Homemade Strawberry Gelato

Special Equipment You’ll Need

• Ice cream maker: You must use an ice cream machine to prepare this recipe. I don’t know of any other method for making this strawberry gelato at home that will give you the same smooth and creamy results.
• Food processor: A blender might also work to puree the fresh strawberries, but a food processor really is best for this job.
• Ice cream freezer containers: I love to use reusable containers for freezing ice cream, soups, and more. They’re incredibly durable and help protect the gelato from freezer burn!
• Ice cream scoop: Investing in a good-quality ice cream scoop makes all the difference. This is the one we use and love.

The 6 Ingredients in Strawberry Gelato

I love how few ingredients are needed to make fantastic homemade gelato! A full list of measurements and instructions are in the FREE printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, but here’s an overview of what you’ll need.

• Granulated Sugar: Adds a neutral sweetness that doesn’t detract from the strawberries. If you want to make this recipe with a natural sugar, like honey or pure maple syrup, start with half the amount and add more as desired (liquid sweeteners taste much sweeter than granulated sugar).
• Cornstarch: Thickens the gelato base, which means we don’t have to use egg yolks in this recipe. It also keeps the gelato super creamy when frozen and prevents it from developing an icy texture.
• Whole Milk: You can’t substitute 2% milk or a lighter milk alternative here. You need the fat from the milk and cream to make the gelato rich and creamy.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: The key ingredient to making a velvety smooth gelato.
• Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are my preference, but you can also use frozen strawberries (especially if you’ve frozen your own in-season strawberries, which have amazing flavor).
• Lemon Zest: Complements the strawberries and brightens up the gelato.

Katie’s Tip: Feel free to customize this gelato base by replacing the strawberries with another fruit, such as cherries (pits removed), raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries. Blackberries have large seeds, so you’ll definitely want to strain those out!

Katie’s Tips for Making This Recipe

• If you don’t want the grit of strawberry seeds in your gelato, strain them out. Simply place a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl or glass measuring cup and strain the un-churned gelato base through it to remove the seeds. Then, proceed with the recipe.
• Do not try to substitute the heavy cream or whole milk. This strawberry gelato recipe uses both to achieve silky smooth, creamy gelato.
• The gelato base should be chilled at least 4 hours before churning, but overnight is even better. You’ll achieve the smoothest, creamiest strawberry gelato if you churn a cold base rather than one that is room temperature.
• To speed up the chilling process, place the ice cream base in a medium bowl over a large bowl filled with ice and cold water before transferring it to the refrigerator. The ice bath + refrigerator will chill the base the fastest.

Recipe FAQs

Got questions about how to make this recipe? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.

Can I Prep the Gelato Base in Advance?

Yes! Since the gelato base needs to chill at least 4 hours anyway, you can easily prepare the base ahead of time. It will store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before you need to churn it.

Do I Have to Use an Ice Cream Maker?

Yes, you have to own an ice cream maker to make this gelato recipe. I don’t know of any other way to make gelato.

How Do I Store Gelato to Prevent Ice Crystals?

The best way to store this strawberry gelato while keeping it fresh and preventing the formation of ice crystals is to transfer it to an airtight container before you freeze it. Place a piece of plastic wrap, parchment paper, or wax paper on the surface of the gelato before placing the lid on the container.

How Long Does Homemade Gelato Last?

If stored in an airtight freezer-safe container, homemade gelato should last up to 3 months. I recommend storing the strawberry gelato in these ice cream freezer containers.