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Indulge in the creamy, fruity goodness of homemade Strawberry Sensation Ice Cream. This delightful treat is perfect for hot summer days or anytime you crave a Refreshing Summer Dessert. Made with fresh strawberries and a rich, creamy base, this ice cream is sure to become a family favorite. Follow this simple recipe to create a delicious, homemade ice cream that will impress your friends and loved ones.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Sensation Ice Cream

This Strawberry Sensation Ice Cream shines as a Refreshing Summer Dessert:

Fruity Bliss: Bursting with fresh strawberry flavor.
Creamy Texture: Silky smooth with every scoop.
Easy to Make: Simple steps for a homemade treat.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for summer gatherings or cozy nights.
I served this at a barbecue, and guests couldn’t stop raving about the vibrant strawberry taste!

Ingredients for Strawberry Sensation Ice Cream

Here’s what you’ll need for Strawberry Sensation Ice Cream (makes ~1 quart):

For the Strawberry Mixture:

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Ice Cream Base:

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
Pinch of kosher salt

Equipment:

Ice cream maker (optional)
Blender or food processor
Large mixing bowl
Airtight freezer-safe container

Ingredient Tips:

Strawberries: Fresh for best flavor; rinse and pat dry before slicing.
Heavy Cream: Full-fat for richness; avoid substitutes for creamy texture.
Lemon Juice: Enhances strawberry flavor; use fresh for brightness.
Milk: Whole milk for smoothness; low-fat may result in icier texture.
Vanilla Extract: Pure extract for depth; avoid imitation for best taste.

Directions for Strawberry Sensation Ice Cream

Let’s create this delightful Strawberry Sensation Ice Cream!

Prepare the Strawberry Mixture

In a bowl, I combine 2 cups sliced strawberries, ½ cup sugar, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. I mash slightly with a fork to release juices and let sit for 15 minutes to macerate.

Blend the Strawberries

I blend the strawberry mixture in a blender until smooth, leaving some chunks if I want a chunkier texture. I set it aside.

Make the Ice Cream Base

In a large bowl, I whisk 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, ¾ cup sugar, 1 tbsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the sugar dissolves completely.

Combine Mixtures

I gently fold the blended strawberry mixture into the ice cream base, stirring until fully combined for a vibrant pink color.

Chill the Mixture

I cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to ensure it’s thoroughly chilled.

Churn the Ice Cream

I pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically 20–25 minutes, until soft-serve consistency.

Freeze and Set

I transfer the churned Strawberry Sensation Ice Cream to an airtight container, smoothing the top. I freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.

Serve

I let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 minutes for easy scooping, then serve in bowls or cones, garnished with fresh strawberries if desired.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill/Freeze Time: 6 hours
Total Time: ~6 hours 20 minutes
Yield: ~1 quart (4 servings)
Calories: ~300 kcal per serving (½ cup)
Macros per Serving: 35g carbs, 3g protein, 20g fat, 1g fiber

Variations for Strawberry Sensation Ice Cream

Try these twists on Strawberry Sensation Ice Cream:

Chocolate Swirl: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate during churning for a Refreshing Summer Dessert.
Berry Mix: Swap half the strawberries for raspberries for a mixed berry Refreshing Summer Dessert.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk and cream for a vegan version.
Chunky Bits: Fold in ½ cup chopped strawberries before freezing.
Cookie Crunch: Add crushed shortbread cookies in the last 5 minutes of churning.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with Layla Cooks’ German Bee Sting Cake for a decadent dessert spread.
Serve in waffle cones for a classic Refreshing Summer Dessert experience.
Create ice cream sandwiches with sugar cookies for a fun treat.

Storage

I store Strawberry Sensation Ice Cream in an airtight, shallow freezer-safe container at 0°F (-18°C) for up to 2 weeks to prevent freezer burn.
I press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing to avoid ice crystals.
I label the container with the date and enjoy within 1 week for optimal flavor.
To serve, I let it soften at room temperature for 5–10 minutes.
I avoid frequent thawing and refreezing to maintain creamy texture.

FAQs About Strawberry Sensation Ice Cream

Here are answers to some common questions about this recipe:

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Thaw the frozen strawberries completely before using them in the recipe. You may need to slightly adjust the sugar levels as frozen strawberries can be a bit sweeter or more tart than fresh ones.

Do I need an ice cream maker to make this recipe?
While an ice cream maker provides the best texture for homemade ice cream, you can still make this recipe without one. After chilling the mixture, pour it into a shallow dish and place it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork to break up ice crystals until it reaches the desired consistency (about 3-4 hours).

How long does homemade ice cream last in the freezer?
Homemade ice cream can last in the freezer for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container. For the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to enjoy it within the first week.

Can I add mix-ins to the Strawberry Sensation Ice Cream?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with mix-ins. Chopped fresh strawberries, chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or nuts can be added to the ice cream during the last few minutes of churning or folded in just before the final freeze.

More Summer Dessert Ideas You’ll Love

Conclusion

This Strawberry Sensation Ice Cream is a delightful way to enjoy the taste of fresh strawberries in a creamy, frozen treat. Perfect for summer or any time you’re craving something sweet, this homemade ice cream is easy to make and sure to impress. Try this recipe today and savor the delicious flavors of homemade goodness!