Dreamy Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe for Summer

Sweet summer memories dance through my strawberry vanilla bean ice cream, a creamy delight that whispers pure indulgence.

Berries bursting with sunshine add vibrant color to this classic dessert.

Delicate vanilla notes weave through each luxurious spoonful, creating a symphony of flavor.

Soft pink hues peek from a silky smooth base, promising pure pleasure.

Homemade magic happens when fresh ingredients blend with careful technique.

Crafting this cool treat brings joy to every kitchen adventure.

You’ll fall in love with how simple ingredients create something extraordinary.

Why Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Is Popular

• Craft a Gourmet Dessert: Elevate your home cooking with a professional-quality ice cream that rivals artisan shop treats, using simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills.
• Customize with Fresh Flavors: Blend ripe strawberries with rich vanilla bean for a pure, vibrant dessert that captures seasonal produce and transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.
• Create a Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for summer gatherings, family dinners, or personal indulgence, this recipe brings people together with its creamy texture and irresistible sweet-tangy profile.
• Master a Classic Technique: Learn professional custard-making skills that can be applied to multiple dessert recipes, boosting your culinary confidence and expanding your cooking repertoire.

Ingredients for Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

• Heavy Cream: The rich and luxurious foundation that provides a smooth and creamy texture to the ice cream.
• Whole Milk: Adds lightness and helps create a balanced, silky consistency.
• Egg Yolks: Contribute to a rich, custard-like base and help create a smooth, dense ice cream.

• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps prevent ice crystals from forming.

• Vanilla Bean: Offers a deep, complex vanilla flavor with aromatic seeds that infuse the cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Boosts the vanilla flavor and adds depth to the overall taste.

• Fresh Strawberries: Brings a bright, sweet-tart flavor and natural color to the ice cream.

How to Make Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Step 1: Sweeten the Strawberries

Grab fresh strawberries and dice them into small pieces. Sprinkle sugar over the berries and let them sit, allowing natural juices to emerge.

After 30 minutes, gently mash the strawberries with a fork to create a luscious, juicy mixture.

Step 2: Extract Vanilla Essence

Carefully split a fresh vanilla bean down the middle.

• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Vanilla bean seeds
• Vanilla bean pod

Warm the mixture over medium heat until it starts to simmer, then remove from heat.

Let the ingredients steep and mingle for 15 minutes. Remove and discard the vanilla pod.

Step 3: Create Silky Custard Base

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks with sugar until the mixture turns pale yellow and develops a creamy texture. Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking continuously to prevent egg scrambling.

Step 4: Thicken the Cream

Transfer the mixture back to the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.

Step 5: Blend Strawberry Magic

Gently fold the mashed strawberries and their sweet juices into the cooled custard. Ensure the strawberries are evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.

Step 6: Churn to Perfection

Pour the strawberry-vanilla mixture into an ice cream maker. Churn according to the machine’s instructions until the mixture reaches a soft, dreamy consistency.

Step 7: Freeze and Indulge

Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for at least 4 hours to achieve the ultimate creamy texture.

Scoop into bowls and savor every spoonful of this delightful homemade treat!

Tips for Creamy Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

• Let strawberries sit with sugar to release natural sweetness and create a more intense fruit flavor that blends smoothly into the ice cream base.
• Slowly add warm cream to egg yolks while whisking continuously to prevent scrambling and ensure a silky, smooth custard texture.
• Use low heat when thickening the custard, stirring constantly to avoid burning and achieve the perfect coating consistency.
• Allow the custard mixture to cool completely to room temperature before adding to the ice cream maker for optimal freezing and texture.
• Cover the ice cream surface with plastic wrap directly touching it to prevent ice crystals from forming during freezing.

Flavor Twists on Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

• Berry Burst Delight: Add chopped mixed berries like raspberries and blueberries to enhance fruit complexity and create multi-dimensional flavor profile.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Incorporate toasted almond slivers or chopped pecans during the final churning stage for textural contrast and rich undertones.
• Chocolate Marble Swirl: Drizzle melted dark chocolate into the churned ice cream before freezing, creating beautiful chocolate ribbons throughout the dessert.
• Lavender Infusion: Steep dried lavender buds with cream during the vanilla bean infusion process to introduce subtle floral notes and elegant aromatics.

What to Pair with Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

• Enhance Flavor Harmony: Pair strawberry vanilla bean ice cream with complementary treats that elevate its delicate sweetness.
• Crunch with Cookies: Serve alongside buttery shortbread or almond biscotti for delightful textural contrast and nutty undertones.
• Wine Companion Selection: Uncork a chilled rosé or moscato wine to match the dessert's fruity and creamy profile, creating a luxurious tasting experience.
• Chocolate Accent Boost: Drizzle dark chocolate sauce or place a piece of dark chocolate with 70% cocoa alongside the ice cream to introduce rich, intense flavor notes.

Proper Storage for Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

• Transfer leftover ice cream to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals, then seal the container. Keep in the coldest part of the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
• Use a freezer-safe glass or plastic container with minimal air space. Cover the surface with parchment paper before sealing to maintain texture and prevent freezer burn.
• Remove the ice cream from the freezer 5-10 minutes before serving. Let it sit at room temperature to soften slightly, allowing easier scooping without compromising the creamy consistency.

FAQs

• Why do I need to let strawberries sit with sugar for 30 minutes?

The sugar helps draw out natural strawberry juices, creating a more intense fruit flavor and softer texture in the final ice cream.

• Can I use vanilla extract instead of a vanilla bean?

Yes, but a vanilla bean provides a richer, more complex flavor. If using extract, add 1-2 teaspoons after cooling the custard base.

• How do I know when the custard is thick enough?

The custard is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and you can run your finger through it, leaving a clear path that doesn’t immediately run back together.

• What kind of ice cream maker works best for this recipe?

A traditional electric ice cream maker with a freezer bowl works well. Ensure the bowl is completely frozen before churning for the best results.

Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy strawberry vanilla bean ice cream blends summer’s sweetest flavors into a luxurious dessert that whispers of pure indulgence. Smooth vanilla notes and ripe strawberry essence combine, creating a delightful scoop that delights you with each refreshing bite.

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Ingredients

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Strawberry Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Dairy and Cream Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 vanilla bean
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Egg and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Macerate strawberries by combining with sugar in a medium bowl. Allow 30 minutes for natural juices to emerge, then gently crush with a fork to create a vibrant, syrupy mixture.
2. Extract vanilla bean seeds by slicing pod lengthwise. Combine cream, milk, seeds, and pod in a saucepan. Heat until simmering around 180°F, then remove from heat. Let steep for 15 minutes to infuse rich vanilla essence, then discard pod.
3. Whisk egg yolks with remaining sugar until color transforms to pale yellow and texture becomes silky. Gradually temper warm cream mixture into egg yolks, stirring continuously to prevent curdling.
4. Return combined mixture to saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (approximately 175°F). Remove from heat and incorporate vanilla extract. Cool to room temperature.
5. Integrate macerated strawberries and their crimson juices into cooled custard base. Fold gently to ensure even distribution of fruity swirls.
6. Transfer mixture to ice cream machine. Churn for 20-25 minutes until it reaches soft, creamy consistency with a light, airy texture.
7. Transition churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 4-6 hours until firm. Scoop and savor the luscious, homemade dessert.

Notes

• Enhance strawberry flavor by roasting berries before mashing to caramelize natural sugars and intensify sweetness.
• Strain strawberry mixture through fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds for smoother, silkier ice cream texture.
• Use fresh, ripe strawberries at peak season for maximum natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Swap whole milk with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that adds subtle tropical undertones.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 387 kcal
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg