We absolutely love Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams for their creative twists on classics and we’re thrilled to share our take on their peach ice cream recipe. This delightful treat highlights the juicy sweetness of fresh peaches making it a must-try for summer gatherings.
Picture scoops of creamy goodness that bring a burst of seasonal flavor right to your kitchen. With simple ingredients you’ll create a homemade version that’s as irresistible as the original.
Ingredients
For our take on Jeni’s Peach Ice Cream Recipe, we select high-quality, simple ingredients that highlight the vibrant sweetness of fresh peaches. Below, we list them in the order we use them, with precise measurements and prep notes to ensure accuracy and ease.
- Fresh Peaches: 4 medium, ripe peaches (about 1.5 pounds total), pitted and diced – These are the star ingredient, providing juicy, sun-ripened flavor that defines our ice cream’s fresh appeal.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup – We start with this for a rich, creamy base that ensures a smooth texture.
- Whole Milk: 1 cup – Added next to balance the creaminess and create the perfect dairy foundation.
- Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup – Incorporated to sweeten the mixture evenly, enhancing the natural peach sugars.
- Light Corn Syrup: 2 tablespoons – Used to prevent ice crystals and maintain that silky consistency Jeni’s recipes are known for.
- Cream Cheese: 2 ounces, softened – This stabilizes the ice cream and adds a subtle tang that complements the peaches.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon – Squeezed in to brighten the flavors and preserve the peaches’ color.
- Kosher Salt: 1/4 teaspoon – A final touch to amplify the overall taste without overpowering the fruit.
Equipment Needed
To bring our Jeni’s Peach Ice Cream to life, we rely on a few key tools that ensure smooth preparation and that signature creamy texture. Below, we’ve listed the essential equipment in the order you’ll use them, helping you craft this delightful summer treat with ease.
- Ice Cream Maker: Our go-to for churning the mixture into a velvety consistency—be sure to use a machine with a 1.5-quart capacity or larger for optimal results.
- Blender or Food Processor: Perfect for pureeing fresh peaches into a smooth base, capturing their juicy essence without any lumps.
- Medium Saucepan: Ideal for heating the cream and milk mixture on the stove, allowing precise temperature control to avoid scorching.
- Mixing Bowls: A set of two or three in various sizes—start with a large one for combining ingredients before transferring.
- Fine-Mesh Strainer: Essential for straining the peach puree, ensuring a silky finish by removing any unwanted fibers.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key; we recommend stainless steel sets for dry and liquid ingredients to maintain precision.
- Whisk and Rubber Spatula: The whisk blends everything evenly, while the spatula scrapes down sides and folds in air for that light, airy quality.
- Freezer-Safe Containers: Choose airtight ones with lids, like 1-pint containers, to store the finished ice cream and prevent freezer burn.
With these tools in hand, we’re set to transition seamlessly into the preparation steps, making our Jeni’s Peach Ice Cream recipe straightforward and foolproof.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential equipment, let’s create Jeni’s Peach Ice Cream with confidence and ease. We’ll guide you through each step to achieve a creamy, vibrant treat bursting with the sweet, juicy essence of ripe peaches.
Prep the Peaches
First, select ripe peaches for their peak flavor and texture. We start by washing 4 medium peaches under cool water to remove any dirt, then pit and slice them into even pieces. In a blender or food processor, puree the sliced peaches until smooth, yielding about 2 cups of puree—this step ensures the fruit’s natural sweetness shines through for a refreshing, summery base.
Make the Ice Cream Base
Next, we combine the dairy elements to build a rich, silky foundation. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, ¾ cup granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons light corn syrup until the mixture simmers gently and the sugar dissolves completely—this takes about 5 minutes and creates a smooth, velvety liquid. Remove from heat and stir in 3 ounces softened cream cheese until fully incorporated, then add the peach puree along with 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. This base mixture will develop a luscious, tangy sweetness that highlights the peaches’ vibrant flavor.
Churn the Mixture
Once the base has cooled to room temperature, we pour it into our ice cream maker for churning. Transfer the mixture to the machine and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically for 20-25 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. During this process, the base transforms into a light, airy texture with subtle flecks of peach, ensuring our homemade ice cream is irresistibly creamy and full of natural fruit notes.
Freeze the Ice Cream
After churning, we transfer the soft ice cream into a freezer-safe container, smoothing the top with a rubber spatula for even freezing. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm—this final step locks in the fresh peach flavors and achieves that perfect, scoopable texture we love in Jeni’s Peach Ice Cream.
