The Best Homemade Strawberry Gelato (So Easy!)

Making homemade Strawberry Gelato is easier than you might think! Plus, it’s a great way to preserve fresh summer strawberries for weeks to come. You’ll love how easy this delicious gelato recipe is to prepare!

Creating This Strawberry Gelato Recipe

Gelato is my new obsession. The ice cream maker we received as a wedding gift back in 2002 has been revived and put to good use.

No longer is it shoved in a back cabinet collecting dust. I’ve also convinced myself that gelato is good for you. See? It’s made with milk instead of cream and is loaded with fresh berries.

It’s a win-win. I get dessert and it’s good for me. It’s also pretty easy to make. This recipe was super good and fruity.

One night we had some strawberry gelato along side this easy recipe for Fudgy Brownies — not quite as light of a dessert, but still delicious!

How Is Gelato Different From Ice Cream?

Gelato and ice cream are unique in a few different ways. Traditional gelato is much richer and creamier, and tastes more flavorful overall.

Ice cream is often on the lighter, airier side and contains more fat than gelato. Ice cream is typically made with a mixture of heavy cream, milk, and eggs. Gelato often doesn’t contain eggs at all.

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Tools Needed to Make Strawberry Gelato

I recommend these kitchen tools when making this recipe for strawberry gelato:

• 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.

Ingredients in Strawberry Gelato

I love how few ingredients are needed to make fantastic homemade gelato! Here’s everything that goes into this strawberry gelato recipe:

• Granulated Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Whole Milk
• Heavy Whipping Cream
• Fresh Strawberries
• Lemon Zest

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

Does Gelato Have Dairy in It?

Yes, gelato traditionally has dairy in it. Although it contains less fat than ice cream, it’s still very much a dairy-rich dessert.

How to Make Gelato at Home

This strawberry gelato recipe requires just 15 minutes of hands-on prep work, and the rest of the time it’s just chilling in the freezer.

1. In a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch followed by the milk, cream, and lemon zest. 
2. Whisk over medium heat until the gelato base thickens and begins to bubble.
3. Puree strawberries in a food processor. Stir the berries into the gelato base.
4. Chill the gelato base for 3 hours in the fridge. 
5. Process in an ice cream maker to complete the freezing process according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Cover and freeze until firm, at least 3 hours.

The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

Tips to Make the Best Strawberry Gelato

If you don’t want the grit of strawberry seeds in your gelato, then you can remove the seeds by straining 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.

Don’t skip the cornstarch! You only need 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to make this recipe, bu it helps thicken the gelato base.

The strawberry 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, you can 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.

Strawberry Gelato Recipe Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about preparing this strawberry gelato? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions about this recipe:

Is it Okay to Use Frozen Strawberries in Strawberry Gelato?

I haven’t personally tested using frozen strawberries as a substitute for fresh in this recipe, but I imagine it would be ok. I recommend thawing and draining any excess liquid off of the berries before preparing this gelato recipe.

What Other Fruit Could I Use?

This strawberry gelato base is a great recipe for adapting according to your personal preferences because it calls for very simple ingredients.

For other fruits to use in place of strawberries, I recommend: cherries (pits removed), fresh raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries. Blackberries have large seeds, so you’ll definitely want to strain those out.

You could also use a mix of a variety of different berries or even try another type of fruit if you feel like experimenting.

Can I Prep the Strawberry 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.

More Homemade Ice Cream Recipes:

If you love gelato, you’ll adore this homemade Pistachio Gelato. It’s rich and creamy!

This Key Lime Pie Ice Cream is loaded with all of the familiar flavors of your favorite pie — even the crunchy graham cracker crust!

You’ll never believe that this decadent Toasted Coconut Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream is non-dairy! Toasted coconut and dark chocolate chunks are mixed in to a completely dairy-free coconut ice cream base.

In this no-churn Brownie Chunk Ice Cream recipe, creamy vanilla no churn ice cream is layered with chewy brownie chunks and swirled with sweet and salty vanilla bourbon caramel sauce.

A delicious, no-churn, low-fuss recipe for Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream. No ice cream maker required!

This easy Lemon Ice Cream recipe is sweetened with agave nectar and is ultra creamy thanks to a combination of milk, cream, and half and half.

Don’t see what you’re looking for here? You can always head over to check out the recipe index to look for more recipes.