Description
This homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is a luscious and refreshing dessert perfect for summer. Made with fresh strawberries, real vanilla bean, and creamy dairy, it offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a rich, creamy texture. Easy to make with an ice cream maker, this recipe yields about 8 servings of delightful, naturally flavored ice cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Strawberries
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for macerating strawberries)
Ice Cream Base
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (divided: ¼ cup with strawberries, ½ cup for base)
- 1 vanilla bean (or 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: In a bowl, combine the hulled and chopped strawberries with ¼ cup of the granulated sugar and the tablespoon of lemon juice. Allow the mixture to sit for 15 to 20 minutes until the strawberries release their juice, then mash slightly with a fork or blend briefly for a smoother texture.
- Make Ice Cream Base: In a medium saucepan, mix the remaining ½ cup granulated sugar with the heavy cream and whole milk. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise, scrape out the seeds, and add both the seeds and pod to the mixture (or stir in vanilla bean paste). Gently heat over medium heat until the mixture is warm and the sugar is completely dissolved, being careful not to let it boil.
- Combine Mixtures: Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly before removing the vanilla bean pod. Stir in the mashed or blended strawberries along with a pinch of salt to balance flavors.
- Chill Mixture: Refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours or until completely cold, ensuring a smooth churning process and creamy texture.
- Churn: Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20 to 25 minutes, until the ice cream thickens.
- Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and place in the freezer for at least 2 hours to achieve a firmer texture before serving.
Notes
- For an extra creamy texture, substitute the whole milk with additional heavy cream.
- Consider swirling in strawberry jam or adding chunks of fresh strawberries during the last few minutes of churning for added flavor and texture.