Make-Ahead and Storage
To keep Jeni’s Peach Ice Cream fresh and flavorful, we recommend planning ahead for effortless preparation and proper storage. This ensures the vibrant peach flavors and creamy texture remain intact, making it easy to enjoy this summer favorite whenever cravings strike.
Make-Ahead Tips
We love preparing Jeni’s Peach Ice Cream in advance to save time during gatherings. Follow these steps for seamless results:
- Prepare the Base Early: After combining the peach puree, cream cheese, and other ingredients in the step-by-step instructions, chill the mixture in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before churning. This allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the sweet, tangy notes of fresh peaches for a more intense taste.
- Churn and Freeze in Stages: If making a larger batch, churn the ice cream base one portion at a time. Transfer each churned batch to a freezer-safe container and freeze immediately, then repeat. This method works well for events, letting us have ready-to-scoop ice cream up to 3 days ahead.
- Quick Tip for Freshness: Always cover the mixture tightly while chilling to prevent any absorption of odors from the fridge, preserving that delightful, sun-ripened peach aroma.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage is key to maintaining the smooth, scoopable texture of Jeni’s Peach Ice Cream. Use airtight, freezer-safe containers to lock in the creamy goodness and prevent ice crystals.
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer (Optimal) | Up to 2 weeks | Store in a shallow container to minimize air exposure; press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to avoid freezer burn, keeping the ice cream velvety and peach-forward. |
| Freezer (Beyond 2 Weeks) | Up to 1 month | Expect slight texture changes; for best results, we suggest consuming within the first two weeks to retain the fresh, juicy peach essence and prevent hardening. |
| Thawing and Serving | N/A | Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping; this restores its soft, luxurious consistency without compromising flavor. |
By following these strategies, we ensure Jeni’s Peach Ice Cream stays a highlight of any occasion, with its bright flavors ready to shine.
Conclusion
We’ve truly enjoyed guiding you through this delightful Jeni’s Peach Ice Cream adventure. It’s a recipe that brings fresh flavors to life and creates lasting memories at any gathering.
As we wrap up, let’s savor the joy of homemade treats—it’s our go-to for brightening up summer days and impressing friends with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams peach ice cream recipe about?
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams peach ice cream recipe highlights fresh peaches for a sweet, vibrant flavor. It uses high-quality ingredients like heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, corn syrup, cream cheese, lemon juice, and salt to create a smooth, creamy treat perfect for summer. This homemade version is easy to make and ideal for gatherings.
What ingredients are needed for Jeni’s Peach Ice Cream?
The key ingredients include fresh peaches, heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, light corn syrup, cream cheese, fresh lemon juice, and kosher salt. These are chosen to enhance the peaches’ natural sweetness and ensure a silky texture, making it simple and delicious with just a few pantry staples.
What equipment is required to make this peach ice cream?
You’ll need an ice cream maker for churning, a blender or food processor for pureeing peaches, a medium saucepan for heating mixtures, mixing bowls, a fine-mesh strainer, measuring cups and spoons, a whisk, a rubber spatula, and freezer-safe containers. These tools help achieve a smooth, creamy result with minimal effort.
How do I make Jeni’s Peach Ice Cream step by step?
Start by pureeing ripe peaches. Heat cream, milk, sugar, and corn syrup, then mix in cream cheese, peach puree, lemon juice, and salt. Cool the base, churn in an ice cream maker until soft-serve consistency, and freeze for at least four hours. The process takes about 30 minutes of active prep plus chilling and freezing time.
How long does it take to prepare Jeni’s Peach Ice Cream?
Active preparation takes around 30 minutes, including pureeing peaches and making the base. You’ll need additional time for chilling (a few hours) and churning (20-30 minutes), plus at least four hours of freezing. Plan ahead for the best texture and flavor.
How should I store Jeni’s Peach Ice Cream to keep it fresh?
Store in an airtight, freezer-safe container to maintain texture and flavor. It keeps for up to two weeks in the freezer. For best results, let it thaw in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before serving. Preparing the base ahead and chilling for up to 24 hours can enhance flavors.
Can I make substitutions in the peach ice cream recipe?
Yes, but stick close to the original for the best results. Substitute regular milk for whole milk if needed, though it may affect creaminess. Use lime juice instead of lemon if available, but avoid swapping peaches for other fruits to preserve the authentic taste. Always use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor.