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    Ask Chef Dennis » Recipes » Dessert » Frozen » The Best and Easiest Strawberry Gelato Recipe You’ll ever Make!

    The Best and Easiest Strawberry Gelato Recipe You’ll ever Make!

    Published: Jul 16, 2021 · Modified: Jul 16, 2021 by Chef Dennis Littley · 122 Comments·This post includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    4.8 from 91 votes
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    pinterest image for strawberry gelato

    What could be better than Strawberry Gelato? Try my easy-to-make and oh so delicious Strawberry Gelato Recipe and decide for yourself.

    *It also works well in an ice cream maker

    scoops of gelato in the gelato container with the scooper

    When I was in Italy, I just couldn’t get enough Gelato! I don’t care what time it was, or how cold it was, it was always time for gelato, but when I’ve tried it in the states (with very few exceptions) it just didn’t taste right.

    The flavor might have been there, but the texture was wrong, it was just never quite right.

    overhead view of bowl of scoops of strawberry gelato next to scooper of gelato

    Over the years I have attempted to make my own gelato always blaming the fact that it didn’t come out right on my ice cream maker. The truth is it was the recipe I was using.

    And yes I did also buy a gelato maker…..boys and their toys..sigh.

    Whyn Is Gelato Different than Ice Cream?

    Technically speaking “Real Gelato” is made differently than Ice cream. It’s denser and creamier, and the flavors are more intense than regular ice cream. The reason for this is due to a very important ingredient – air.

    American ice cream can contain up to 50% air. This results in a lighter airier texture. And to compensate for this lighter airier texture we tend to like our ice cream richer getting more of the taste sensation from the cream.

    When making gelato, air is prevented from blending into the mixture. This creates the denser and more intense flavors that gelato is so popularly known for.

    To keep the intensity of the flavors, traditional gelato is made using more milk than cream. Some recipes won’t include cream and some even use part water. So when I worked on my recipe I decided to blend milk with some cream to get the consistency I wanted while not sacrificing the intense gelato flavor.

    I also found recipes with eggs,  and while I do love a good custard-style ice cream, this was Gelato not ice cream and the addition of eggs only seemed to complicate the recipe and detract from the gelato flavor.

    What ingredients do I need to make Strawberry Gelato?

    overhead view of ingredients needed to make strawberry gelato

    Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make Strawbery Gelato. In Chef Speak this is called the “Mise en Place” which translates to “Everything in its Place”.

    Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed up the cooking process, it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.

    Can I Use an Ice Cream Maker to Make a Gelato Recipe?

    I used the Kitchen Aid Ice Cream Maker attachment to recreate my original recipe when I redid this post and was very happy with the results. So don’t feel you need to go out and buy a gelato maker. Your regular ice cream maker will work well too.

    How do I make Strawberry Gelato?

    four images showing how to prep strawberries for gelato
    • Place the strawberries, lemon juice and the sugar in a food processor and process until liquefied.
    • Add the milk and run the food processor until all the mixture is smooth.
    four images showing to make the gelato mix
    • Whip the cream with a wire whisk until it begins to thicken slightly and becomes the consistency of buttermilk.
    • Mix the cream and strawberry mixture in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
    four images showing how to make strawberry gelato

    Pour the mixture into a gelato or ice cream maker and freeze following the manufacturer’s instructions. When the mixture is thickened and frozen, move it to a freezer-safe container and allow it to fully freeze (2-3 hours).

    overhead view of 2 bowls of scoops of strawberry gelato next to container of frozen gelato

    Serve up this amazingly delicious gelato and

    If you’re looking for a gelato maker these are the two I recommend.

    • Lopie 1.6 Qt
    • Breville Smart Scoop

    Both machines can be set to make a variety of frozen treats including Gelato.

    More Recipes You’ll Love!

