Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Nothing says summer quite like a delicious bowl of homemade ice cream. Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream combines the sweet, fruity flavor of ripe strawberries with the rich creaminess of vanilla. This treat is perfect for warm days or whenever you’re in the mood for something cool and refreshing!
Why Make This Recipe
Making Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream at home is not only easy but also rewarding. You can customize the sweetness and use fresh, seasonal ingredients. Plus, it’s a fun activity to do with family or friends. Enjoying a scoop of homemade ice cream is a delightful way to celebrate any occasion!
How to Make Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean (or 2 tsp pure vanilla extract)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries (chopped)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Directions
- Prepare the Strawberry Swirl: In a saucepan, cook strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat until soft and syrupy (about 10 minutes). Let it cool completely.
- Make the Ice Cream Base: In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, milk, sugar, and salt. Scrape the vanilla bean pod and stir in the seeds (or use vanilla extract).
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn until thick and creamy (20-25 minutes). Gently fold in the cooled strawberry swirl.
- Freeze Until Set: Transfer the mixture to a container, cover, and freeze for at least 4 hours.
- Scoop & Enjoy! Serve in cones or bowls and savor every creamy, fruity bite!
How to Serve Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
You can serve Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream in a variety of ways. It’s delicious in a cone, or you can use a bowl for a more generous serving. Top it with extra strawberries, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup for added delight!
How to Store Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
To keep your ice cream fresh, store it in an airtight container in the freezer. Make sure to press a piece of parchment paper directly against the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container. This prevents ice crystals from forming and keeps it creamy.
Tips to Make Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
- Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can place the mixture in a shallow dish and stir it every 30 minutes until it’s frozen.
- Adjust the sugar in the strawberry swirl based on how sweet your strawberries are.
Variation
For a twist, try adding chopped mint leaves to the mixture before churning, or substitute half the strawberries with other berries, like blueberries or raspberries, for a mixed berry ice cream!
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw them first and drain excess moisture before cooking.
Q: How long can I store the ice cream?
A: Homemade ice cream can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Just remember to keep it in an airtight container.
Q: Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?
A: Yes! You can freeze the mixture in a shallow dish and stir it every 30 minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.