Easy Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe
Introduction
This easy strawberry ice cream is a delightful homemade treat that combines fresh fruit with creamy mascarpone and sweetened condensed milk. Perfect for hot days or a simple dessert, it requires no fancy equipment and is great for kids to help make.
Ingredients
- 1 x 400g punnet strawberries
- 1 x 250g tub mascarpone
- ½ x 397g can condensed milk
- Cones and sprinkles, to serve
Instructions
- Step 1: Remove the green hulls from the strawberries. If they are firm, cut them into halves or quarters using a table knife, then place them in a flat-bottomed dish.
- Step 2: Use a potato masher to crush the strawberries as much as possible. Transfer the mashed fruit into a bowl. Ask for help if needed.
- Step 3: Add the mascarpone to the mashed strawberries and mash together. It’s okay if the mixture is a little lumpy.
- Step 4: Stir in the condensed milk until everything is combined, even if the mix looks streaky.
- Step 5: Spoon the mixture into a metal or plastic container and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Step 6: Once frozen, scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones and decorate with sprinkles as desired.
Tips & Variations
- The riper the strawberries, the easier they will mash, making this recipe a great way to use up older fruit.
- If cutting is difficult, roughly chop the strawberries instead.
- You can substitute the strawberries for raspberries, ripe bananas, peeled peaches, or nectarines for a different fruity flavor.
Storage
Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week. For best texture, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Fresh strawberries work best for mashing, but if you use frozen strawberries, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before preparing the ice cream.
Is mascarpone necessary or can I use another type of cheese?
Mascarpone provides a creamy texture and mild flavor, but you can substitute with cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a slightly different taste and consistency.
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Easy Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy strawberry ice cream recipe combines fresh strawberries, creamy mascarpone, and sweetened condensed milk to create a delicious homemade treat. Perfect for a refreshing dessert, it requires no special equipment and minimal prep, making it ideal for families and beginner cooks alike. Simply mash, mix, and freeze for a few hours to enjoy a smooth, fruity ice cream with delightful natural flavors.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Mixture
- 400g punnet strawberries
- 250g tub mascarpone cheese
- ½ can (approximately 198g) condensed milk
To Serve
- Ice cream cones
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Remove the green hulls from the strawberries. If the strawberries are firm, cut them into halves or quarters using a table knife. Place the strawberries into a flat-bottomed dish.
- Mash Strawberries: Using a potato masher, thoroughly crush the strawberries until mostly mashed. Transfer the mashed strawberries into a mixing bowl. Ask for assistance if needed for safety and ease.
- Add Mascarpone: Add the mascarpone cheese to the mashed strawberries and gently mash together. It’s okay if the mixture remains a bit lumpy.
- Mix in Condensed Milk: Pour in the condensed milk and mix the ingredients together until combined. The mixture may appear streaky but that is normal.
- Freeze the Mixture: Spoon the combined mixture into a metal or plastic container suitable for freezing. Place it in the freezer and allow it to freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight for best results.
- Serve: After freezing, scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones. Decorate with sprinkles or your preferred toppings before serving.
Notes
- Riper strawberries mash more easily and enhance the ice cream’s flavor.
- For younger children who cannot use knives safely, have an adult help with chopping or roughly chop the strawberries for them.
- This recipe can be adapted by substituting strawberries with raspberries, ripe bananas, peeled peaches, or nectarines.
- Use a metal or plastic container for freezing instead of glass to avoid breakage.
- The mixture is not churned, so the texture will be creamier but may have small ice crystals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: Western
Keywords: strawberry ice cream, easy ice cream, no churn ice cream, homemade strawberry dessert, mascarpone ice cream
