Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe

There's nothing quite like the creamy, dreamy taste of homemade strawberry vanilla bean ice cream. Every bite bursts with fresh strawberry flavor, balanced by the rich, aromatic essence of real vanilla bean. It's the perfect summer indulgence, made even better when crafted from scratch in your own kitchen.

this Recipe

I remember the first time I made this ice cream—it was a warm afternoon, and the scent of fresh strawberries filled the air as I blended them into a luscious puree. The result was a smooth, flavorful treat that instantly became a family favorite. Whether you're enjoying it on a cone, in a bowl, or sandwiched between two cookies, this homemade delight is sure to impress.

Why You'll Love This Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that's as easy to make as it is delicious. This homemade strawberry vanilla bean ice cream is packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion.

First off, it's made with real ingredients—no artificial flavors or preservatives. Fresh strawberries and vanilla bean provide an authentic taste that store-bought varieties just can't match.

It's also incredibly creamy. Thanks to a rich custard base, this ice cream has a luxurious texture that melts in your mouth. The combination of egg yolks, cream, and milk creates a velvety smoothness that's simply irresistible.

This recipe is beginner-friendly. You don’t need fancy techniques to achieve amazing results. With a little patience and an ice cream maker, you'll have a gourmet-quality dessert right at home.

Lastly, it's customizable. Want to add mix-ins like chocolate chips or crushed cookies? Go for it! Prefer a dairy-free option? Swap the cream for coconut milk. The possibilities are endless.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this homemade ice cream comes from its simple yet high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in delivering the best possible flavor and texture.

Fresh strawberries are the star of this recipe. Choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the most vibrant flavor. Macerating them with a little sugar helps to draw out their natural juices, enhancing the overall taste of the ice cream.

Vanilla bean adds an unmistakable depth of flavor. Unlike vanilla extract, vanilla bean specks disperse throughout the ice cream, creating an aromatic and visually appealing touch. If you don’t have a vanilla bean, pure vanilla extract can be used as an alternative.

Heavy cream and whole milk form the base of the ice cream, providing a rich and creamy consistency. The high-fat content in the cream ensures a smooth texture, while the milk balances it out.

Egg yolks are essential for making a custard-based ice cream. They contribute to the velvety texture and help stabilize the mixture, preventing ice crystals from forming.

Sugar not only sweetens the ice cream but also affects its texture. It helps keep the ice cream soft and scoopable straight from the freezer.

How To Make This Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Making this ice cream is easier than you might think. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect homemade treat.

Start by preparing the strawberry puree. Hull and slice fresh strawberries, then mix them with sugar and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This process, called maceration, draws out the juices and intensifies the strawberry flavor. Afterward, blend the mixture into a smooth puree and set it aside.

Next, make the custard base. In a saucepan, heat the cream, milk, and vanilla bean seeds (or extract) over medium heat until warm but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened.

Slowly temper the eggs by adding a ladleful of the warm milk mixture while whisking continuously. This prevents the eggs from scrambling. Gradually add the rest of the milk mixture, then return everything to the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any cooked egg bits and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, stir in the strawberry puree, mixing until fully combined.

Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This ensures a well-developed flavor and a smoother texture when churned.

Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After churning, transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.

Storage Options

Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed fresh, but proper storage keeps it tasting great for days. Store your ice cream in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming. A layer of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface can also help maintain a smooth texture.

For the best flavor and consistency, consume within one to two weeks. While it will remain safe to eat beyond that, ice cream tends to lose its creamy texture over time.

When ready to serve, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping. This softens it just enough to make serving easier while keeping it rich and creamy.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about homemade ice cream is how adaptable it is. Here are some fun variations to try.

Make it dairy-free by substituting the heavy cream and milk with full-fat coconut milk. This will give your ice cream a tropical twist while maintaining a creamy texture.

Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, crushed graham crackers, or chopped nuts during the last few minutes of churning for extra flavor and texture.

Experiment with sweeteners by using honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar. This will add a subtle depth of flavor and a natural sweetness.

Boost the fruit flavor by adding a handful of raspberries or blueberries along with the strawberries. The combination of berries makes for a deliciously tangy twist.

Homemade strawberry vanilla bean ice cream is a treat worth making again and again. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative with flavors and mix-ins, you’re in for a delightful, creamy experience!

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