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Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Homemade ice cream is a treat that evokes feelings of comfort and nostalgia, and nothing beats the luxurious combination of strawberries and vanilla. This Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is the epitome of summer indulgence, offering a creamy texture, vibrant berry flavor, and the warmth of real vanilla. Whether you’re cooling off on a hot day or looking for the perfect dessert to impress guests, this recipe is a delightful choice. With the fresh tang of strawberries complemented by the sweetness of vanilla bean, each bite is a celebration of flavor and texture.

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Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

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The beauty of making ice cream from scratch lies in its simplicity and the control it offers over ingredients. No artificial flavors or preservatives—just pure, rich goodness. The process is also a fantastic way to experiment with flavors and tailor your dessert to personal preferences. Ready to dive into the creamy world of homemade ice cream? Let’s break down the ingredients and steps to create this irresistible treat.

  • Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 vanilla bean
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Prepare the Strawberries
    • In a medium bowl, combine the chopped strawberries and 1/2 cup of sugar.
    • Allow the mixture to sit for 30 minutes to macerate the strawberries, drawing out their natural juices.
    • Mash the strawberries slightly to create a chunky texture.
  • Infuse the Vanilla
    • Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds using the back of a knife.
    • In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and the scraped vanilla bean seeds along with the pod.
    • Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes to infuse the cream with the vanilla’s rich aroma and flavor.
    • Discard the vanilla bean pod after steeping.
  • Prepare the Custard Base
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar until the mixture is pale and thick. This step ensures a smooth and creamy texture for the ice cream.
    • Gradually pour the warm cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.
  • Cook the Custard
    • Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly.
    • Cook until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon, ensuring it doesn’t boil, as boiling can cause the mixture to curdle.
  • Cool and Combine
    • Remove the custard from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
    • Once cooled, fold in the mashed strawberries, ensuring the fruity sweetness is evenly distributed throughout the custard.
  • Churn and Freeze
    • Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This step aerates the ice cream, creating a creamy consistency.
    • Transfer the churned ice cream to a container, smoothing the top with a spatula. Freeze for at least 4 hours to firm up before serving.

Notes

  • Use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t in season; just thaw and drain them before use.
  • Replace vanilla bean with 1 teaspoon of high-quality vanilla bean paste for a similar flavor.
  • Swap heavy cream for half-and-half if you prefer a lighter texture, though it may be less creamy.
  • Author: Rosa
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

The beauty of making ice cream from scratch lies in its simplicity and the control it offers over ingredients. No artificial flavors or preservatives—just pure, rich goodness. The process is also a fantastic way to experiment with flavors and tailor your dessert to personal preferences. Ready to dive into the creamy world of homemade ice cream? Let’s break down the ingredients and steps to create this irresistible treat.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 vanilla bean
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Strawberries
    • In a medium bowl, combine the chopped strawberries and 1/2 cup of sugar.
    • Allow the mixture to sit for 30 minutes to macerate the strawberries, drawing out their natural juices.
    • Mash the strawberries slightly to create a chunky texture.
  2. Infuse the Vanilla
    • Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds using the back of a knife.
    • In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and the scraped vanilla bean seeds along with the pod.
    • Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes to infuse the cream with the vanilla’s rich aroma and flavor.
    • Discard the vanilla bean pod after steeping.
  3. Prepare the Custard Base
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar until the mixture is pale and thick. This step ensures a smooth and creamy texture for the ice cream.
    • Gradually pour the warm cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.
  4. Cook the Custard
    • Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly.
    • Cook until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon, ensuring it doesn’t boil, as boiling can cause the mixture to curdle.
  5. Cool and Combine
    • Remove the custard from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
    • Once cooled, fold in the mashed strawberries, ensuring the fruity sweetness is evenly distributed throughout the custard.
  6. Churn and Freeze
    • Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This step aerates the ice cream, creating a creamy consistency.
    • Transfer the churned ice cream to a container, smoothing the top with a spatula. Freeze for at least 4 hours to firm up before serving.

Flavors, Textures, and Aromas

Imagine the first spoonful: the creamy base melts on your tongue, releasing the sweet essence of fresh strawberries intertwined with the warm, earthy notes of vanilla bean. The strawberries provide bursts of fruitiness, while the custard delivers a velvety texture that feels luxurious and satisfying. The subtle crunch from occasional strawberry seeds adds an intriguing contrast to the smoothness. Aromatically, the ice cream is a harmonious blend of ripe berries and aromatic vanilla, making it as delightful to smell as it is to taste.

Tips for Perfect Ice Cream

  • Ingredient Substitutions
    • Use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t in season; just thaw and drain them before use.
    • Replace vanilla bean with 1 teaspoon of high-quality vanilla bean paste for a similar flavor.
    • Swap heavy cream for half-and-half if you prefer a lighter texture, though it may be less creamy.
  • Variations
    • Add chunks of dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for extra decadence.
    • Swirl in a homemade strawberry jam before freezing for a rippled effect.
    • Experiment with other berries, such as raspberries or blackberries, for a unique twist.
  • Serving Suggestions
    • Serve in waffle cones for a classic presentation.
    • Pair with freshly baked shortbread cookies for a strawberry shortcake-inspired dessert.
    • Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a gourmet flair.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream captures the essence of summer in a single scoop. It’s rich, creamy, and brimming with natural flavors, free from the artificial additives of store-bought options. The recipe is straightforward and rewarding, making it a fantastic project for novice and experienced home cooks alike. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself to a midnight snack, this homemade ice cream will leave everyone craving more.

Dive into the sweet symphony of strawberries and vanilla and create a dessert that’s not just a treat but an experience. Bon appétit!

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