Beat the summer heat with this incredibly easy homemade Peach Kefir Ice Cream! This delightful dessert combines the tangy goodness of kefir with the sweet juiciness of fresh peaches, resulting in a frozen treat that’s both refreshing and surprisingly simple to make. With just three core ingredients and the help of an ice cream machine, you’re only a few steps away from enjoying a creamy, probiotic-rich ice cream that’s perfect for the whole family, including those who are lactose-sensitive.

This recipe is proudly sponsored by Lifeway Kefir. Their peach kefir is a personal favorite among their organic whole milk kefir flavors, not just for drinking but also for crafting amazing desserts like this one! It’s up to 99% lactose-free, gluten-free, and teeming with beneficial probiotics, making it a fantastic ingredient for a healthier treat.

Why You’ll Adore This Easy Peach Kefir Ice Cream Recipe

This homemade peach kefir ice cream isn’t just a dessert; it’s a simple pleasure that brings a burst of summer flavor with minimal effort. Here’s why this recipe is sure to become a new favorite:

• Unbeatable Simplicity: You’ll be amazed that a dessert this delicious can be made with only 3 ingredients and 4 straightforward steps! It’s one of the easiest homemade ice cream recipes you’ll ever encounter, perfect for novice bakers and seasoned dessert makers alike.
• Perfect Flavor Harmony: Lifeway Organic Peach Whole Milk Kefir is the secret to the creamy tang that beautifully balances the sweetness of fresh peaches. The result is a vibrant, refreshing taste reminiscent of a frozen, dreamy peaches and cream dessert, but with an added depth of flavor and a touch of probiotic goodness.
• Endless Customization: While perfect on its own, this simple base recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to get creative with different mix-ins or toppings. Imagine adding crunchy cookie crumbs (like vanilla wafers or shortbread) for texture, a swirl of rich caramel sauce for extra sweetness, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts for a delightful crunch.
• Effortlessly Elegant: This recipe delivers a fruity and creamy texture akin to my more intricate cherry amaretto ice cream recipe, but with significantly less fuss. It’s perfect when you crave something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Lactose-Friendly Goodness: Thanks to the use of kefir, which naturally has a very low lactose content (up to 99% lactose-free!), this ice cream is a much more digestive-friendly option for those who are lactose-intolerant, allowing more people to enjoy a delicious frozen treat without discomfort.
• Packed with Probiotics: Beyond its fantastic taste and ease of preparation, Lifeway Kefir is brimming with beneficial probiotics, contributing to gut health with every delicious scoop. It’s a treat that tastes good and does good!

Essential Ingredients for Your Peach Kefir Ice Cream

To create this incredibly delicious and easy peach ice cream, you’ll only need these three superstar ingredients. Quality counts when the ingredient list is short, so choose wisely!

Ingredient Notes & Tips:

• Lifeway Organic Peach Whole Milk Kefir: This is the star of the show! The peach flavor infuses the ice cream with a natural fruity essence, while the whole milk content ensures a wonderfully creamy texture. Blended with honey, it creates an irresistible peaches and cream base that’s both tangy and sweet. Its probiotic benefits are an added bonus!
• Fresh or Frozen Peaches: The choice is yours!
  • Fresh Peaches: If peaches are in season and perfectly ripe, they will add an unparalleled freshness and vibrant flavor to your ice cream. Look for peaches that are fragrant and yield slightly to gentle pressure. You can choose to peel them for a smoother texture or leave the skin on for added fiber and a rustic look – both work beautifully!
  • Frozen Peaches: When fresh peaches are out of season or not at their peak, sliced frozen peaches are an excellent and convenient alternative. They provide the same great peach flavor and maintain a good texture when churned into the ice cream. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand; simply add them straight from the freezer.
• Honey: This natural sweetener not only adds delicious flavor but also contributes to the smooth texture of the ice cream by helping to prevent the formation of large ice crystals. You can adjust the amount of honey to suit your personal sweetness preference. Different types of honey (e.g., clover, orange blossom, wildflower) can impart subtle variations in flavor, so feel free to experiment!

