Looking for a refreshing, indulgent treat that combines the best of summer strawberries and smooth, creamy ice cream? This Strawberry Swirl Ice Cream is a perfect blend of fresh strawberries and a rich ice cream base, creating a dreamy frozen dessert with every bite.
With fresh strawberries swirling through every scoop, this ice cream is naturally sweet and irresistibly creamy. Whether you’re enjoying it as a summer dessert or simply craving a cold, fruity treat, this homemade strawberry swirl ice cream will hit the spot.
Let’s dive into the recipe and create this beautiful frozen masterpiece!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Fruity & Refreshing – A wonderful balance of sweet strawberries and creamy texture.
✅ Homemade Goodness – No preservatives, just fresh ingredients.
✅ Simple Ingredients – Only a handful of ingredients needed for a delightful result.
✅ Perfect for Summer – The refreshing strawberry flavor is perfect for hot days.
✅ Customizable – Make it your own by adding chocolate chips or nuts if you like!
Ingredients
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Strawberry Swirl:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust for sweetness)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Strawberry Swirl
- In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
- Use a fork or potato masher to mash the strawberries into a chunky sauce.
- Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. For a smoother consistency, you can blend the sauce until smooth.
2. Make the Ice Cream Base
- In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
3. Churn the Ice Cream
- Pour the ice cream base into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually about 20-25 minutes).
- When the ice cream is thick and creamy, transfer it to a container.
4. Add the Strawberry Swirl
- Drizzle the cooled strawberry sauce into the churned ice cream and gently swirl with a spoon or knife. Don’t stir too much—just create beautiful ribbons of strawberry sauce throughout.
- Cover the container and freeze the ice cream for at least 2–4 hours until firm.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Once the ice cream is firm, scoop and serve in bowls or cones.
- Enjoy the refreshing strawberry flavor in every creamy bite!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
🍓 Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Sugar: 21g
- Calcium: 8% of RDI
(Nutrition may vary based on portion size and ingredient substitutions.)
Health Benefits of Strawberry Swirl Ice Cream
✅ Rich in Vitamin C – Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps boost immunity and promote healthy skin.
✅ Contains Calcium – The ice cream base provides calcium for bone health.
✅ Good for Digestion – Strawberries are high in fiber, which aids in digestion and keeps you feeling full.
✅ Antioxidant-Packed – Strawberries contain antioxidants that can help fight inflammation and protect against free radicals.
✅ Mood-Boosting – The combination of sweet, creamy ice cream and fruit can bring a smile to your face!
Tips & Variations
🌟 Extra Creamy – For an extra creamy texture, use full-fat milk and heavy cream.
🌟 Mix-In Ideas – Add chopped chocolate, nuts, or even crushed cookies for a fun twist.
🌟 Dairy-Free Option – Swap heavy cream and milk for coconut cream and almond milk for a dairy-free version.
🌟 Add a Crunch – Stir in some crushed graham crackers or toasted coconut during the last few minutes of churning for added texture.
Common FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! You can use frozen strawberries, but you’ll need to thaw them first before making the sauce.
2. Can I make this without an ice cream maker?
Yes! Freeze the mixture in a shallow dish and stir every 30-45 minutes for 2-3 hours to achieve a smooth texture.
3. How long does homemade ice cream last?
This ice cream can last for 2-3 weeks in the freezer if stored properly in an airtight container.
4. How can I make the strawberry sauce smoother?
For a smooth texture, blend the cooked strawberry mixture before adding it to the ice cream. You can also strain out the seeds if desired.
5. Can I skip the lemon juice in the strawberry sauce?
The lemon juice adds brightness and helps balance the sweetness, but you can skip it if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Swirl Ice Cream is a sweet, creamy, and delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a hot summer day, or just a personal indulgence, it’s sure to impress. Plus, it’s so easy to make—once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
🍓 Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments!
📌 Save & share this recipe with your friends and fellow ice cream lovers!
