Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Introduction

Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is a delightful treat that brings the taste of summer right into your home. It’s creamy, fruity, and perfect for any occasion!

Why Make This Recipe

This ice cream is not only delicious, but it’s also simple to make. You can impress your family and friends with this homemade dessert. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh strawberries, and making it together can become a fun family activity!

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, split and seeds scraped (or 2 tsp pure vanilla extract)
4 large egg yolks
1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
2 tbsp sugar (for the strawberry swirl)

Directions:

Prepare the Strawberry Swirl: In a small saucepan, combine chopped strawberries and 2 tbsp of sugar. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries break down and the mixture becomes thick, about 5-7 minutes. Mash the strawberries slightly with a fork. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. Set aside.
Make the Ice Cream Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and half of the granulated sugar. Add the vanilla bean seeds (or vanilla extract) and the split vanilla bean pod. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it’s hot but not boiling, stirring occasionally.
Whisk the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until pale and smooth. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper them.
Cook the Custard: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the cream. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 170-175°F). Do not let it boil.
Chill the Base: Remove from heat, discard the vanilla bean pod, and let it cool slightly. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours, or until completely chilled.
Churn and Add Strawberry Swirl: Pour the chilled custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When the ice cream is almost done churning, gently fold in the strawberry swirl to create ribbons of strawberry.
Freeze: Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up before serving.
Serve: Scoop into bowls or cones, and enjoy this creamy, fruity delight!

How to Serve Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Serve this delicious ice cream in bowls or cones. You can also top it with extra fresh strawberries or whipped cream for an extra special treat!

How to Store Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It should keep well for about 1-2 weeks. Just let it sit out for a few minutes before scooping to make it easier to serve.

Tips to Make Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
Be careful not to let the custard boil when cooking.
Chill the mixture thoroughly for a smoother texture.

Variation

You can add in some chocolate chips or crushed cookies for an extra twist! You can also swap out strawberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought strawberry puree?
Yes, you can use store-bought puree if you want to save time.
How long does it take to make this ice cream?
It takes about 6-7 hours total, including chilling and freezing time.
Do I need an ice cream maker?
While it’s best to use an ice cream maker, you can also make it by placing the mixture in a container and stirring it every 30 minutes until frozen.