Peach Gelato

Experience the essence of summer with this creamy and flavorful peach gelato. It’s a perfect blend of natural sweetness and refreshing taste for any occasion!

Quick Facts

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Maturation Time: 4 hours
• Freezing Time: 4 hours
• Yield: Approximately 1.4 L

Ingredients for Peach Gelato

Gelato Base

• 600 ml whole milk (3.5% fat)
• 300 ml heavy cream (35% fat)
• 120 g granulated sugar
• 40 g corn glucose syrup
• 5 g neutral stabilizer (e.g., guar gum or locust bean gum mix)

Peach Purée

• 400 g ripe peaches (peeled, pitted, and chopped)
• 30 g granulated sugar (for maceration)
• 10 ml fresh lemon juice (to enhance flavor and prevent browning)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Peach Gelato

1. Prepare the Peach Purée

1. Place the chopped peaches in a bowl and sprinkle with sugar and lemon juice.
2. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to macerate and release natural juices.
3. Blend the peaches into a smooth purée using an immersion blender.
4. For a silky texture, strain the purée through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any fibers.

2. Prepare the Gelato Base

1. In a saucepan, combine the milk, cream, and sugar. Add the glucose syrup and heat gently while stirring.
2. Bring the mixture to 85°C (just below boiling) to pasteurize.
3. In a small bowl, mix the stabilizer with a teaspoon of sugar to prevent clumping. Gradually whisk this into the heated base. Stir for 2 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and blend the mixture with an immersion blender for a smooth consistency.

3. Combine the Base and Peach Purée

1. Stir the peach purée into the warm gelato base until well combined.
2. Quickly cool the mixture using an ice bath (place the bowl of gelato base over a larger bowl filled with ice and water).
3. Cover with plastic wrap, ensuring it touches the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to mature.

4. Churn and Freeze the Gelato

1. Pour the matured mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually 25–30 minutes).
2. Transfer the churned gelato into a freezer-safe container and freeze for 4 hours to firm up before serving.

Tips for Perfect Peach Gelato

• Use ripe, fragrant peaches for optimal flavor. If peaches are out of season, frozen peaches can be used but may require additional sugar.
• Macerating the peaches enhances their natural sweetness and ensures a flavorful purée.
• A neutral stabilizer prevents ice crystals and gives the gelato a smooth texture.

FAQs About Peach Gelato

Q: Can I substitute peaches with another fruit?
A: Absolutely! Apricots, nectarines, or mangoes work well as alternatives.

Q: How do I prevent the gelato from becoming icy?
A: Ensure the stabilizer is properly incorporated, and avoid over-churning.

Q: Can I skip the lemon juice?
A: Lemon juice enhances the flavor and prevents discoloration, but you can omit it if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your peach gelato in a bowl or cone, garnished with fresh peach slices, a sprig of mint, or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness.

Final Thoughts

Homemade peach gelato is a refreshing and elegant dessert perfect for warm days or special gatherings. With its vibrant flavor and creamy texture, it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.