strawberries when you can just buy ice cream? 🤔
Just made this for my kids and they loved it! So much better than store-bought!
This ice cream is so easy to make and tastes delicious! My kids loved it!
This ice cream is soooo good! I love strawberries!
I’m not a great cook, but even I could make this! Thanks for the easy recipe.
Not sure if my ice cream maker is broken, but it didn’t churn right. Disappointed!
I’ve had that happen too before! Maybe the machine needs a good clean? Don’t give up!
This was super easy! My kids loved it. Will make again!
I think the sugar is too much! I used less but it still felt sweet!
Best ice cream ever! I can’t believe I made it myself!
Made this last weekend—so creamy and the strawberry flavor is super fresh. I used a little less sugar since my berries were sweet, and it turned out perfect.
I tried this with frozen strawberries and it turned out awful. Use fresh ones!
This is the best strawberry ice cream recipe I’ve tried. Just the right sweetness & texture. Yum!
I totally agree! This is the best recipe ever! I made it last week and it was gone in no time!
It sounds good, but can you really call it ice cream if you’re using milk? Isn’t it just a milkshake in disguise?
I didn’t have vanilla so I added chocolate syrup instead. Still good!
Not sure if chocolate syrup works in ice cream lol. Vanilla is kinda key, don’t you think? But glad it turned out okay for you!
That’s a creative twist! I love when people experiment with recipes. Chocolate and strawberries are a classic combo!
I tried it but didn’t have an ice cream maker. It turned into a slush. 🙁
Yum!! So creamy and refreshing. I used half-and-half instead of cream.
I love that you tried half-and-half! I bet it still turned out great. Can’t wait to try it myself!
Why do you have to let it sit for 10 mins? Just mix it all together!
I tried this but I think it needs more sugar. The strawberries weren’t sweet enough for my taste.
Omg this recipe is a game changer! Making it again for the picnic!
I totally agree! This ice cream is so easy and delicious. Perfect for hot days!
Not gonna lie, 2 cups strawberries feels kinda low for the sugar amount? I ended up adding extra berries because it tasted too sweet at first.
The 10-minute rest is key! My berries got all syrupy and it mixed way better. This tastes like summer.
I don’t know why everyone loves this so much… tasted too sweet for me.
It says freeze at least 4 hours, but I couldn’t wait—tasted amazing after 2 anyway. Tho it melted faster, so yeah, listen to the recipe 😂
Is heavy cream really necessary? Can I just use reg milk??
I don’t have an ice cream maker. I tried freezing it anyway and it got like a milkshake slush… so yeah, would not recommend without the maker.
So good!! My kids devoured it. Next time I’m doubling the batch bc we ate it too fast 🤦♂️
Yesss 🤤 doubling it is the move—this stuff always disappears fast. What did you end up topping it with?
My ice cream maker took way longer than the instructions said, so I got impatient and it was kinda icy 😅 Still tasted good tho. Doubling might make it worse?
This is the best strawberry ice cream I’ve ever made! So easy and delicious.
I was skeptical about the sugar part, but it turned out perfect! Just the right sweetness.
This looked simple, but my ice cream turned out icy. What did I do wrong?!
Very delicious! I added a bit of chocolate syrup too!
Chocolate syrup sounds interesting! I might try that next time. Thanks for the tip! 🍦
Perfect summer treat! 🌞🍓 I added some chocolate chips, and it was amazing!
Seems like a lotta sugar tho. Isn’t that unhealthy? I prefer a healthier option without all that sugar. 🤔
Chocolate chips?! That’s genius! I never thought of that. I’m definitely gonna try it! 😍
My kids loved it! I might add some chocolate chips next time though.
Adding chocolate chips sounds like a great idea! My kids love it that way too.
Great recipe but I used frozen strawberries, is that okay? Still turned out fine tho.
This is a rip-off recipe! I can just buy ice cream from the store for cheaper!
I can’t believe how easy and creamy this is! Yum!
This recipe is the bomb! I’ll never buy ice cream again!
This is the best ice cream recipe I’ve tried! So easy and delicious! 😍
Really? I thought making ice cream was way harder than this. Are you sure it actually works?
I totally agree! This recipe is super easy and the flavor is out of this world! 🍓
Only 2 ingredients? That can’t be right. Gonna try this, but sounds too simple.
Yum! Can I add other fruits too? Like bananas?
I tried this recipe but mine turned out icy… what did I do wrong?
I tried with frozen strawberries because that’s what I had… it turned out watery, but I’m guessing you really need fresh for this one.
Just a heads up, this took me way longer than 4 hours to freeze. Is that normal?
Yummy 😋👌!
This recipe is a total winner! The strawberry flavor is amazing and it’s super easy to make.
Made this last weekend and it turned out way better than I expected. Super creamy and the strawberry flavor is bright. I didn’t even need to adjust the sugar much—just perfect!
Tastes great but needs more sugar!!! Like, way more! Too tart for me.
Wow—so easy. I did the 10-minute sit and you can literally smell the juices coming out. Vanilla + cream combo is chef’s kiss.
Not gonna lie, I was skeptical but the “juices” part is true. Only thing is my ice cream got a little icy even after 4 hours—think I should chill the bowl/mix longer?
Yes!! I tried this and it actually tastes like real strawberry—so creamy and fresh. The 10 minutes really matters.
Yum! I added a bit of lemon juice and it was the best ice cream I’ve ever made!
Lemon juice? Really? That sounds weird for ice cream. I thought it would be too tart. But if it worked for you, maybe I should give it a shot.
I just made this last night without lemon and it was already amazing! Can’t imagine adding lemon. But hey, glad you liked it!
Why do ya need heavy cream? Can’t I just use milk? Too much fat…
This ice cream is so easy to make! My kids loved it!
Just made this, and it’s already gone! 😍
Super simple! Perfect for summer days! 🍓
OMG, this was so good! I added some crushed cookies on top. Yum!
Ok this is tasty, but 3/4 cup sugar is kinda a lot if your strawberries are already sweet. Next time I’ll start with 1/2 cup.
Super quick! Also, pro tip: chill your ice cream mixture before churning if you can—it helps with texture.
Super easy and my kids loved it! Will make again for sure.
This is so easy and delicious! My kids loved it. Thanks for sharing! 🍓
I’m so glad to hear that! It’s always a win when the kids enjoy it. 🍦
Looks easy enough, but I don’t have an ice cream maker. Can I just freeze it in a bowl?