This easy blender strawberry ice cream is like summer in a bowl! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a creamy, fruity treat that’s hard to resist.
I love how quick it is to make—just blend, freeze, and enjoy. Perfect for hot days or anytime you need a sweet smile! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor, but you can use frozen ones if that’s what you have. They can make the ice cream a little easier to blend. Make sure to hull them for the best taste!
Heavy cream & Whole milk: This combination is what gives the ice cream its rich, creamy texture. If you’re looking for lower-fat options, you could replace heavy cream with half-and-half or use a plant-based milk like almond or coconut milk, though texture may vary.
Sugar: Granulated sugar works well, but you can substitute it with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar alternative like stevia. Just keep in mind that different sweeteners can affect the overall flavor and texture.
Vanilla extract: This adds a lovely flavor. If you’re out of vanilla extract, you could use vanilla bean paste or even scrape the seeds from a vanilla bean for a more intense flavor.
How Do I Achieve the Creamiest Texture?
The key to creamy ice cream is in the blending and freezing process. Start with cold ingredients to help achieve a smooth mixture. Blend until everything is completely combined, ensuring no large chunks of strawberries remain.
- Blend on high until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a bit more milk to help it blend easily.
- When pouring into a container, choose one that seals tightly to avoid ice crystals forming. A glass dish with a lid works great.
- During freezing, stir every 30 minutes for the first couple of hours. This ensures a soft texture by breaking up any ice that forms.
Easy Blender Strawberry Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful ice cream recipe will take about 15 minutes of preparation time and then you’ll need to freeze it for at least 4 hours. For a quicker option, you can freeze it for about 2-3 hours and stir every 30 minutes to keep it soft and creamy. Overall, just a little bit of patience is required before you get to enjoy this treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberries:
Start by preparing your strawberries. If you’re using fresh strawberries, give them a good wash, then hull (remove the green tops). If you have frozen strawberries, allow them to thaw just a bit to make blending easier. This will help them mix smoothly into the cream.
2. Blend the Ingredients:
Next, take your blender and add the prepared strawberries, heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Secure the lid tightly and blend on high speed until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy. You should not see any chunks of strawberries left!
3. Transfer to Freezer Container:
Now, pour the blended mixture into an airtight container that can go in the freezer. It’s best to use a container that seals tightly so that no air can get in, which helps prevent ice crystals from forming.
4. Freeze the Mixture:
Place your container in the freezer and let it freeze for at least 4 hours, or until it becomes firm and scoopable. If you’re short on time, you can place it in the freezer for about 2-3 hours and give it a good stir every 30 minutes to keep it from freezing too hard.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy your strawberry ice cream, let it sit out at room temperature for about 5 minutes. This allows it to soften slightly for easy scooping. Serve it in bowls or cones, and enjoy the delicious fruity goodness!
FAQ for Easy Blender Strawberry Ice Cream
Can I Use Different Types of Berries?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. You can try using blueberries, raspberries, or mixed berries instead of strawberries. Just keep in mind that the sweetness may vary, so adjust the sugar according to taste.
Can I Make This Ice Cream Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut cream and almond milk or any other non-dairy milk of your choice. This will give you a delicious dairy-free version while still keeping that creamy texture.
How Long Does Leftover Ice Cream Last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, your strawberry ice cream can last in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. However, for the best taste and texture, it’s best enjoyed within the first week.
What Can I Do If My Ice Cream is Too Hard to Scoop?
If your ice cream becomes too hard, simply let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before scooping. You can also run the scooper under warm water for a few seconds to make serving easier!
