Homemade Georgia Peach Ice Cream – The Ultimate Creamy Southern Peach Ice Cream
Homemade Georgia Peach Ice Cream is a rich, creamy frozen dessert featuring fresh ripe peaches blended into a smooth custard base with bits of juicy fruit throughout. The combination of heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and real peaches creates an incredibly silky texture and naturally sweet flavor. Churned until perfectly creamy and frozen until scoopable, this ice cream is both refreshing and indulgent. It pairs beautifully with pies, cobblers, grilled peaches, or simply served in a waffle cone. Every bite delivers the authentic taste of fresh Southern peaches.
Ingredients
For the Peach Mixture
- 4 cups fresh Georgia peaches, peeled and diced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the Ice Cream Base
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine the diced peaches with ½ cup sugar and lemon juice. Let them rest for 20–30 minutes until juicy. Mash lightly, leaving some peach chunks for texture.
- In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium heat until steaming, but do not let it boil.
- Whisk the egg yolks with ¾ cup sugar until pale and smooth. Slowly pour a little of the warm cream mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly. Return everything to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Cool the custard completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Fold the prepared peaches into the chilled custard.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, about 20–25 minutes.
- Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2–3 hours for a firmer texture.
- Scoop into bowls or waffle cones and garnish with fresh peach slices if desired.
Notes
- Fresh ripe peaches provide the best flavor.
- Chill the custard thoroughly before churning.
- Do not overcook the custard to avoid curdling.
- Leave small peach pieces for extra texture.
- Freeze in a shallow container for quicker firming.
- Cover the surface with parchment paper to minimize ice crystals.
- Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed within two weeks.
- Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping.