Nothing captures the essence of summer quite like a bowl of homemade strawberry vanilla bean ice cream. This creamy, dreamy dessert is packed with fresh strawberries, real vanilla bean, and a velvety smooth texture that will have you reaching for another scoop. Unlike store-bought ice cream, this homemade version contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, making it a delicious and wholesome treat for the whole family.
Whether you serve it in a cone, a bowl, or as an indulgent topping on cakes and pies, this strawberry vanilla bean ice cream is sure to impress. Plus, it’s easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Fresh & Natural Ingredients – No artificial flavors or additives.
✔ Rich & Creamy Texture – Thanks to heavy cream and egg yolks.
✔ Packed with Real Strawberries – For a naturally sweet and fruity taste.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple steps with delicious results.
✔ Versatile & Customizable – Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, cookie crumbles, or nuts.
Ingredients
To make this luxurious homemade ice cream, you’ll need:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 vanilla bean (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
- In a medium bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with ¼ cup of sugar.
- Let them sit for 15-20 minutes to macerate, releasing their natural juices.
- Using a blender or a fork, mash them into your preferred consistency—chunky for a textured ice cream, smooth for a creamier finish.
Step 2: Make the Vanilla Ice Cream Base
- In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream, milk, and vanilla bean (split open with seeds scraped into the mixture). If using vanilla extract, add it after cooking.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks with the remaining ½ cup of sugar until the mixture turns pale and creamy.
- Slowly temper the eggs by gradually adding warm cream mixture while whisking continuously. This prevents the eggs from scrambling.
- Return the entire mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (about 5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in the prepared strawberry purée.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best results.
Step 3: Churn & Freeze
- Once chilled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (typically 20-25 minutes).
- Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Serving & Storage
🥄 Serve: Enjoy scoops of this strawberry vanilla bean ice cream in a bowl, a waffle cone, or as a topping for cakes, brownies, or warm pies.
❄ Store: Keep in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks for the freshest taste.
Tips & Variations
✔ No Ice Cream Maker? Pour the chilled mixture into a shallow dish, freeze, and stir every 30 minutes for about 3 hours until creamy.
✔ Dairy-Free Option – Substitute coconut milk and coconut cream for a non-dairy alternative.
✔ Extra Creamy Texture – Replace whole milk with half-and-half for an even richer consistency.
✔ Add-Ins: Fold in chocolate chips, crushed cookies, chopped nuts, or a swirl of strawberry jam for an extra flavor boost!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes! Thaw and drain them first before mashing or blending to remove excess water.
What if I don’t have a vanilla bean?
No problem! Use 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract instead.
Why is my ice cream so hard after freezing?
Homemade ice cream doesn’t have stabilizers like store-bought versions. Let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping.
Can I make this ice cream without eggs?
Yes! Skip the egg yolks and use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in the milk mixture for a similar creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
This homemade strawberry vanilla bean ice cream is a perfect balance of fresh fruitiness, rich vanilla, and creamy texture. Whether you make it for a summer treat, a special dessert, or just because you love homemade ice cream, this recipe will not disappoint!
Give it a try and enjoy a sweet scoop of bliss! 🍓🍦
