Dreamy Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe

Sweet summer memories melt into this homemade strawberry vanilla bean ice cream that captures pure delight.

Ripe berries dance with delicate vanilla notes in a creamy symphony of flavor.

Each spoonful whispers nostalgia and comfort from childhood afternoons.

Soft, luxurious textures promise an indulgent escape from ordinary desserts.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly to create something magical in your kitchen.

Simple techniques turn basic components into an extraordinary treat that surprises and delights.

Follow this recipe, and you’ll craft a dessert that turns an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

Why This Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

• Savor Homemade Delights: Craft a restaurant-quality dessert right in your kitchen with fresh ingredients and simple techniques.
• Customize Your Flavor Profile: Blend pure strawberries and authentic vanilla bean for a gourmet taste that surpasses store-bought versions.
• Master Artisan Techniques: Learn professional ice cream making skills that impress family and friends while creating a luxurious dessert from scratch.
• Celebrate Fresh Seasonal Ingredients: Transform ripe strawberries into a creamy, vibrant dessert that captures summer’s essence with minimal processing.

Ingredients for Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Ice Cream

• Strawberries: Fresh, ripe berries provide the signature fruity flavor and vibrant color for the ice cream.
• Cream: Rich dairy component that creates a smooth and luxurious texture.
• Milk: Adds lightness and helps balance the cream’s richness.
• Egg Yolks: Provide a silky, custard-like consistency and depth to the ice cream base.

• Sugar: Enhances sweetness and helps create a soft, scoopable texture.

• Vanilla Bean, Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex sweetness and classic vanilla aroma to complement the strawberries.

How to Make Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Step 1: Prepare Strawberry Base

Grab fresh, ripe strawberries and sugar.

Chop the strawberries into small pieces and sprinkle with sugar.

Let the mixture rest for 15 minutes to release natural juices.

Blend the macerated strawberries until you create a silky, smooth puree.

Step 2: Warm Cream Mixture

• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Vanilla bean
• Remaining sugar

Heat the mixture over medium temperature, stirring gently until warm and steaming.

Do not let it boil.

Step 3: Temper Egg Yolks

Whisk egg yolks in a separate bowl.

Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the yolks, whisking continuously to prevent scrambling.

This technique creates a smooth custard base.

Step 4: Cook Custard

Transfer the tempered mixture back to the saucepan.

Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Strain and Flavor

Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any potential lumps.

Stir in vanilla extract and the prepared strawberry puree until well combined.

Step 6: Chill and Churn

Refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 7: Freeze and Serve

Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container.

Freeze until firm.

Scoop and enjoy your homemade creamy delight!

Helpful Tips for Perfect Ice Cream Texture

• Let strawberries sit with sugar to release natural juices and intensify their sweet, vibrant flavor before blending.
• Gradually add warm cream to egg yolks while whisking constantly to prevent scrambling and ensure a smooth, silky custard base.
• Use a fine-mesh sieve to remove any potential egg bits or vanilla bean fragments, creating an ultra-creamy, luxurious ice cream.
• Allow the mixture to rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to develop deep flavors and help the ice cream freeze more effectively.
• Transfer immediately to a freezer-safe container and cover tightly to prevent ice crystals and maintain a rich, creamy consistency.

Unique Spins on Strawberry Vanilla Ice Cream

• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy, lactose-free version that maintains the rich texture.
• Vegan Strawberry Option: Replace egg yolks with cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent, and use coconut cream for a plant-based alternative.
• No-Churn Method: Skip the ice cream maker by freezing the mixture in a container, stirring every hour to break up ice crystals and create a smooth consistency.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder during the mixing stage to boost nutritional value and create a protein-rich dessert.

Best Ways to Serve Strawberry Vanilla Ice Cream

• Dessert Companion Paradise: Pair this creamy strawberry vanilla bean ice cream with fresh, crisp waffle cones for a delightful crunch and classic summer treat.
• Berry Bliss Topping: Sprinkle fresh sliced strawberries, toasted almond slivers, and a light drizzle of honey over each scoop to enhance the natural fruit flavors and add textural contrast.
• Decadent Dessert Plate: Serve alongside a warm slice of pound cake or buttery shortbread cookies, creating a luxurious dessert experience that balances the cool, smooth ice cream with rich, tender pastry.
• Elegant Adult Option: For grown-ups, add a small splash of aged balsamic reduction or a light champagne float to elevate the dessert’s sophistication and introduce complex flavor notes.

Keeping Strawberry Vanilla Ice Cream Fresh

• Transfer leftover ice cream to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals. Keep in the coldest part of the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
• Seal the ice cream in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible to maintain texture and prevent freezer burn. Store for 1-2 months without significant quality loss.
• Remove the ice cream from the freezer 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Use a warmed ice cream scoop for easier scooping and smoother serving.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen strawberries work perfectly. Thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before using in the recipe.

• How do I know when the custard is thick enough?

The custard is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and you can draw a line through it with your finger that holds its shape.

• Do I need an ice cream maker to make this recipe?

While an ice cream maker produces the smoothest texture, you can freeze the mixture and stir it every hour to break up ice crystals, though the result will be less creamy.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute full-fat coconut milk for cream and milk, which will create a similar rich texture and complement the strawberry flavor.

Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky homemade strawberry vanilla bean ice cream delivers pure summer bliss with fresh berries and luxurious cream. Creamy scoops promise delightful moments of sweet indulgence for dessert enthusiasts seeking classic flavors.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) whole milk

Sweeteners:

• 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Macerate strawberries with sugar for 15 minutes to release natural juices and intensify sweetness.
2. Pulverize macerated strawberries into a silky, vibrant puree using a blender until completely smooth.
3. Infuse cream and milk with vanilla bean, gently warming the mixture over medium heat to extract rich aromatic flavors.
4. Temper egg yolks by gradually introducing the heated cream mixture, whisking continuously to prevent curdling.
5. Transfer the custard back to the saucepan, cooking on low heat until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, approximately 5-7 minutes.
6. Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve to ensure a velvety texture, removing any potential egg solids.
7. Incorporate vanilla extract and strawberry puree, blending thoroughly to create a harmonious flavor profile.
8. Refrigerate the mixture for minimum 4 hours, allowing it to chill completely and develop deeper taste complexity.
9. Churn the chilled base in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s guidelines, typically 20-25 minutes.
10. Transfer the freshly churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm, approximately 2-3 hours before serving.

Notes

• Macerate strawberries beforehand to enhance their natural sweetness and release more intense fruit flavor.
• Temper egg yolks gently to prevent scrambling and ensure a smooth, creamy custard base.
• Use fresh, high-quality vanilla bean for maximum aromatic depth and authentic flavor profile.
• Consider straining strawberry puree for an ultra-silky texture if you prefer no seed or pulp.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 335 kcal
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 55 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg