Homemade Peach Frozen Yogurt: Your Easy 5-Ingredient Summer Recipe
(This delightful recipe is proudly brought to you by Real California Milk, a valued sponsor of this post!)
Beat the Heat with Irresistible Homemade Frozen Yogurt
As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, there’s nothing quite like a cool, refreshing treat to help you beat the summer heat. While store-bought options are convenient, making your own frozen yogurt at home offers a level of freshness and customization that simply can’t be matched. This Peach Frozen Yogurt recipe is not just easy to make; it’s incredibly delicious, packed with vibrant peach flavor, and surprisingly healthy. With only five simple ingredients, it’s the perfect guilt-free indulgence for any summer day, gathering, or a quiet evening at home.
Have you ever tried making homemade frozen yogurt before? If not, you’re in for a delightful surprise! It’s so much simpler than you might imagine, and the results are truly rewarding. This particular recipe stands out because it leverages the natural sweetness of ripe peaches combined with the creamy goodness of Real California Milk products, ensuring a treat that’s both flavorful and wholesome. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a summer favorite and why choosing quality dairy makes all the difference.
The Real California Milk Story: Quality, Nutrition, and Sustainability
When you choose dairy products displaying the Real California Milk seal, you’re not just selecting high-quality ingredients; you’re supporting a legacy of excellence and responsible farming. California milk and dairy products are renowned for being a healthy, tasty source of essential vitamins and minerals, crucial for a balanced diet. Our state is a leading provider of sustainable dairy foods, thanks to California dairy farmers who are deeply committed to producing nutritious dairy that nourishes people and fosters a sustainable future.
As a California resident myself, a mother to four active boys, and a passionate food blogger, the connection between food quality, sustainability, and family health means a great deal to me. I’ve had the privilege of visiting several dairy farms across California and witnessing firsthand the dedication of these farmers. Their commitment to their land, their animals, and their communities is truly inspiring. They are not just business owners; they are stewards of the land, experts in their craft, and passionate about delivering the best possible dairy products.
These dairy farmers meticulously ensure they are producing exceptional dairy products, focusing on practices that prioritize animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and product integrity. By looking for the distinctive Real California Milk seal on dairy items, you can be confident that your purchase is made with milk from California dairy families. This seal signifies a commitment to quality and a responsible approach to dairy production. To find Real California Milk products conveniently located at a store near you, simply use their handy Product Locator.
Unveiling the Simple Ingredients for Our Peach Frozen Yogurt
I truly believe frozen yogurt is the ultimate refreshing treat, especially when the summer sun is at its peak. What makes this recipe so fantastic is its simplicity. It relies on just five core ingredients, most of which you likely already have on hand, to create a wonderfully creamy and fruity dessert. Three of these essential ingredients come from Real California Milk, guaranteeing a superior taste and texture:
- Real California Whole Milk: This forms the rich and creamy foundation of our frozen yogurt. Whole milk contributes to a smoother, less icy texture compared to lower-fat options, while still providing essential nutrients like calcium and Vitamin D.
- Real California Non-Fat Vanilla Yogurt: The star of the show! Non-fat vanilla yogurt gives our frozen yogurt its characteristic tang and creamy body. The vanilla flavor complements the peaches beautifully, adding a subtle warmth to the fruity notes.
- A Tiny Bit of Real California Heavy Whipping Cream: Don’t skip this! A small amount of heavy cream is crucial for achieving that silky, decadent texture we all love in frozen desserts. It helps to prevent large ice crystals from forming, ensuring your frozen yogurt is smooth and scoopable.
- Sugar or a Healthy Sugar Substitute: Sweetness is key to balancing the tartness of the yogurt and the natural flavor of peaches. You can use granulated sugar to taste, or opt for a sugar substitute like Truvia if you’re mindful of your sugar intake. Adjust this based on the ripeness of your peaches and your personal preference.
- Fresh Peaches!!: The hero of this recipe! I absolutely adore summer peaches – their juicy sweetness and fragrant aroma are simply unbeatable. For this recipe, we’ll be blending up about two large, ripe peaches to create a smooth, intensely peachy puree that infuses every bite of the frozen yogurt.