    • Meyer Lemon Gelato 
    • Grilled Peaches and Cream Gelato
    • Clementine (Tangerine) Gelato and Colada
    • Blueberry Cheesecake and Very Cherry Gelato 

    Did you make this? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

    Please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST!

    scoops of gelato in the gelato container with the scooper
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    4.8 from 91 votes

    Strawberry Gelato

    Everyone loves Strawbery Gelato and this easy to make fool proof recipe will work in your ice cream maker too!
    Prep Time15 mins
    Cook Time45 mins
    Total Time1 hr
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Italian
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 181kcal
    Author: Chef Dennis Littley

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound fresh strawberries
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • ¾ cup whole milk (water, 2% or skim milk can be used)
    • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
    • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
    US Customary – Metric
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Remove the stems and leaves from the strawberries and rinse in cold water.
    • Place the strawberries, lemon juice and the sugar in a food processor and process until liquefied.
    • Add the milk and run the food processor until all the mixture is smooth.
    • Whip the cream with a wire whisk until it begins to thicken slightly and becomes the consistency of buttermilk.
    • Mix the cream and strawberry mixture in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
    • Pour the mixture into a gelato or ice cream maker and freeze following the manufacturer’s instructions.
    • Place the finished gelato into a freezer safe container and allow to fully freeze before serving (2-3 hours).

    Notes

    **To avoid ice crystals try making your mix ahead of time and refrigerating it for 12 -24 hours to get it very cold.  Also, chill the canister that the ice cream is being made in if possible by placing it in the freezer for 24 hours.  Then place the finished ice cream in the coldest part of the freezer.
    This will speed up the freezing process which should help reduce the ice crystals.
    ***adding an ounce of alcohol will also help reduce the ice crystals.  

    Nutrition

    Calories: 181kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 16mg | Potassium: 132mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 263IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askChefDennis or tag #askChefDennis!
    pinterest image for strawberry gelato
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    About Chef Dennis

    Picture of Chef Dennis

    Chef Dennis is a semi-retired Chef, writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of A Culinary Journey with Chef Dennis aka Ask Chef Dennis®. Chef Dennis worked professionally in White Table Cloth Restaurants for 40 years and has been developing easy to make, restaurant-style recipes since 2009. The second phase of his reinvention from chef to blogger has earned him a place at the Worlds Dinner Table. Join him on his Culinary Journey enjoying his easy to make Restaurant Style recipes and travel adventures. For more details, check out his About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jennifer

      May 09, 2020 at 11:47 am

      I love this recipe! No eggs, no cooking a custard, so easy and very good especially this time of year when we have great strawberries. Sometimes I substitute the sugar with a stevia blend for my mom who is pre-diabetic.

      Reply
    2. Lisa

      April 20, 2020 at 2:20 pm

      Do you need to use a ice cream maker?

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        April 20, 2020 at 2:23 pm

        this recipe wouldn’t work as well without an ice cream maker.

        Reply
    3. Maria

      April 05, 2020 at 9:46 pm

      5 stars
      Made a batch yesterday using milk instead of water, and it was absolutely delicious! Very easy to make and has the perfect amount of sweetness, everyone in the family enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing this recipe 🙂

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        April 05, 2020 at 11:07 pm

        you are very welcome Maria, its a versatile recipe and can be used with your favorite fruits! Thanks for the great review!

        Reply
    4. Helen

      March 15, 2020 at 1:31 am

      5 stars
      Hi Dennis,
      Have made this a couple of times and it is wonderful. Thank you for sharing.
      Kind regards
      Helen

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        March 15, 2020 at 9:25 am

        you’re very welcome Helen, I’m happy to hear you’ve been enjoying the recipe!

        Reply
    5. AJ

      January 29, 2020 at 7:58 am

      5 stars
      I would like to thank you for the recipe, my children loves this so much, I made it with different fruits and it never fails. Thank you ever so much.

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        January 29, 2020 at 4:02 pm

        I’m very happy to hear that AJ. I love making different fruit flavors using this recipe!

        Reply
        • Andie

          May 03, 2021 at 5:59 pm

          Hello Chef Dennis,
          What kind of milk would you recommend if not using the water/cream? Whole milk(3.25%), 2% or 1%? Thank you! 🍧

        • Chef Dennis Littley

          May 03, 2021 at 6:07 pm

          I would use whole milk in the recipe

    6. ian mitchell

      January 08, 2020 at 7:23 am

      5 stars
      Can’t wait to try.🍓🍍🍇🥭🥝🍒

      Reply
    7. Chef Amos Miller

      September 27, 2019 at 11:03 am

      5 stars
      Hey there, Chef Dennis! – a great recipe – milk (I use organic whole) and I always stir gently when stirring – but I always use a wooden spoon – keeps the incorporation of air to a minimum. I always ‘kick it up a notch’ by adding a measure of Gran Marnier, which does not really affect flavor, but definitely it will inhibit ice crystals from forming.
      I always have a 1/2 gallon in the freezer for unexpected company. Be well and keep on cookin’!

