Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe

Sweet Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe From Home

Sweet summer memories melt into this homemade strawberry vanilla bean ice cream that promises pure delight.

Fragrant vanilla beans dance alongside ripe crimson berries in a creamy symphony.

Childhood nostalgia whispers through each spoonful of this luscious dessert.

Fresh strawberries bring vibrant color and natural sweetness to every scoop.

Crafting this treat transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Rich cream and carefully selected vanilla create a luxurious base for pure indulgence.

You’ll want to savor every incredible bite of this irresistible frozen creation.

Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Highlights

  • Savor Exotic Flavors: Dive into a delightful fusion of traditional cinnamon rolls with the aromatic warmth of chai spices, creating a unique taste experience that transforms your ordinary breakfast or dessert.
  • Master Beginner-Friendly Baking: This recipe welcomes home bakers of all skill levels, offering simple steps and classic techniques that build confidence while delivering professional-looking results.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Treat: Perfect for weekend brunches, family gatherings, or special morning celebrations, these chai-spiced rolls guarantee smiles and requests for seconds from everyone around the table.
  • Create Cozy Kitchen Memories: Baking these rolls fills your home with irresistible spicy-sweet aromas, turning an ordinary cooking session into a heartwarming culinary adventure that connects loved ones.

What You’ll Need for Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

For the Base:
  • Heavy Cream: A rich and creamy foundation that gives the ice cream its smooth, luxurious texture.
  • Whole Milk: Helps create a balanced, lighter consistency in the ice cream.
  • Vanilla Bean: Provides an intense, authentic vanilla flavor with delicate aromatic notes.
For the Sweeteners and Seasoning:
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, scoopable ice cream texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the dessert.
For the Fruit and Color:
  • Fresh Strawberries: Contributes a bright, natural sweetness and vibrant pink color to the ice cream.
  • Egg Yolks: Provides a rich, custard-like base and helps create a smooth, creamy consistency.

How to Make Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Step 1: Macerate Sweet Strawberries

Grab your fresh, ripe strawberries and sprinkle sugar over them. Let the berries sit and release their natural juices, creating a vibrant, syrupy mixture.

After 20 minutes, transform these softened berries into a silky smooth puree using a blender.

Step 2: Infuse Creamy Vanilla Base

Select a saucepan and pour in cream and milk.

Split a fragrant vanilla bean lengthwise, scrape out the tiny seeds, and add both seeds and pod to the liquid. Warm the mixture over medium heat until steamy, allowing the vanilla to release its intense flavor.

Remove from heat and let the aromatics dance together.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Egg Custard

In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks with remaining sugar and a pinch of salt.

Beat until the mixture turns pale and creates a smooth, ribbony texture. This step creates the rich, custardy foundation of your ice cream.

Step 4: Temper and Thicken Custard

Slowly pour the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent scrambling. Transfer the combined liquid back to the saucepan and cook over low heat.

Stir continuously until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Strain and Chill

Push the custard through a fine-mesh sieve to ensure ultimate smoothness.

Fold in the strawberry puree, creating a beautiful swirled effect. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and the base to become thoroughly chilled.

Step 6: Churn Into Creamy Perfection

Pour the cold mixture into an ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.

Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm and scoop-able.

Tips for Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

  • Macerate strawberries in sugar to intensify their natural sweetness and release more flavor before blending.
  • Split and scrape vanilla bean seeds directly into cream for maximum aromatic essence and authentic vanilla flavor.
  • Temper egg yolks slowly by adding hot cream mixture gradually to prevent curdling and ensure smooth custard base.
  • Strain custard through fine-mesh sieve to remove any potential egg bits and create ultra-silky ice cream texture.
  • Chill mixture thoroughly before churning to help ice cream freeze faster and develop richer, more consistent consistency.

