Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe

There's something magical about homemade ice cream, especially when it’s bursting with the fresh, sweet flavor of ripe strawberries and the warm, aromatic essence of real vanilla bean. This Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is rich, creamy, and filled with real fruit, making it the perfect summer treat.

I first made this ice cream on a hot July afternoon when I had an abundance of fresh strawberries from the farmer’s market. With my ice cream maker humming in the background, I watched as the mixture transformed into a luscious, dreamy dessert that instantly became a family favorite.

Why You'll Love This Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Get ready to experience ice cream the way it was meant to be—smooth, creamy, and bursting with real fruit flavor. This recipe is everything you want in a homemade treat and more!

First off, it's incredibly fresh. Unlike store-bought versions that use artificial flavoring, this ice cream gets its rich taste from real strawberries and a whole vanilla bean, giving it an authentic, gourmet flavor.

It's also surprisingly easy to make. With just a handful of simple ingredients and an ice cream maker, you can have homemade goodness in just a few hours—most of which is hands-off freezing time.

Plus, it’s naturally customizable. Want it extra creamy? Use more heavy cream. Prefer a tangy twist? Add a splash of lemon juice. This recipe is flexible enough to fit your taste preferences.

And finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a summer BBQ or just enjoying a bowl on the couch, this ice cream is sure to impress both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream comes from its simple yet high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor.

Fresh strawberries are the star of the show. For the best results, use ripe, in-season berries that are naturally sweet and fragrant. If strawberries are a bit tart, you can add a touch more sugar to balance the flavors.

Vanilla bean takes this ice cream to the next level. Unlike vanilla extract, real vanilla beans provide a deep, rich flavor and those beautiful black specks that make homemade ice cream feel extra special. Simply slice the bean open, scrape out the seeds, and add them to your mixture.

Heavy cream and whole milk create the ideal creamy texture. The heavy cream provides richness, while the milk keeps the ice cream from becoming overly dense. You can experiment with half-and-half for a slightly lighter version, but for the best texture, stick with full-fat ingredients.

Egg yolks help give this ice cream a custard-like consistency, making it ultra-smooth and scoopable. They also contribute to the rich mouthfeel that makes homemade ice cream so irresistible.

A touch of sugar enhances the sweetness of the strawberries and balances out the flavors. You can adjust the amount depending on how sweet your berries are, but don’t cut it too much, as sugar also helps with texture and prevents the ice cream from becoming too hard.

How To Make This Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Making this ice cream is a simple, rewarding process that fills your kitchen with the sweet aroma of vanilla and strawberries.

Start by preparing the strawberries. Hull and slice them, then toss them with a bit of sugar. Let them sit for about 30 minutes until they release their natural juices. This process intensifies the strawberry flavor and ensures the fruit blends smoothly into the ice cream base.

Meanwhile, make the vanilla custard base. In a saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, and the seeds of the vanilla bean. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling. The goal is to infuse the cream with the rich vanilla flavor.

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with sugar until they become pale and slightly thick. Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the eggs, whisking constantly to prevent scrambling. Once combined, return everything to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any cooked egg bits and ensure a silky texture. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Chilling the base thoroughly helps develop the best flavor and texture.

Once chilled, blend the macerated strawberries into the custard mixture. If you prefer smooth ice cream, purée the strawberries completely. For a chunkier texture, mash them lightly with a fork.

Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The ice cream will be soft-serve consistency when done. Transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours until firm.

Storage Options

Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it properly to keep it creamy and delicious for up to two weeks.

For the best storage, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface. This prevents ice crystals from forming and keeps your ice cream ultra-smooth.

If the ice cream becomes too hard after freezing, let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before scooping. This will soften it just enough to get those perfect, creamy scoops.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about homemade ice cream is that you can easily tweak it to fit your cravings or dietary needs.

Want to mix things up? Try adding chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks for a fun twist. The combination of strawberries, vanilla, and chocolate is absolutely irresistible.

For a dairy-free version, swap out the heavy cream and milk for full-fat coconut milk. This will give you a luscious, tropical spin on the classic recipe.

If you love a bit of tartness, stir in a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar with the strawberries. It enhances their natural sweetness and adds an unexpected depth of flavor.

Prefer a boozy treat? Add a splash of Grand Marnier or bourbon to the mixture before churning. Not only does it add great flavor, but alcohol also helps keep the ice cream softer.

Finally, for an extra flavor boost, try roasting the strawberries before using them. Roasting caramelizes the sugars and intensifies their sweetness, creating an even richer ice cream.

This Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is a dream come true for any ice cream lover. With its fresh fruit flavor, creamy texture, and endless possibilities for customization, you'll want to make it again and again. Grab a scoop (or two) and enjoy the taste of summer in every bite!

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