Why Make This Home Made Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
There’s something magical about the combination of strawberries and vanilla, especially when it transforms into a luxuriously creamy ice cream. Making your own strawberry vanilla bean ice cream at home not only gives you the freshness of real ingredients but also allows you to control the sweetness and flavors. Each scoop offers a burst of sweet strawberries with a hint of aromatic vanilla, making it the perfect treat to cool down on a hot day or to impress guests at your next gathering. Plus, there’s just something satisfying about turning simple ingredients into a delicious homemade dessert.
How to Make Home Made Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Creating this delightful ice cream may seem daunting, but it’s quite straightforward. Start by infusing the strawberries with sugar and vanilla, then prepare a rich custard base with egg yolks, cream, and milk. The layering of flavors is where the magic happens. The key steps involve cooking the fruit mixture, creating a custard, chilling it, and finally churning to creamy perfection. Just follow the steps below for a guaranteed success!
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:
- 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.
- In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream and milk until it simmers. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly pour the hot cream mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Strain the custard into a bowl and let it cool. Refrigerate until cold.
- Churn the custard in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- During the last few minutes of churning, add the strawberry mixture.
- Transfer the ice cream to a container and freeze until firm.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1/2 cup):
- Calories: 290
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 163mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 26g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 21g
- Protein: 4g
How to Serve Home Made Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
This spectacular ice cream can be served on its own, or you can elevate it by garnishing with fresh strawberry slices or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. It also pairs beautifully with warm desserts like pie or brownies, adding a cold contrast to their richness. Give it a sprinkle of crushed almonds or mint leaves for an extra touch of elegance.
How to Store Home Made Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
To keep your homemade ice cream fresh, store it in an airtight container in the freezer. Properly stored, it can last for about 2 weeks without losing its delightful texture. For best results, allow it to soften slightly at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before scooping.
Expert Tips for Perfect Home Made Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
- Make sure your ice cream maker bowl is pre-frozen for at least 24 hours before churning.
- Adjust sugar to your taste: if your strawberries are particularly sweet, you might want to reduce the amount.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like mint or basil added during the cooking process for a unique twist.
- Use a fine mesh strainer when straining the custard for a silky smooth finish.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Strawberry Mix: Fold in chocolate chips or swirls of chocolate fudge into the ice cream during the last minutes of churning.
- Strawberry-Banana: Substitute half the strawberries with ripe bananas for a creamy banana-strawberry flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Add crushed nuts like pistachios or hazelnuts during the last minutes of churning for added texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! However, fresh strawberries provide a better flavor and texture so consider using frozen only as a last resort.
2. What if I don’t have an ice cream maker?
You can still make ice cream by placing the mixture in a shallow dish and freezing it. Stir it every 30 minutes for about 3-4 hours to break up ice crystals.
3. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use coconut milk or almond milk as a base instead of cream and milk, and substitute egg yolks with a mixture of cornstarch and non-dairy milk to create a custard-like base.
Conclusion
Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that captures the essence of summer. With fresh strawberries and rich vanilla cream, every scoop feels like a sweet treat from the heart of a sunlit kitchen. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe, share it with friends, or experiment with your own variations. Dive into the ice cream-making adventure, and you might just find it’s easier than you thought! Enjoy, and happy churning!
Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Ingredients
Method
- 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.
- In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream and milk until it simmers. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly pour the hot cream mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Strain the custard into a bowl and let it cool. Refrigerate until cold.
- Churn the custard in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- During the last few minutes of churning, add the strawberry mixture.
- Transfer the ice cream to a container and freeze until firm.