The beauty of using fresh peaches is that they provide natural sweetness and a beautiful color, making this treat not only delicious but also visually appealing. Blending them into a puree ensures that the peach flavor is evenly distributed throughout the yogurt base, creating a harmonious and delightful taste.
How to Master Homemade Peach Frozen Yogurt
One of the many reasons I love this recipe is its straightforward nature. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef or have specialized equipment to create a truly spectacular peach frozen yogurt. The process is incredibly simple, allowing you to whip up this delightful dessert with minimal fuss.
Preparing Your Ingredients for Optimal Flavor
- **Choosing the Right Peaches:** Select peaches that are ripe, fragrant, and slightly soft to the touch. These will yield the most flavorful puree. Wash them thoroughly, remove the pits, and blend them until smooth. If you desire a textural contrast, you can finely dice a quarter cup of peach and stir it in after the mixture is churned or partially frozen.
- **Sweetness Adjustment:** Taste your peach puree before adding sugar to the milk. If your peaches are very sweet, you might need less sugar. If they are slightly tart, you might need a bit more. This flexibility allows you to customize the sweetness perfectly.
The Blending and Mixing Process
- **Sweetening the Milk:** Begin by combining the Real California Whole Milk with your chosen sugar or sugar substitute in a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer on low speed, blend these ingredients together. Continue mixing until you can see that the sugar crystals have completely dissolved. This step is crucial; ensuring the sugar is fully incorporated prevents a gritty texture in your final frozen yogurt.
- **Combining the Flavors:** Once the milk and sugar are smoothly blended, it’s time to introduce the rest of the creamy goodness and flavor. Gently stir in the Real California Non-Fat Vanilla Yogurt, the touch of Real California Heavy Whipping Cream, and your fresh peach puree. For an enhanced aroma and deeper flavor profile, I often add a little vanilla extract (about 1 teaspoon) at this stage. Stir everything together thoroughly until all components are well combined and the mixture has a uniform, peachy hue.
Freezing Your Frozen Yogurt: With or Without a Machine
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s adaptable, whether you own an ice cream maker or not. Both methods will yield a delicious frozen treat!
Using an Ice Cream Maker for Creamy Perfection
If you’re lucky enough to have an ice cream maker, this is the quickest way to achieve a wonderfully smooth and creamy frozen yogurt. Ensure your ice cream maker bowl has been thoroughly pre-chilled in the freezer for at least 12-24 hours, as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Pour the prepared peach yogurt mixture into the cold bowl and churn for approximately 20-25 minutes. The churning time can vary depending on your specific machine and how firm you like your frozen yogurt. You’re aiming for a consistency similar to soft-serve ice cream. Once churned, transfer the soft frozen yogurt to an airtight container and freeze for an additional 2-4 hours to allow it to firm up to a scoopable texture.
No Ice Cream Maker? No Problem!
Don’t have an ice cream maker? That’s perfectly fine! You can still enjoy this delightful peach frozen yogurt with a little patience. Simply pour the prepared peach frozen yogurt mixture into a large, shallow, freezer-safe pan or dish (a 9×13 inch pan works great for this). Place it in the freezer. After about 1-2 hours, when the edges start to freeze, remove the pan from the freezer and vigorously stir or whisk the mixture to break up any ice crystals forming. Return it to the freezer and repeat this stirring process every 30-60 minutes for the next few hours, until the frozen yogurt reaches your desired consistency. This frequent stirring is key to achieving a smoother, less icy texture. Once completely frozen and scoopable, serve it directly from the pan into bowls or cones and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Peach Frozen Yogurt
- Ensure Peaches are Ripe: The flavor of your frozen yogurt heavily depends on the quality of your peaches. Use ripe, juicy peaches for the best taste.
- Pre-Chill Everything: If using an ice cream maker, ensure the churning bowl is frozen solid. You can also pre-chill your mixed liquid base in the refrigerator for an hour or two before churning; this helps the mixture freeze faster and more efficiently.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Peaches vary in sweetness. Always taste your mixture before freezing and adjust the sugar level if needed.