      Reply
    8. Mindy

      November 09, 2018 at 4:34 pm

      Can this recipe be used with other types of fruit? I have leftover cantaloupe and honeydew and was thinking of geloto

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        November 10, 2018 at 9:34 am

        hi Mindy

        this is a great base for just any type of fruit you’d like to use. I have made melon gelato before, they are generally not as flavorful but very refreshing.

        Reply
        • Sue

          January 21, 2019 at 1:59 pm

          Hi
          Can I use the same receipt to do a pistachio a Gelato?

        • Chef Dennis Littley

          January 21, 2019 at 4:19 pm

          yes you can but you’re going to have to make a pistachio paste to use with the recipe. Blanch peeled pistachios, dry with paper towels then pulse in food processor with the sugar from the recipe. Once the sugar and pistachios have been finely ground add in some of the milk to cream the mixture. It’s been a long time since I made pistachio gelato and that’s from memory. I have also made it using store bought pistachio paste.

    9. Lynne

      September 25, 2018 at 12:28 pm

      Hi,

      Does it matter what type of alcohol you use?

      For instance, vodka vs. sweet Riesling .

      Also, do you have a good French Basque cake recipe?

      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        September 25, 2018 at 2:26 pm

        hi Lynne

        riesling might not have enough alcohol in it to help. I would try vodka. At this time I have not tried any Basque cooking

        Reply
    10. Malini

      May 24, 2018 at 3:03 am

      5 stars
      Made this last night. The strawberries were too tart so I cooked the chopped strawberries with the sugar for a few minutes, then blended it. I added milk as you suggested but made it in an Icecream maker. The taste and flavour is fantastic. The best I’ve ever eaten! The only issue was it had too many ice crystals. Would you have a work around for this?

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        May 24, 2018 at 7:17 am

        I’m not sure how warm the cooked strawberry mixture was when you made the ice cream but that could have been the culprit.

        To avoid ice crystals try making your mix ahead of time and refrigerating it for 12 -24 hours to get it very cold.  Also chill the canister that the ice cream is being made in if possible by placing it in the freezer for 24 hours.  Then place the finished ice cream in the coldest part of the freezer.

        This will speed up the freezing process which should help reduce the ice crystals.

        ***adding an ounce of alcohol will also help reduce the ice crystals.  

        Reply
    11. Shannon Welty

      May 16, 2018 at 12:33 pm

      5 stars
      We made a double batch of this for our Mother’s Day celebration and it was delicious. We used milk instead of water as you suggested, and churned it in our ice cream maker. The strawberries were perfectly ripe and that came across beautifully in the gelato. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        May 16, 2018 at 3:22 pm

        I’m thrilled to hear you enjoyed my strawberry gelato recipe, its one of am all time favorite frozen desserts!

        Reply
        • Shannon Welty

          May 18, 2018 at 9:08 am

          I’d love to try a chocolate gelato recipe. Do you have one by chance?

    12. Jo Austin

      April 25, 2018 at 1:19 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you for this delicious recipe I made it with water in a Cuisinart ice cream maker. I bought fresh strawberries and cut them up and froze them first to aid freezing. I also added a teaspoon of glucose to stop it getting to hard and I used icing sugar as it dissolves very easily. I think it was my strawberries but it came out a little bland – I’m wondering if I can change the 3/4 cup of water to 1/4 cup of water to intensify the strawberry flavour?

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        April 25, 2018 at 6:05 pm

        I don’t think changing the amount of water is the issue. When you used the powdered sugar, did you increase the amount? To equal 1 cup of granulated sugar for sweetness, you need to use 1.75 cups of powdered sugar. If the strawberries were not very flavorful the less amount of sugar would have been more noticeable causing the blandness.
        I would suggest trying it with regular sugar and see how it comes out.

        Reply
        • Jo Austin

          April 27, 2018 at 9:48 am

          Thank you no I had no idea powdered sugar was less sweet – I will try with regular sugar.
          I did make some nice gelato yesterday with 1lb of mixed blueberries and raspberries (strained), 1 cup of icing sugar and I used 1/2 cup of cream and 1/2 cup of milk – so slightly less liquid. I think the fruit was sweeter and had more flavour so it worked better and was a lovely intense colour. The mixture was a little thick though.
          Roll on the fresh summer fruit!

