Name: Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 4 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Strawberry Mixture: 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 6 large egg yolks

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You know when you’re craving something sweet, creamy, and absolutely indulgent, but you don’t want to settle for anything store-bought? That’s when this Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream comes in. Trust me, you’re going to love this! Picture the smooth, velvety texture of real vanilla bean ice cream, with the sweet, juicy burst of fresh strawberries in every bite. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel like summer’s always in season. Whether you’re sitting on the porch with a scoop in hand or impressing guests with homemade goodness, this ice cream is sure to steal the show.

Why You’ll Love Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

This isn’t just any ice cream. It’s rich, it’s creamy, and it’s packed with that irresistible, natural sweetness of strawberries. Here’s why it’ll become your go-to frozen treat:

Fresh and Flavorful: The vanilla bean gives this ice cream a depth of flavor that’s just… next level. And the fresh strawberries add a natural, vibrant sweetness that makes every bite feel like a celebration.
Creamy Perfection: We’re talking velvety smooth texture here. With just the right amount of creaminess, this ice cream is everything you’ve been dreaming of, with none of the weird additives or preservatives you find in store-bought varieties.
No Ice Cream Maker? No Problem!: Even if you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make this ice cream. Just follow the simple steps, and you’ll be scooping up your own homemade ice cream in no time.
Customizable: Love chunks of fruit in your ice cream? Go ahead, mix in extra strawberries or even a few raspberries for a twist. You can make this ice cream exactly how you like it.
A Crowd-Pleaser: This homemade treat always steals the spotlight, whether you’re serving it at a BBQ, a birthday party, or just treating yourself on a lazy afternoon.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of this homemade ice cream: a handful of simple, quality ingredients that create the most decadent, dreamy frozen treat. Let’s break it down:

Fresh Strawberries: The natural sweetness and vibrant flavor of fresh strawberries are the stars of this show. When blended into the base, they add that perfect fruity punch.
Heavy Cream: The key to achieving that rich, creamy texture that you just can’t get from anything else. It’s what makes every scoop feel like pure luxury.
Whole Milk: Whole milk adds the smoothness you need while helping balance out the richness of the cream.
Sugar: The perfect balance of sweetness, giving the ice cream that lovely, just-right flavor.
Vanilla Bean Pod: Forget the extract! A real vanilla bean pod is where the magic happens, infusing your ice cream with an unbeatable, natural vanilla flavor.
Salt: Just a pinch to bring out all those sweet and creamy flavors.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into making this creamy, dreamy ice cream!

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Start by washing and hulling your fresh strawberries. Once they’re prepped, slice them into small pieces, and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle a little sugar over the berries and let them sit for about 15-20 minutes to release their natural juices. You’ll get a fresh strawberry syrup that makes your ice cream even more delicious.

Step 2: Make the Vanilla Base

In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream and whole milk over medium heat. While it’s warming up, slice the vanilla bean pod in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add both the seeds and the pod to the cream mixture. Stir gently and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, remove from heat and let it steep for about 10 minutes. This allows all that rich vanilla flavor to infuse into the cream.

Step 3: Blend the Strawberries

Once the strawberries have released their juices, blend them into a smooth puree using a blender or immersion blender. You can leave it a little chunky if you like some texture in your ice cream, or go fully smooth for a velvety treat.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream mixture (after removing the vanilla bean pod) and the strawberry puree. Add the sugar and salt, and stir until everything is fully incorporated and the sugar is dissolved.

Step 5: Chill

Cover the mixture and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you’ve got the time. This step helps the flavors meld and ensures your ice cream churns up smooth.

Step 6: Churn and Freeze

Now, if you have an ice cream maker, pour the chilled mixture into the machine and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once it reaches the consistency of soft serve, transfer it to an airtight container. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow dish, and place it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, give it a good stir to break up ice crystals until it firms up into a scoopable texture.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your ice cream is fully frozen and set, it’s time to scoop and enjoy! Serve it in bowls, cones, or straight from the tub. You’ve earned it.

Nutrition Facts

Servings:1 scoop (about 1/2 cup)
Calories per serving: 240 kcal

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes

How to Serve Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

This ice cream is perfect on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your serving experience:

In a Cone: The classic way! Serve it in a waffle cone or sugar cone for a fun, crispy contrast to the creamy ice cream.
With Fresh Fruit: Add some fresh strawberries or raspberries on top for a refreshing burst of fruit.
With Whipped Cream: Top your ice cream with a dollop of homemade whipped cream and maybe even a cherry for a nostalgic touch.
On a Warm Dessert: This ice cream is divine over a warm brownie or a slice of pie—talk about a match made in heaven.

Additional Tips

Freeze in Small Batches: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, freezing the mixture in small batches and stirring it every 30 minutes helps prevent big ice crystals from forming.
Sweeten to Taste: If you like your ice cream sweeter, feel free to adjust the sugar level. Just taste as you go!
Add Mix-ins: For extra fun, stir in some chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or crushed cookies right before you freeze the ice cream.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A1: Absolutely! Frozen strawberries will work just fine. Just thaw them first before blending.

Q2: How do I store leftover ice cream?
A2: Store your homemade ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It’ll last about 2 weeks—though it likely won’t last that long!

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: Yes! This ice cream is great for make-ahead. Just store it in the freezer until you’re ready to serve.

Q4: Do I need an ice cream maker?
A4: Not at all! You can make this without one. Just follow the freezing instructions, and you’ll have delicious homemade ice cream.

Q5: Can I add other fruits?
A5: Yes! Feel free to get creative with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries. Just blend them the same way.

Q6: How do I prevent ice crystals in my homemade ice cream?
A6: Stirring the mixture every 30 minutes while it’s freezing helps keep the texture creamy and smooth.

Q7: Can I make this without dairy?
A7: Sure! Use coconut milk or almond milk for the base and a dairy-free heavy cream substitute to keep it vegan.

Q8: What can I use instead of vanilla bean?
A8: You can use high-quality vanilla extract if you don’t have a vanilla bean. About 1-2 teaspoons will do the trick!

Q9: How can I make this ice cream richer?
A9: Add a little more heavy cream and less milk for a richer, creamier consistency.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! If you have the space in your freezer, feel free to double it. Just make sure you have a big enough container to store it!

Conclusion

There’s something so special about homemade ice cream, and this Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is a total game-changer. It’s easy to make, full of fresh flavor, and will bring a smile to everyone who tastes it. Whether you’re enjoying it on a hot day or making it to celebrate a special occasion, this recipe is one you’ll turn to time and time again. So go ahead, scoop up some happiness!