Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is a delightful treat that’s perfect for warm days or special occasions. With creamy vanilla and sweet strawberries, it offers a refreshing taste that you’ll love. Making it from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and ensure it’s full of fresh flavors.
Why Make This Recipe
Making your own ice cream at home is not only fun but also rewarding. You get to enjoy the pure taste of fresh strawberries and real vanilla bean without any preservatives. This recipe is simple, letting you create a delicious dessert that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s a great way to impress family and friends!
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- 1 vanilla bean, split & seeds scraped
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- Pinch of salt
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 2 tbsp sugar
Directions:
- Macerate the Strawberries: Toss diced berries with 2 tbsp sugar. Let them sit for 30 minutes to get juicy.
- Heat Milk & Cream: In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream, whole milk, half the sugar, salt, and the vanilla bean (both seeds and pod) to a gentle boil. Then remove it from the heat.
- Temper the Egg Yolks: In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar. Slowly add the hot milk mixture while whisking to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Cook the Custard: Return the mixture to the pan. Cook it on low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens (170–175°F). It should coat the back of a spoon.
- Strain & Chill: Strain the custard through a fine sieve to remove the vanilla pod and any lumps. Stir in the vanilla extract. Chill in the refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight.
- Churn It!: Remove the vanilla pod from the custard. Churn the custard in an ice cream maker, and add the macerated strawberries during the last 5 minutes.
- Freeze & Enjoy: Transfer the ice cream to a container and freeze for 2–4 hours until it is scoopable. Serve it up and savor every creamy bite!
Tips & Variations:
- Extra Rich? Add 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk to make the ice cream thicker.
- Smooth or Chunky? You can blend the berries if you want a smoother texture.
- No Ice Cream Maker? No worries! You can freeze the mixture in a shallow dish and stir it every 30 minutes for 2–3 hours.
How to Serve Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Serve the ice cream in bowls or cones. You can also top it with fresh strawberries, drizzles of chocolate sauce, or whipped cream. It’s a delightful way to enjoy this sweet treat!
How to Store Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It will keep well for about 2 weeks. Make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping, as it can become hard when frozen.
Tips to Make Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
- Make sure all your ingredients are cold before you start.
- Don’t skip the chilling step after making the custard; it helps improve the texture.
- Always churn the ice cream according to your machine’s instructions for the best results.
Variation
You can substitute the fresh strawberries for other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches to create different flavors of ice cream.
FAQs
Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes! You can pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Stir it every 30 minutes until it reaches a creamy texture.
How long does this ice cream last?
Homemade ice cream can last in the freezer for about 2 weeks. For the best texture, consume it within a week.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw them, and you may need to adjust the sugar if they are sweetened.