Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the rich flavor of vanilla. It’s a perfect dessert for hot summer days or any time you want to enjoy a tasty scoop of something special. Making your own ice cream at home is not only fun, but it also lets you control the ingredients and flavors.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream at home is a great way to enjoy fresh ingredients. You know exactly what goes into your ice cream, and you can adjust the sweetness and flavors to your liking. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade ice cream, especially when you can use ripe, juicy strawberries. It’s an enjoyable activity for families and friends and is sure to impress anyone who tastes it!

How to Make Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 vanilla bean (split and seeds scraped) or 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 4 egg yolks (optional for custard base)

Directions

1. In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla bean seeds, and the pod. Heat the mixture until the sugar dissolves and it’s hot but not boiling.

2. (Optional) In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly add the hot cream mixture to the yolks, whisking constantly to avoid curdling.

3. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat until it thickens slightly, forming a custard. Remove the vanilla pod.

4. Chill the mixture thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

5. Meanwhile, toss the chopped strawberries with lemon juice and let them sit for about 15 minutes to macerate.

6. Churn the ice cream according to your machine’s instructions, adding the strawberries near the end of the churning process.

7. Transfer the ice cream to a container and freeze for 2–4 hours to firm up.

How to Serve Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Serve Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream in bowls or cones. You can add extra sliced strawberries on top or drizzle with chocolate sauce for a special touch. Enjoy it as a dessert after a meal or as a refreshment on a warm day!

How to Store Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Store your Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream in an airtight container in the freezer. This helps keep it fresh and prevents it from absorbing any other food odors. Enjoy it within 1-2 weeks for the best taste and texture.

Tips to Make Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

• Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
• If you want a creamier texture, consider using an ice cream maker.
• Adjust the sugar according to your taste and the sweetness of your strawberries.
• If you prefer a lighter ice cream, skip the egg yolks.

Variation

You can add other flavors to this ice cream. Try mixing in some chopped mint for a refreshing twist or incorporating other fruits like blueberries or raspberries.

FAQs

1. Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?

   • Yes! You can freeze the mixture in a shallow dish and stir every 30 minutes until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.

2. How long will this ice cream last in the freezer?

   • Homemade ice cream is best consumed within 1-2 weeks for the best flavor and texture.

3. Can I add other flavors like chocolate or nuts?

   • Absolutely! You can customize this recipe by adding chocolate chunks, nuts, or even swirls of caramel or fudge.

Now you’re ready to enjoy a delicious bowl of Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream made right at home!