Step 1: Prepare the Peaches. Begin by washing your ripe peaches. You can peel them or leave the skins on for extra color and fiber – it's a matter of preference. If peeling, a quick blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds followed by an ice bath will make the skins slip right off. Pit the peaches and dice them into small, approximately ½-inch pieces. You'll want about 4 cups of diced peaches for this perfect peach ice cream recipe.
Step 2: Macerate the Peaches. In a medium bowl, combine about three-quarters of the diced peaches with 2 tablespoons of sugar and the lemon juice. Gently cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until softened and slightly syrupy. Let cool completely. Then, combine the cooked (and cooled) peaches with the remaining uncooked diced peaches. Stir in ¼ cup of sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Allow this mixture to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or even better, refrigerate for an hour or two.
Step 3: Prepare the Ice Cream Base. In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, remaining ¾ cup of granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt until the sugar is fully dissolved. Make sure the mixture is smooth and no grainy sugar remains at the bottom.
Step 4: Combine and Chill. Gently fold the macerated peach mixture into the cream base. Stir until well combined. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the entire mixture for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. A thoroughly chilled base is essential for achieving the best texture.
Step 5: Churn the Ice Cream. Pour the chilled peach ice cream base into your ice cream maker's frozen bowl and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes. The mixture will thicken to the consistency of soft-serve ice cream.
Step 6: Freeze to Firm Up. Once churned, transfer the soft ice cream to an airtight container. Press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming. Cover tightly and freeze for another 2-4 hours, or until it reaches your desired scoopable consistency.