Recipe: Peach Ice Cream with Pineapple Chunks

Recipe: Peach Ice Cream with Pineapple Chunks

Peach ice cream with pineapple chunks is a refreshing and tropical treat, perfect for those warm summer days when you need something both fruity and creamy. The sweet, juicy peaches blend beautifully with the tangy, tropical pineapple, creating a harmonious flavor that’s simply irresistible. This homemade ice cream is smooth and velvety with bursts of fresh fruit, making it a delicious dessert that both adults and kids will love.

Making homemade ice cream may sound complicated, but with the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can whip up this vibrant dessert in no time. The peach ice cream base is rich and creamy, thanks to the combination of heavy cream, milk, and the natural sweetness of ripe peaches. Adding pineapple chunks gives it a fun and flavorful twist, turning a classic favorite into something even more exciting.

Whether you're hosting a summer gathering, having a casual family dinner, or just treating yourself, this peach ice cream with pineapple chunks is the perfect indulgence.

Ingredients

For the Ice Cream Base:

• 4 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Pineapple Chunks:

• 1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and chopped into small chunks
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, depending on sweetness)

Equipment:

• Blender or food processor
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Ice cream maker (or freezer-safe container for no-churn method)
• Knife and cutting board
• Small bowl (for mixing pineapple and honey)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Peach Base

1. Prepare the Peaches
   Start by peeling, pitting, and chopping the ripe peaches into small pieces. You want the peaches to be ripe and sweet to get the best flavor in your ice cream.

2. Make the Peach Puree
   Place the chopped peaches in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. If you prefer a bit more texture, you can pulse the peaches a few times to leave some small chunks.

3. Add Sugar and Lemon Juice
   In a small bowl, mix the peach puree with granulated sugar and lemon juice. The sugar helps to sweeten the peaches, while the lemon juice brightens up the flavor. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.

4. Chill the Peach Mixture
   Cover the bowl and refrigerate the peach mixture for about 30 minutes to cool it down. Chilling the mixture ensures that your ice cream sets properly and becomes extra creamy.

Step 2: Prepare the Ice Cream Base

1. Mix the Dairy Ingredients
   In a separate mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until the ingredients are well combined.

2. Combine the Peach Puree and Dairy Mix
   Once the peach mixture is chilled, pour it into the dairy mixture and stir gently to combine. You should have a smooth, thick liquid that’s ready to churn.

3. Chill the Ice Cream Base
   For the best results, refrigerate the combined mixture for at least 2 hours (or overnight if you have time). Chilling it properly helps the flavors meld together and prepares it for churning.

Step 3: Churn the Ice Cream

1. Churn the Ice Cream
   If you're using an ice cream maker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to churn the ice cream. Typically, you'll pour the chilled ice cream base into the machine and churn for 20-30 minutes until it thickens and reaches a soft-serve consistency.

2. Add Pineapple Chunks
   Once the ice cream has thickened, add the prepared pineapple chunks. Gently stir the chunks into the ice cream, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout. If you prefer more pineapple flavor, feel free to add a bit more.

3. Freeze the Ice Cream
   Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and smooth the top. Cover the container with plastic wrap or a lid and freeze for at least 4 hours or until fully set. The longer it freezes, the firmer the ice cream will be.

Step 4: No-Churn Method (If You Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker)

1. Prepare the Base Without Churning
   If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make this delicious treat! Simply whisk the heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, and salt together in a bowl.

2. Fold in the Peach Puree
   After chilling the peach mixture, fold it into the whipped dairy mixture. Stir until well combined, then gently fold in the pineapple chunks.

3. Freeze the Mixture
   Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and cover it. Freeze for about 6-8 hours or overnight to achieve the perfect consistency. You’ll get a smooth, creamy ice cream that’s just as delicious as the churned version.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the Ice Cream
   After the ice cream has fully set, scoop it into bowls or cones. Garnish with extra pineapple chunks or a sprinkle of shredded coconut for an added tropical flair.

2. Enjoy the Refreshing Treat
   This peach ice cream with pineapple chunks is best enjoyed on a warm day, but it’s a treat you can indulge in any time of year. Its tropical flavors will transport you to a sunny beach, no matter the season.

Tips and Variations

1. Use Frozen Fruit
   If fresh peaches or pineapples aren’t in season, you can use frozen fruit. Just be sure to thaw the fruit before blending, so you get a smooth puree.

2. Add Coconut Flakes
   For an even more tropical flavor, add toasted coconut flakes into the ice cream along with the pineapple chunks. The coconut adds a delightful crunch and enhances the tropical vibe.

3. Make it Vegan
   To make this dessert vegan, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and use a plant-based milk such as almond or coconut milk. This will give the ice cream a rich, coconut-forward flavor.

4. Sweeten Naturally
   Instead of granulated sugar, try sweetening the ice cream with natural alternatives like maple syrup or agave nectar. This will give your ice cream a more complex, natural sweetness.

Health Benefits

1. Peaches
   Peaches are a great source of vitamins A and C, which help boost your immune system and improve skin health. They also contain fiber, which aids digestion.

2. Pineapple
   Pineapple is rich in vitamin C, which is important for skin health and immune function. It also contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps with digestion and inflammation.

3. Coconut
   Coconut is packed with healthy fats, particularly medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which provide a quick source of energy and support brain health.

Conclusion

Peach ice cream with pineapple chunks is a delightful dessert that combines the smooth creaminess of peaches with the refreshing burst of pineapple. It’s a tropical treat that’s perfect for summer gatherings or as an indulgent sweet treat anytime you want to enjoy something fruity and refreshing.

Whether you make it in an ice cream maker or with a no-churn method, this recipe is easy to follow and incredibly satisfying. Give it a try, and let the tropical flavors of peach and pineapple transport you to a sunny paradise, one bite at a time!