This No-Churn Peach Swirl Ice Cream is a simple yet irresistible treat, blending creamy texture with the natural sweetness of ripe peaches.
Packed with good fats from heavy cream and rich flavor without complicated steps, it’s a quick, fuss-free dessert.
Perfect for hot days, it’s a delightful option for easy meal prep and crowd-pleasing summer indulgence.
No Churn Peach Swirl Ice Cream
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- 1 Spatula or Spoon
- 1 knife or small spatula (for swirling)
- 1 freezer-safe 2-quart dish (about 8×8 inches)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup peach amaretto jam or 1 cup peeled pitted, pureed peaches
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 ¼ cups 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Peach Jam or Puree: Begin by ensuring your peach amaretto jam is fully chilled, ideally made the day before. If you prefer using fresh peaches instead, peel, pit, and puree about one cup of ripe peaches until smooth. Choose very ripe peaches for maximum natural sweetness and flavor. The jam or puree will be the key to the luscious swirls of your ice cream.
- Chill Equipment and Ingredients: For best results, place your mixing bowl and whisk or beaters in the refrigerator for about 10–15 minutes before starting. Cold equipment helps the heavy cream whip more easily, giving a lighter and creamier texture to your ice cream. Ensure your heavy cream is also well chilled.
- Whip the Cream: Pour 2 cups of cold heavy cream into your chilled mixing bowl. Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract for a fragrant, rich base flavor. Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the cream on medium-high speed until soft to medium peaks form. This means the cream should hold shape when lifted but still be soft enough to fold easily without becoming stiff. Avoid over-whipping, as this can cause a grainy texture.
- Incorporate Sweetened Condensed Milk: Measure out 1¼ cups (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk and gently pour it over the whipped cream. Using a large spatula, fold the condensed milk into the cream slowly and gently, preserving the airy texture. Work carefully to avoid deflating the cream, as this will keep the ice cream light and creamy. Continue folding until the mixture is completely blended and smooth.
- Layer the Ice Cream Mixture: Select a freezer-safe dish with about a 2-quart capacity — an 8×8-inch square pan works perfectly. Pour half of the cream-condensed milk mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Spread it gently so it covers the bottom layer without compressing the cream too much.
- Add Peach Swirls: Spoon half of your chilled peach jam or puree randomly over the cream layer. Don’t worry about perfect distribution — the uneven placement creates beautiful swirls. Use a spoon to drop dollops at various spots so the peach flavor is dispersed in irregular, natural patterns.
- Add the Remaining Cream Mixture: Carefully pour the remaining half of your cream mixture over the peach layer, spreading it gently to cover the swirls beneath. This layering will ensure your ice cream has a creamy base interspersed with fruity pockets of peach flavor.
- Create the Swirl Pattern: Spoon the remaining peach jam or puree randomly on top of the cream layer. Then, take a small spatula or the tip of a knife and swirl the peach mixture into the cream in gentle, sweeping motions. Rotate the pan as you swirl to create attractive, irregular patterns. This step gives the ice cream its signature “peach swirl” look and ensures every bite carries fruit flavor.
- Freeze Until Firm: Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the freezer. Freeze for at least 6 hours, or longer if you prefer a firmer texture. If using a deeper dish, the freezing process may require additional time. For best results, avoid opening the freezer frequently during this period to maintain consistent freezing.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once fully frozen, remove the ice cream from the freezer and allow it to rest for 3–5 minutes at room temperature to soften slightly for easier scooping. Use an ice cream scoop or a large spoon to serve generous portions. Enjoy your creamy, fruity, homemade peach swirl ice cream as a delightful summer treat or a satisfying dessert anytime.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use very ripe peaches if opting for fresh peach puree. The natural sweetness and juiciness will make the ice cream richer and more vibrant.
- The peach amaretto jam can be prepared a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Be careful not to over-whip the cream, as this can cause the mixture to become grainy instead of smooth and creamy.
- Use a shallow dish for faster freezing and easier swirling. A deeper container will require extra freezing time.
- For extra texture, consider adding small chunks of peach or lightly toasted almond pieces before freezing.
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Ice Cream
Creating a creamy, smooth, no-churn ice cream requires a few thoughtful tricks.
First, chilling your mixing bowl and utensils beforehand will help achieve the ideal whipped cream texture.
When folding in condensed milk, do so gently to preserve the airy structure that makes this recipe so indulgent.
Swirling the peach jam randomly ensures a beautiful marble effect while maintaining bursts of fruity flavor throughout.
Lastly, always allow the ice cream to rest for a few minutes before scooping — this softens it slightly, making serving easier and enhancing the overall texture.
Serving Suggestions For Maximum Enjoyment
This peach swirl ice cream is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in many creative ways.
Serve it in bowls on its own for a refreshing summer treat, or pair it with shortcake or buttery biscuits for a decadent twist.
For a more indulgent dessert, add a drizzle of caramel sauce or sprinkle toasted almond slices on top.
It also pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of sparkling wine for elegant gatherings.
Consider garnishing with fresh peach slices or mint leaves to elevate both flavor and presentation.
Storage Tips To Keep Freshness
Store your homemade peach swirl ice cream in an airtight container to preserve flavor and prevent freezer burn.
Place a layer of parchment paper directly on the surface before sealing to protect against ice crystals.
Keep the ice cream in the coldest part of your freezer for optimal texture and freshness.
Ideally, consume within 1–2 weeks for the best flavor, though it will remain safe to eat for up to a month.
When ready to serve, allow the ice cream to soften slightly at room temperature for 3–5 minutes for easier scooping.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe without peach jam?
Yes — you can replace the peach jam with fresh pureed peaches or store-bought peach preserves. Fresh puree works best if the peaches are very ripe for maximum sweetness.
Keep in mind that jam will produce a richer flavor and a more defined swirl pattern.
2. How do I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?
This recipe is specifically designed as a no-churn ice cream, meaning it requires no ice cream maker.
The combination of whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk gives it a creamy texture without the need for churning. Simply layer, swirl, and freeze.
3. Can I add mix-ins to this ice cream?
Absolutely! Small chunks of fresh peaches, toasted nuts, or chocolate chips can be folded in after the cream mixture is prepared. This adds texture and extra flavor. Just avoid over-mixing to preserve the beautiful swirl effect.
4. How long will the ice cream stay fresh?
For the best taste and texture, consume within 1–2 weeks of freezing. Stored properly in an airtight container, it can last up to one month in the freezer, though texture and flavor may slightly diminish over time.
5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, but some adjustments are needed. Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and sweetened condensed milk with a dairy-free version made from coconut or almond milk.
The texture will be slightly different, but it will still yield a creamy, satisfying result.