Variants for Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

  • Berry Bliss Remix: Replace strawberries with fresh raspberries or blackberries for a tangy summer flavor profile.
  • Nutty Crunch Edition: Fold toasted chopped almonds or pistachios into the churned ice cream for added texture and richness.
  • Chocolate Swirl Sensation: Drizzle melted dark chocolate through the ice cream during the final churning stage for decadent chocolate ribbons.
  • Citrus Spark Version: Add orange or lemon zest to the strawberry puree for a bright, refreshing undertone that complements the creamy base.

How to Serve This Ice Cream

Summer Dessert Delight: Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Serving Ideas

  • Sundae Spectacular: Layer scoops in a tall glass, drizzle with fresh strawberry sauce, top with whipped cream and crushed graham crackers for a decadent dessert experience.
  • Brunch Elegance: Serve small scoops alongside lavender shortbread cookies or delicate almond tuiles for a sophisticated morning treat that impresses guests.
  • Romantic Date Night: Create an intimate dessert platter with ice cream quenelles, fresh strawberry slices, dark chocolate shavings, and a light mint garnish for an elegant touch.
  • Picnic Perfect: Pack in small mason jars with separate toppings like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, and fresh berries for a portable and customizable summer dessert.

Storage Tricks for Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

  • Store the homemade strawberry vanilla bean ice cream in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent freezer burn and preserve its creamy texture.
  • Keep the ice cream at the back of the freezer where temperature remains most consistent, avoiding frequent temperature fluctuations near the door.
  • Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container to minimize ice crystal formation and maintain smooth consistency.
  • Enjoy the ice cream within 1-2 weeks for optimal flavor and texture, as homemade ice cream lacks commercial stabilizers that extend shelf life.

FAQs

  • Can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?

Yes, you can make ice cream without a machine by using the no-churn method. Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold in condensed milk and puree. Freeze for 6 hours, stirring every 2 hours.

  • Is it safe to use raw egg yolks in this recipe?

The egg yolks are gently cooked during the custard-making process, which reaches a safe temperature that eliminates potential bacteria. This technique creates a rich, smooth ice cream 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 draw a line with your finger that holds its shape. This indicates the eggs have thickened the mixture properly.

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Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe

Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe


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4.5 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy homemade strawberry vanilla bean ice cream blends fresh strawberries with rich vanilla for a delightful summer treat. Smooth, luxurious scoops will transport you to a sweet paradise of pure indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped)
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup (170 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • 1 vanilla bean (or 2 tsp pure vanilla extract)

Instructions

  1. Macerate strawberries with sugar for 20 minutes to release natural sweetness and intensify flavor.
  2. Pulverize macerated strawberries into a silky, vibrant puree using a blender until completely smooth.
  3. Combine cream, milk, and split vanilla bean in a saucepan, heating gently to just below boiling point, allowing aromatics to infuse thoroughly.
  4. Whip egg yolks with remaining sugar and salt until the mixture transforms into a pale, creamy consistency.
  5. Temper egg mixture by gradually introducing hot cream, whisking continuously to prevent curdling.
  6. Return combined liquid to saucepan, cooking on low heat while stirring constantly until custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  7. Strain custard through a fine-mesh sieve to ensure ultra-smooth texture, eliminating any potential lumps.
  8. Incorporate strawberry puree into strained custard, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
  9. Refrigerate mixture for minimum 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and base to completely chill.
  10. Churn in ice cream maker at manufacturer’s recommended setting, typically 20-25 minutes until soft-serve consistency.
  11. Transfer to freezer-safe container and freeze for 2-3 hours until firm and scoopable.

Notes

  • Macerate strawberries longer for deeper, more intense fruit flavor and natural sweetness.
  • Use fresh, high-quality vanilla beans for authentic, robust vanilla undertones in the ice cream base.
  • Strain strawberry puree through fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds for smoother texture, especially for those preferring silky consistency.
  • Consider substituting dairy milk with coconut or almond milk for lactose-free or vegan dietary requirements, which will slightly alter but maintain delicious creamy profile.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 324 kcal
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 45 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 210 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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