National Strawberry Ice Cream Day

National Strawberry Ice Cream Day: A Sweet Celebration of Nostalgia, Community, and Good Thyme Living

January 15th marks National Strawberry Ice Cream Day, a deliciously nostalgic food holiday that celebrates one of America’s most beloved classic ice cream flavors. With its soft pink hue, fresh fruit flavor, and comforting simplicity, strawberry ice cream is more than just a dessert, it’s a memory-maker. At Good Thyme Gal, this day aligns beautifully with our mission of celebrating seasonal joy, approachable cooking, and food that brings people together.

Why National Strawberry Ice Cream Day Matters

Strawberry ice cream is often overshadowed by chocolate and vanilla, yet it remains a cornerstone of traditional ice cream parlors and family freezers alike. Celebrating National Strawberry Ice Cream Day gives us a chance to slow down, savor the simple pleasures, and reconnect with food traditions that span generations.

Food holidays like this one encourage creativity in the kitchen and remind us that joy doesn’t need to be complicated. Whether enjoyed in a cone, a bowl, or layered into a sundae, strawberry ice cream invites everyone to the table, making it an inclusive, feel-good celebration that resonates deeply with the Good Thyme Gal philosophy.

How This Day Aligns with Good Thyme Gal

At its heart, Good Thyme Gal is about intentional living, accessible recipes, and celebrating food as a connector of people and stories. Strawberry ice cream reflects that perfectly. It’s approachable, affordable, and adaptable to many dietary needs and budgets.

By focusing on an equitable recipe, we honor different kitchens, lifestyles, and ingredient access, whether you’re using fresh strawberries in peak season, frozen berries in winter, or dairy-free alternatives. This recipe is flexible by design, because good food should be for everyone.

Equitable Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen, hulled)

• ¾ cup sugar (or honey, maple syrup, or sugar alternative to taste)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut cream for dairy-free)

• 1 cup whole milk (or oat/almond milk)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the strawberries:In a blender or food processor, blend strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice until smooth. For a chunkier texture, reserve a few diced strawberries and stir them in later.

2. Mix the base:In a bowl, whisk together the strawberry puree, cream, milk, vanilla, and salt until fully combined.

3. Chill:Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to enhance flavor and texture.

4. Churn or freeze:

   • If using an ice cream maker, churn according to manufacturer instructions.

   • Without a machine, pour into a shallow container, freeze, and stir every 30 minutes for 2–3 hours to reduce ice crystals.

5. Serve:Scoop, garnish with fresh strawberries, and enjoy!

Equitable Recipe Notes

• Dairy-free: Use coconut or oat milk products

• Lower sugar: Reduce sweetener or use alternatives

• Budget-friendly: Frozen strawberries work beautifully

The Benefits of Celebrating Food Holidays

National Strawberry Ice Cream Day is a reminder that food can be playful, comforting, and meaningful all at once. It encourages home cooking, supports mindful indulgence, and fosters shared experiences, values that sit at the core of Good Thyme Gal.

Whether you’re making this recipe solo, with family, or sharing it with friends, this sweet celebration proves that living well doesn’t require perfection, just good ingredients, good timing, and a good thyme.

🍓🍦 Here’s to pink scoops, simple pleasures, and a life well savored.- Good Thyme Gal