See the comprehensive recipe card below for exact measurements and a full list of ingredients.

Exciting Substitutions & Creative Variations

While this peach kefir ice cream recipe is fantastic as written, it’s also highly adaptable. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these ideas to tailor it to your taste or dietary needs:

• Alternative Sweeteners: If honey isn’t your preference, you can easily substitute it with other liquid sweeteners like agave nectar or maple syrup. These alternatives offer different flavor profiles, so remember to taste test the sweetened kefir mixture before churning to ensure it reaches your desired level of sweetness and flavor.
• Peach Jam Boost: For an even more intense peach flavor and a slightly different texture, consider mixing in a few tablespoons of high-quality peach jam or preserves. You can add it in addition to the fresh/frozen peaches or use it as a standalone peach element.
• Crunchy Add-ins: Elevate the texture by incorporating cookie crumbs or crumbled shortbread cookies. Add them during the last few minutes of churning, or swirl them in right before freezing. Golden Oreos, vanilla wafers, or even graham cracker crumbs would be delightful.
• Explore New Flavor Combinations: Lifeway offers a wonderful variety of whole milk kefir flavors. This opens up a world of possibilities for new ice cream creations! For instance:
  • Strawberry Kefir Ice Cream: Use Lifeway Strawberry Kefir with fresh or frozen strawberries.
  • Blueberry Kefir Ice Cream: Combine Lifeway Plain or Blueberry Kefir with fresh blueberries and a squeeze of lemon.
  • Mango Kefir Ice Cream: Opt for Lifeway Mango Kefir with diced ripe mango.
  • Mixed Berry Kefir Ice Cream: Use plain kefir and a medley of your favorite berries.

  The key is to pair your chosen kefir flavor with a complementary fruit.

This recipe has primarily been tested with the ingredients listed. If you try any new substitutions or variations, we’d love to hear how it turned out! Please share your creative ideas and results in the comments section below to inspire other readers.

Try a Peaches & Cream Version with Your Ninja Creami!

For those lucky enough to own a Ninja Creami, you can easily adapt this recipe for an even creamier, soft-serve-like “Peaches & Cream” experience. Here’s how:

Mix & freeze in a Creami pint:

• 2 cups Lifeway Peach Kefir
• 1 Tablespoon honey
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (adds a warm, comforting note to the peaches)

Freeze for 24 hours until solid. Then, run it through the “Lite Ice Cream” setting on your Ninja Creami. If it’s still crumbly, use the “Re-Spin” setting until perfectly smooth and creamy. Next, add 3 crushed Golden Oreos (or your favorite cookie) for a delightful crunch, and run it through the “Mix-In” setting. Serve immediately, topped with fresh peach slices, extra crushed Oreos, and a generous drizzle of luscious caramel sauce for an indulgent treat!

Essential Equipment for Homemade Ice Cream

To achieve the perfect creamy consistency for this peach kefir ice cream, churning is key. Therefore, you will need an ice cream machine. I personally use and highly recommend the KitchenAid ice cream maker attachment for my stand mixer, which consistently delivers excellent results. However, there are many other user-friendly ice cream machines available on the market, ranging from compressor models (no pre-freezing required) to freezer-bowl models (requiring the bowl to be frozen beforehand). Choose one that fits your budget and kitchen space, and make sure its bowl is thoroughly chilled for optimal results.

Beyond the ice cream maker, you’ll simply need a food processor or a blender to combine your ingredients. That’s it! No oven, no stove, just simple tools for a delicious frozen dessert.

How to Make Refreshing Peach Kefir Ice Cream (Step-by-Step)

Making your own peach kefir ice cream is surprisingly simple and requires minimal effort. Follow these straightforward steps to create a delightful frozen dessert that’s bursting with flavor.

Quick Recipe Video

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base. In a food processor or blender, combine the Lifeway Organic Peach Whole Milk Kefir and your desired amount of honey. Blend the mixture thoroughly until it becomes smooth and slightly frothy. This aeration helps create a lighter texture in the finished ice cream. Ensure the honey is fully incorporated.

