Home Made Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Homemade strawberry vanilla bean ice cream in a bowl garnished with fresh strawberries.

Why Make This Home Made Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

There’s something truly special about homemade ice cream, especially when it’s flavored with fresh strawberries and aromatic vanilla beans. This Home Made Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the rich creaminess of vanilla, creating a delightful treat that’s perfect for any season. The vibrant pink hue and specks of real vanilla bean add a beautiful touch that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, making it at home means you know exactly what’s in it—no preservatives or artificial flavors—just simple, natural ingredients that let the taste shine.

How to Make Home Made Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Making your own strawberry vanilla bean ice cream might sound daunting, but trust me, it’s quite straightforward! The process allows you to enjoy the freshness of the strawberries at their peak sweetness. By cooking the strawberries down with sugar and combining them with a creamy custard base, you’ll achieve a luscious texture that’s both light and indulgent. Grab your ice cream maker, and let’s get to it!

Ingredients:

  • 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

Directions:

  1. In a saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, and vanilla bean seeds. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries are soft and the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool.
  2. In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream and milk until it simmers. Remove from heat.
  3. In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly pour the hot cream mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly to avoid scrambling.
  4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-10 minutes).
  5. Strain the custard into a bowl and let it cool at room temperature. Once cool, refrigerate until cold, about 2 hours.
  6. Churn the custard in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
  7. During the last few minutes of churning, add the strawberry mixture to incorporate those juicy flavors.
  8. Transfer the ice cream to a container and freeze until firm, about 4 hours or overnight.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1/2 cup):

  • Calories: 250
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg
  • Sodium: 30mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 22g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Vitamin A: 10% DV
  • Vitamin C: 10% DV
  • Calcium: 8% DV
  • Iron: 2% DV

How to Serve Home Made Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Serve this homemade strawberry vanilla bean ice cream in a chilled bowl or a waffle cone for a classic summer treat. Add a fresh strawberry on top for garnish, and drizzle with chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for added texture and flavor. It’s perfect for birthday parties, family gatherings, or simply to indulge yourself on a warm afternoon.

How to Store Home Made Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

To keep your ice cream fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container in the freezer. Proper storage can help maintain its creamy texture. Generally, it will last for about 2-3 weeks in the freezer. If you notice ice crystals forming on the surface, simply stir it before serving to regain its smooth consistency.

Expert Tips for Perfect Home Made Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

  • Ripe Strawberries: Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Frozen strawberries can be a substitute, but be sure to thaw and drain them first.
  • Temperature Control: Make sure to let the custard cool completely before churning to achieve a creamy texture.
  • Churning Time: Don’t over-churn the ice cream; stop once it reaches a soft-serve consistency. Over-churning can result in a grainy texture.
  • Eggs: For a more custardy, rich ice cream, don’t skip the egg yolks, but if you’re looking for a quicker version, you can use a base of sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream.

Delicious Variations

  • Chocolate Swirl: Add a ribbon of chocolate sauce to the mixture before freezing for a delicious chocolate-strawberry combo.
  • Minty Strawberries: Mix in some fresh mint leaves with your strawberries for a refreshing twist that pairs beautifully with vanilla.
  • Almond Joy: Introduce some toasted coconut and slivered almonds for a tropical flair.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?
    Yes! You can pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Stir every 30 minutes for the first 2-3 hours to break up any ice crystals.

  • Can I substitute any ingredients?
    Absolutely! You can use any type of berry, like blueberries or raspberries, and coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option.

  • What if my ice cream is too hard after freezing?
    Let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will soften it to the perfect scoopable consistency.

Conclusion

Making homemade strawberry vanilla bean ice cream at home is a rewarding experience that results in a delicious treat everyone will love. The combination of fresh strawberries and rich vanilla creates a creamy and flavorful dessert that is perfect for any occasion. So why not grab those strawberries and give this delightful recipe a try? You’ll enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade ice cream, and there’s nothing as satisfying as serving up a scoop of your own creation! Happy churning!

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