- Prevent Ice Crystals (No-Churn Method): For the no-churn method, consistent stirring every 30-60 minutes is vital for a smooth, creamy texture. Don’t skip this step!
- Serving Suggestions: While delicious on its own, consider serving your peach frozen yogurt with extra fresh peach slices, a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of granola for crunch, or even a few fresh mint leaves for garnish.
- Storage: Store any leftover frozen yogurt in an airtight container in the freezer. It will be very firm after a few hours or overnight; allow it to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before scooping to soften slightly.
If you loved this refreshing recipe, be sure to check out some other healthy and delicious dessert recipes from our collection:
- Frozen Mini Key Lime Pies: A zesty and creamy individual dessert, surprisingly made with avocado for a healthy twist!
- Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles: Simple, fruity, and perfect for kids (and adults!) on a warm day.
- Strawberry Sorbet Recipe: A light and intensely fruity sorbet, ideal for a dairy-free option.
- Tropical Smoothie Bowl: A vibrant, nutrient-packed breakfast or snack that feels like a treat.
Essential Tools for Crafting Your Homemade Frozen Yogurt
While the magic is in the ingredients, having the right tools can make your homemade frozen yogurt journey even more enjoyable and efficient. Here are a few recommendations that can elevate your dessert-making experience:
- Cuisinart 2-quart Ice Cream Maker: If you plan on making frozen treats frequently, a dedicated ice cream maker like this one is an excellent investment. It ensures consistent churning and a super creamy texture every time.
- Kitchen-Aid Hand Mixer: A versatile tool for dissolving sugar into milk, blending purees, and combining your ingredients smoothly before freezing. It’s a kitchen workhorse for many recipes!
- One Pint Ice Cream Holders: Perfect for storing your homemade frozen yogurt in individual or smaller portions. These often come with lids, helping to keep your dessert fresh and prevent freezer burn.
- Ice Cream Cones: Because what’s homemade frozen yogurt without a classic waffle or sugar cone? Keep a box on hand for that authentic dessert parlor experience.
These tools are designed to streamline the process, but remember, the most important ingredient is always your enthusiasm for creating something delicious from scratch!
Without Further Delay, Here’s the Complete Recipe!
Get ready to enjoy the freshest, most delicious peach frozen yogurt you’ve ever tasted. This recipe is your ticket to a cool and healthy summer delight. Happy scooping!
Peach Frozen Yogurt Recipe
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Equipment
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Ice Cream Maker (Optional, see instructions for no-churn method)
Ingredients
- 1 2/3 cup Real California Whole Milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar or 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp. Truvia or other sugar substitute
- 4 cups Real California Yogurt Non-Fat, Vanilla
- 1/4 cup Real California Heavy Cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract optional
- 1 cup peaches, pureed (about 2 large, ripe peaches)
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the Real California Whole Milk and your chosen sugar (or sugar substitute). Using a hand mixer or a whisk, blend thoroughly until the sugar is completely dissolved. This ensures a smooth and non-gritty texture in your frozen yogurt.
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Stir in the Real California Non-Fat Vanilla Yogurt, Real California Heavy Whipping Cream, the optional vanilla extract, and the fresh peach puree. Mix all ingredients until they are well combined and the mixture is uniform in color and consistency.
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If not using an ice cream maker: Pour the mixture into a large, shallow, freezer-safe dish or pan. Place in the freezer and freeze for several hours, stirring vigorously every 30-60 minutes for the first few hours to break up ice crystals and achieve a smoother consistency. Continue freezing until it reaches your desired frozen consistency. Scoop into bowls or cones and serve immediately. Enjoy this delightful homemade treat!
Notes
Nutrition
Discover More Healthy & Delicious Recipes and Nutrition Information at Real California Milk
For even more insightful nutrition information, delicious recipes featuring high-quality dairy, and to learn about the farmers behind the products, we highly recommend visiting Real California Milk’s Official Website. It’s a fantastic resource for understanding the health benefits of dairy and finding creative ways to incorporate these wholesome products into your everyday cooking and healthy lifestyle.
Loved this recipe? Be sure to pin it to your dessert board on Pinterest so you can easily find it later for your next sweet craving!
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