Step 2: Churn the Kefir Mixture. Pour the blended kefir and honey mixture into your pre-chilled ice cream maker. Begin churning according to your manufacturer’s instructions. The mixture will start to thicken, transforming into a soft-serve consistency. This initial churning usually takes about 10-20 minutes, depending on your machine and how cold your ingredients were.

Step 3: Incorporate the Peaches. Once the kefir mixture has thickened to a soft-serve consistency, carefully add your sliced or diced peaches to the ice cream maker. Continue churning for another 5-15 minutes, or until the ice cream reaches your desired thickness and the peaches are evenly distributed throughout. This ensures the fruit is perfectly suspended and chilled.

Step 4: Freeze for Firmness. Once churned, the ice cream will be quite soft. For a firmer, scoopable consistency, transfer the peach kefir ice cream into a frozen loaf pan or an airtight freezer-safe container. Smooth the top and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent ice crystal formation. Freeze for at least 2 hours, or until it reaches your preferred firmness. Enjoy your perfectly chilled homemade peach kefir ice cream!

Expert Tips for Perfect Peach Kefir Ice Cream Every Time

Achieving perfectly creamy and delicious homemade ice cream is easy with a few simple tricks. Keep these expert tips in mind for the best results:

1. Pre-Chill is Paramount: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for any freezer-bowl ice cream maker. Ensure your ice cream maker’s bowl (or the entire machine, if it’s a compressor model) and your loaf pan for freezing are thoroughly chilled. Ideally, place them in the freezer the night before you plan to make the ice cream. A well-chilled bowl dramatically reduces churning time and helps create a smoother, less icy texture.
2. Mind the Consistency: While you’ll be tempted to eat it straight from the churn, a final freeze is often necessary for a firmer scoop. If your ice cream becomes rock-solid after freezing overnight, don’t worry! Simply let it thaw at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before serving. This brief softening period will make it much easier to scoop and restore its ideal creamy texture.
3. Sweetness to Taste: The sweetness of peaches can vary significantly. Always taste your kefir and honey mixture before churning. If your peaches are very sweet, you might need less honey. If they are tart, you might want a little more. Adjust the honey to your preference to ensure a balanced flavor.
4. Ingredient Temperature: For optimal churning, make sure your kefir and honey mixture is as cold as possible before it goes into the ice cream maker. This will help the ice cream freeze faster and result in a smoother consistency.
5. Airtight Storage: After churning and transferring to a pan, always cover your ice cream tightly. Use plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface of the ice cream before putting on the lid of your container. This prevents ice crystals from forming on top, keeping your ice cream smooth and fresh.

Your Questions Answered: Peach Kefir Ice Cream FAQ

Here are some common questions you might have when making this delicious peach kefir ice cream:

Storing Your Homemade Peach Kefir Ice Cream

Freezing Instructions:

Proper storage is essential to keep your homemade peach kefir ice cream tasting fresh and maintaining its creamy texture. Once churned and transferred to a pan, ensure it’s tightly sealed.

Store the peach kefir ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. To prevent freezer burn and ice crystals, press a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container with its lid. I find it convenient to initially freeze it in a loaf pan, which allows it to firm up evenly, and then scoop it into a lidded, more compact container for long-term storage.

If the ice cream becomes too solid to scoop after extended freezing, simply let it soften at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. This will bring it back to a delightful, scoopable consistency, ready to be enjoyed!

More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this easy peach kefir ice cream, you’re sure to find more favorites among these delightful recipes. Whether you’re craving more homemade ice cream or a comforting baked treat, there’s something here for every sweet tooth!

Did you try this delightful recipe?

We’d love to hear from you! Let us know what you thought by leaving a comment below and sharing your beautiful creations on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest! Don’t forget to tag @brokenovenbaking so we can see your amazing results!

Thank you for baking with me!
-Kayla

Easy Homemade Peach Kefir Ice Cream (3 Ingredients)

Kayla Burton