        • Chef Dennis Littley

          April 27, 2018 at 11:00 am

          Summer fruit is the best! It’s not that powdered sugar is less sweet its that the volume is different, so 1 cup of powdered sugar won’t be the same as one cup of granulated sugar
          Have fun making frozen desserts!

    13. Terri Street

      January 30, 2018 at 11:16 pm

      5 stars
      I love this gelato recipe and have used it for both strawberry and peach gelato. But my husband wants it sweeter. Can I add a little extra sugar without losing the correct fruit to sugar ratio so that the gelato doesn’t freeze properly? How much more sugar can I successfully add? I’d appreciate any help you can give me.

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        January 31, 2018 at 8:22 am

        hi Terri
        you can add extra sugar to the recipe. Adding more sugar will lower the freezing temp of the gelato a little keeping it a little softer, which is a good thing. As to how much more you can add I’m not really sure how sweet you want it but you could start by adding an additional 1/4 cup to see if that’s sweet enough for your husband. If not the next time try a little more.

        Reply
        • Terri Street

          January 31, 2018 at 2:39 pm

          5 stars
          Thank you! I have read that the balance of sugar to fruit is very important and throw of the batch do wanted to check before trying it! Love your recipes!

    14. Terri Street

      January 16, 2018 at 10:43 pm

      5 stars
      My husband, who treats me much better than I deserve, got me a gelato maker for Christmas. I have your strawberry gelato churning in the machine right now. I made it with milk rather than water as you suggested, and used whole frozen strawberries since the fresh ones just aren’t very flavorful right now. If the frozen gelato tastes as good as the leavings in the mixing bowl, I will be thrilled! I am seeing this same recipe made with peaches, blackberries, and maybe even apricots (probably will take a bit of extra sugar for these) in our future. Thank you for a wonderful recipe that I know I will use often.

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        January 17, 2018 at 9:31 am

        I’m very happy to hear you got a gelato maker for Christmas and I’m sure your husband wishes he could do even more for you. I know that’s how I feel about my wife.
        Thanks so much for trying my recipe and you can easily adapt it for just about any flavor you like! Have fun with your gelato maker!

        Reply
    15. Megan Davis

      August 30, 2017 at 5:48 pm

      5 stars
      Yummy! So simple, delicious and definitely easy to make. I’m out now to buy ingredients! 🙂 Thanks!

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        August 31, 2017 at 6:28 am

        I hope you enjoy it as much as we did Megan!

        Reply
    16. Janice

      August 24, 2017 at 3:13 pm

      Just one word – yum! Thanks for sharing this super-simple recipe, Dennis!

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        August 25, 2017 at 7:47 am

        you are very welcome Janice!

        Reply
    17. Kristin

      April 06, 2016 at 2:54 pm

      Will this still work in a traditional ice cream maker (cuisenart)? I realize the consistency won’t be quite the same, but I looked into Gelato makers, and the portions they make are just not enough to satisfy my family of five. In addition, my freezer wouldn’t be at the right temperature to store said gelato anyway. I have shied away from strawberry recipies for fear they wouldn’t freeze. My strawberry and cream (ice cream) recipe has the berries added in at the end for this reason. Would love to emulate the delicious berry gelato I enjoyed in Rome. Thankfully we have an authentic Italian born/trained gelato maker who owns a shop in our city, so I still get to enjoy good gelato.

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        April 06, 2016 at 5:11 pm

        hi Kristin

        yes it will. It’s a very easy recipe to use and I’ve made many varieties using the base mix.

        Reply
    18. Yael

      March 29, 2016 at 3:49 pm

      Five stars: This is a fantastic recipe – I’ve made it a number of times and everyone loves it. Thank you for sharing it!

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        March 30, 2016 at 8:43 am

        It is a easy and delicious recipe! Thanks so much for the feedback Yael!

        Reply
    19. msmolly

      August 22, 2015 at 12:39 pm

      5 stars
      Simple and quite delicious. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        August 22, 2015 at 6:03 pm

        Thank you for the feedback1

        Reply
    20. Sarah

      April 15, 2014 at 8:16 pm

      This is a wonderful recipe. Neither my husband or I really care for strawberry ice cream, so I’m not sure why we tried it. It was so great, I have made it 5 times now!

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        April 17, 2014 at 12:14 pm

        it really takes the ice cream to a new level! Thanks so much for letting me know Sarah and I’m very happy to hear that you and your husband enjoyed the recipe!

        Reply
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