Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a sweet, creamy treat that combines the lusciousness of fresh strawberries with the smooth, fragrant notes of vanilla, then you’ve just stumbled upon the perfect recipe! This Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is everything you’ve ever wanted in an ice cream—refreshing, indulgent, and packed with real strawberry flavor. It’s the ultimate way to cool off during those warm summer days (or, let’s be honest, on any day that calls for a scoop of happiness). Trust me, once you’ve tasted this homemade version, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again!

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

• Made with Fresh Ingredients: Packed with juicy strawberries and real vanilla bean, this ice cream is as fresh as it gets. No artificial flavors here—just the pure goodness of nature’s best.
• Creamy and Dreamy: The secret to this ice cream’s rich texture lies in the perfect blend of cream and milk, making it silky smooth with every spoonful.
• Perfectly Sweetened: Sweetened just enough to bring out the natural flavors of the fruit and vanilla, it’s the ideal balance of sweet without being overpowering.
• No Ice Cream Maker Required: That’s right! You can enjoy homemade ice cream without needing an ice cream machine. With a few simple steps, you can make this dreamy treat at home in no time.
• Customizable: Want a bit of crunch? Add in some crushed graham crackers, chocolate chips, or swirl in a bit of caramel. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream:

• Fresh strawberries: The star of the show! Sweet, ripe strawberries will give your ice cream that perfect, natural fruit flavor.
• Heavy cream: This creates that rich, velvety texture we all crave in homemade ice cream.
• Whole milk: Adds smoothness to the base and balances out the creaminess of the heavy cream.
• Vanilla bean: Real vanilla bean gives the ice cream an authentic, aromatic flavor. You’ll scrape the seeds from the pod to infuse your ice cream with that unmistakable vanilla essence.
• Sugar: Sweetens the ice cream without overpowering the strawberry and vanilla flavors.
• Lemon juice: Just a splash to enhance the strawberry flavor and brighten up the overall taste.
• Salt: A pinch to balance out the sweetness and bring all the flavors together.

(Note: Full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Start by washing and hulling your strawberries. Then, chop them into small pieces and place them in a bowl. Add a tablespoon of sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice. Toss to coat and let the strawberries sit for about 15 minutes. This will help draw out the juices and intensify the strawberry flavor.

Step 2: Mash the Strawberries

Once the strawberries have softened and released their juices, use a fork or potato masher to mash them up to your desired consistency. You can leave some chunks for texture or mash them fully for a smooth base—it’s up to you!

Step 3: Make the Ice Cream Base

In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and the remaining sugar. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely, but do not let it come to a boil.

While the cream and milk mixture is heating up, slice open the vanilla bean pod and scrape out the tiny seeds using the back of a knife. Add the vanilla seeds and the empty pod to the saucepan with the milk mixture. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Chill the Base

Remove the saucepan from heat and let the vanilla bean infuse the milk and cream mixture for about 10 minutes. Then, discard the vanilla pod and pour the mixture into a large mixing bowl to cool. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the bowl in the fridge for 20-30 minutes.

Step 5: Combine the Strawberry and Vanilla Mixtures

Once the cream mixture has cooled, stir in your mashed strawberries. Make sure everything is well combined.

Step 6: Freeze the Ice Cream

Transfer the mixture to a shallow, freezer-safe container or a large loaf pan. Spread it evenly, cover, and place it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes for the first 3 hours, stir the ice cream vigorously with a fork to break up any ice crystals. This will ensure a creamy, smooth texture. After 3 hours, your ice cream should be firm enough to scoop and enjoy!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the ice cream has reached your desired firmness, it’s time to scoop it into bowls or cones. Add a sprinkle of extra vanilla bean seeds or some fresh strawberries on top for an extra touch of flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition for one serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories per serving: 210-250 calories
• Total Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 25mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 17g (from strawberries and sugar)
• Protein: 2g
• Vitamin A: 10%
• Vitamin C: 25%
• Calcium: 6%
• Iron: 2%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling and freezing time)
• Freeze Time: 3-4 hours
• Total Time: 3.5-4.5 hours

How to Serve Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

• In a Cone: There’s something about the combination of creamy ice cream and a crunchy cone. Top with extra fresh strawberries for a gorgeous presentation.
• With Toppings: Add some crushed graham crackers, chocolate chips, or whipped cream for extra texture and indulgence.
• In a Sundae: Create a decadent sundae with a drizzle of hot fudge, some chopped nuts, and a cherry on top.

Additional Tips

• Use fresh strawberries: The fresher the fruit, the better the flavor. If strawberries aren’t in season, feel free to substitute with frozen strawberries.
• Adjust sweetness: If you like your ice cream a little sweeter, you can add more sugar to the base. Alternatively, if you prefer a more natural taste, you can reduce the sugar slightly and rely on the sweetness of the fruit.
• Extra creamy: For an even creamier texture, you can add a little bit of corn syrup or honey to the mixture before freezing.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

A1: Yes! If fresh strawberries aren’t available, frozen strawberries will work just fine. Just be sure to thaw them and drain off any excess liquid before using them.

Q2: Can I make this without an ice cream maker?

A2: Absolutely! This recipe doesn’t require an ice cream maker. Just follow the instructions for stirring every 30 minutes while it freezes to ensure a smooth texture.

Q3: Can I make this vegan?

A3: Yes! Substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut cream and a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Use maple syrup or agave for sweetening.

Q4: Can I make this with a different fruit?

A4: Yes! You can easily swap strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches. Just adjust the sweetener according to the fruit’s natural sweetness.

Q5: How should I store leftover ice cream?

A5: Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Make sure to tightly cover it to prevent freezer burn.

Q6: How can I make this ice cream even more flavorful?

A6: Try adding a swirl of strawberry jam or a bit of strawberry puree to the base before freezing for an extra burst of flavor.

Q7: Can I add chocolate chips to the ice cream?

A7: Yes, chocolate chips would be a delightful addition! Stir them in once the ice cream is mostly frozen for a nice crunchy contrast.

Q8: How can I make this ice cream softer when scooping?

A8: If your ice cream is too firm, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping. This will make it easier to serve.

Q9: How long does it take for the ice cream to freeze?

A9: The ice cream will need at least 3-4 hours in the freezer to firm up properly, but overnight freezing works best for the creamiest texture.

Q10: Can I add a swirl of something like caramel or fudge?

A10: Absolutely! A caramel or fudge swirl would add a wonderful contrast to the strawberry and vanilla flavors. Just fold it in gently after the ice cream has chilled for a few hours.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is the perfect homemade treat for any occasion—whether you’re indulging on a warm day or just satisfying that sweet tooth. The fresh strawberries combined with real vanilla bean create a flavor that’s beyond compare, and the creamy texture will leave you dreaming of more. No need for fancy equipment—just a few simple steps to a homemade ice cream that’s far better than anything you’ll find in the store. Enjoy every scoop, and share the joy with friends and family!

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