Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Introduction

Summer is the perfect time for a sweet and refreshing treat. Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is easy to make at home, and it combines the delicious flavors of fresh strawberries with creamy vanilla. It’s a fun way to cool off on a warm day, and it brings smiles to everyone at the table!

Why Make This Recipe

Making your own ice cream means you can control the ingredients. This recipe is simple, and you’ll know exactly what goes into it. Plus, there’s something special about making ice cream from scratch. It’s a fun activity to do with family or friends, and the end result is so tasty! Enjoying this ice cream together creates sweet memories.

How to Make Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the strawberries)
1 vanilla bean
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the cream mixture)
4 large egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Start by mixing the diced strawberries with 1/2 cup of sugar in a medium bowl. Let this sit for about 30 minutes to let the strawberries release their juices. After that, mash them gently with a fork.
While the strawberries are sitting, split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, the vanilla bean seeds, and the pod. Heat over medium heat until it simmers, then remove it from the heat and let it steep for 15 minutes. Don’t forget to discard the vanilla pod!
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks together with the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar until the color turns pale yellow and slightly thickens. Gradually add the warm cream mixture to the egg yolks, making sure not to cook the eggs.
Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat. Stir constantly until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Be careful not to boil it. Once it’s thickened, remove it from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
Gently fold the mashed strawberries along with their juices into the cooled custard mixture, making sure everything is well mixed.
Pour this mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Finally, transfer the churned ice cream to a container and freeze it for at least 4 hours for the best texture. When it’s ready, scoop and enjoy!

How to Serve Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

This ice cream is perfect on its own or topped with fresh strawberries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Scoop it into bowls or cones for a fun treat. It’s great for summer parties, backyard barbecues, or even just a quiet night at home.

How to Store 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. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping to make it easier to serve.

Tips to Make Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are cold for the best results.
For added texture, consider adding small chunks of strawberries during the churning process.
Always taste the mixture before freezing to adjust the sweetness if needed.

Variation

You can easily change this recipe by adding other fruits like blueberries or raspberries instead of strawberries. You could also mix in chocolate chips or crushed cookies for a different flavor!

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid.

Q: Do I need an ice cream maker to make this recipe?
A: While an ice cream maker gives the best results, you can also freeze the mixture in a container. Stir it every 30 minutes until it’s fully frozen.

Q: How long does it take to make this ice cream?
A: The prep time is about 15 minutes, plus 4 hours of freezing time. It’s worth the wait for a delicious homemade treat!