Dreamy Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe

Sweet memories swirl through this delectable homemade strawberry vanilla bean ice cream, promising pure indulgence.

Ripe summer berries dance with delicate Madagascar vanilla, creating a symphony of flavor.

Creamy textures melt softly across your palate, revealing natural ingredients’ true magic.

Luscious strawberries burst with vibrant color and intense sweetness.

Delicate vanilla bean specks add elegant complexity to each luxurious spoonful.

Crafting this dessert connects you with traditional culinary artistry and seasonal joy.

You’ll love how simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

Prepare to savor every decadent moment of this irresistible frozen delight.

FAQs

• Why do I need to let strawberries sit with sugar before blending?

The sugar helps release the strawberries’ natural juices and enhances their sweetness, creating a more intense and flavorful puree for the ice cream.

• What's the purpose of tempering egg yolks with warm milk?

Tempering prevents the eggs from scrambling by gradually raising their temperature, ensuring a smooth and creamy custard base for the ice cream.

• How can I tell when the custard is thick enough?

The custard is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and you can draw a line with your finger that holds its shape without running.

Strawberry Vanilla Ice Cream Recap

• Create Gourmet Dessert at Home: Impress family and friends with a professional-quality ice cream that tastes far better than store-bought versions.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easily swap or add ingredients like fresh fruits, chocolate chips, or nuts to make this recipe uniquely yours.
• Master Classic Culinary Technique: Learn traditional ice cream making skills that elevate your cooking confidence and provide a delicious reward for your effort.
• Perfect for Special Celebrations: Serve this elegant dessert at summer gatherings, birthdays, or as a sophisticated finish to a dinner party that will wow your guests.

Ingredients for Strawberry Vanilla Ice Cream

• Strawberries: Fresh berries that provide natural sweetness and vibrant color to the ice cream.
• Milk: Creamy base that contributes to the smooth texture of the dessert.
• Heavy Cream: Rich dairy component that ensures a luxurious and velvety ice cream consistency.
• Egg Yolks: Provide a rich, custard-like base and help create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Vanilla Bean: Adds deep, complex flavor and aromatic essence to the ice cream.

• Sugar: Enhances the overall sweetness and helps balance the flavors of the strawberries and cream.

• Vanilla Extract, Salt: Small additions that round out and intensify the overall taste profile of the ice cream.

Instructions for Homemade Ice Cream

Step 1: Macerate Strawberries

Slice fresh strawberries and sprinkle with sugar.

Let the berries rest and release their natural juices, creating a vibrant and sweet syrup.

After 15 minutes, transform the macerated strawberries into a silky smooth puree using a blender.

Step 2: Infuse Creamy Base

• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla bean (split and scraped)

Warm the mixture over medium heat, allowing the vanilla bean to release its rich, aromatic essence.

Heat until the liquid is steaming but not boiling.

Step 3: Prepare Egg Custard

Whisk egg yolks with remaining sugar until the mixture becomes pale and creamy.

This creates a luxurious foundation for the ice cream.

Step 4: Temper Egg Mixture

Slowly stream the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking continuously to prevent scrambling.

This technique ensures a smooth, velvety custard.

Step 5: Cook Custard

Return the combined mixture to the saucepan.

Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

This should take approximately 5 minutes.

Step 6: Strain and Blend

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

Fold in the vibrant strawberry puree, creating a marbled effect of creamy vanilla and fruity strawberry.

Step 7: Chill Thoroughly

Refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours or overnight.

This allows the flavors to meld and the base to become completely cold.

Step 8: Churn to Perfection

Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker.

Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until the texture becomes thick and creamy.

Step 9: Freeze and Enjoy

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

Freeze until firm, typically 2-3 hours.

Scoop and savor the homemade frozen treat.

Advice for Great Strawberry Vanilla Ice Cream

• Select ripe, bright red strawberries for the most vibrant and sweet flavor in your homemade ice cream.
• Adjust sugar amounts based on the natural sweetness of your strawberries to create a perfectly balanced dessert.
• Ensure a smooth texture by thoroughly chilling the mixture before churning and storing in an airtight container.
• Use a high-quality vanilla bean or pure vanilla extract to elevate the overall taste of the ice cream.
• Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.

Twist Options for Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

• Dairy-Free Coconut Version: Replace milk and heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk, creating a rich, tropical alternative that maintains creamy texture while offering lactose-free option.
• Vegan Strawberry Delight: Substitute egg yolks with cornstarch or arrowroot powder, use coconut cream, and select plant-based sweetener like agave to craft a completely animal-product-free dessert.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Utilize stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of traditional sugar, reducing caloric content while preserving the natural strawberry and vanilla flavors.
• Protein-Packed Wellness Option: Incorporate Greek yogurt alongside cream for increased protein, blending nutritional benefits with classic ice cream richness.

Side Picks for Strawberry Vanilla Ice Cream

• Berry Parfait Paradise: Layer scoops of ice cream with fresh strawberry slices, crushed graham crackers, and a drizzle of honey for a stunning dessert presentation.
• Summer Sundae Delight: Top a generous scoop with toasted almond slivers, whipped cream, and a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves for a refreshing twist.
• Elegant Dessert Plating: Serve small quenelles alongside a delicate shortbread cookie, garnished with a fresh strawberry and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an Instagram-worthy treat.
• Breakfast Indulgence: Sandwich a scoop between two warm, crispy waffles and add a handful of fresh berries for a decadent morning surprise.

Ice Cream Storage That Works

• Transfer ice cream to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals. Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Seal in a freezer-safe container with an airtight lid. Cover with plastic wrap to minimize freezer burn. Keeps quality for 2-3 months at 0°F or below.
• Remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. Softens ice cream gradually without melting, creating perfect scooping consistency.
• Use a warm, clean ice cream scoop dipped in hot water. Wipe dry before scooping to create smooth, clean portions that glide effortlessly.

Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Smooth homemade strawberry vanilla bean ice cream blends fresh berries with rich cream. Creamy Italian-style dessert promises pure summer indulgence with natural ingredients and delicate flavor notes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dairy and Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 4 large egg yolks

Fruits and Sweeteners:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 vanilla bean (or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract)

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Instructions

1. Macerate fresh strawberries with sugar, allowing juices to release for 15 minutes, then transform into a silky smooth puree using a blender.
2. Gently warm milk, heavy cream, and split vanilla bean in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming, infusing the liquid with rich vanilla essence.
3. Whip egg yolks with remaining sugar until the mixture becomes pale and creamy, creating a smooth base for the custard.
4. Gradually stream the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking continuously to prevent curdling and ensure a velvety texture.
5. Return the combined liquid to the saucepan, cooking on low heat and stirring constantly until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon, approximately 5 minutes.
6. Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve to eliminate any potential lumps, then fold in the vibrant strawberry puree until fully incorporated.
7. Refrigerate the mixture for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and the base to thoroughly chill.
8. Churn the cold mixture in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s guidelines, transforming the liquid into a light, aerated dessert.
9. Transfer the freshly churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze until it reaches a firm, scoopable consistency.

Notes

• Macerate strawberries ahead of time to intensify their natural sweetness and create a more concentrated fruit flavor.
• Temper egg yolks carefully by slowly adding hot milk to prevent scrambling, ensuring a smooth and creamy custard base.
• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the most vibrant color and intense natural sweetness in your homemade ice cream.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk and coconut cream to maintain the rich, creamy texture while creating a vegan-friendly dessert.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 316 kcal
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg