Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream A Sweet Scoop of Bliss!
Indulging in a bowl of Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is like taking a delightful trip to summer, no matter the season. Imagine the creamy texture of fresh, homemade ice cream, with the vibrant sweetness of ripe strawberries and the aromatic charm of vanilla bean. This dreamy dessert is not only delicious; it’s also deceptively simple to create.
Did you know that making ice cream at home can be just as quick and fun as visiting your local ice cream parlor? You’ll have diners dreaming of sunny picnics and cheerful backyard barbecues! This delightful recipe stands out in a crowd, making it perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Plus, it’s a fantastic alternative to store-bought ice cream — why not treat your loved ones to a scoop of homemade goodness? While everyone enjoys rich chocolate ice cream (another classic favorite!), there’s something truly special about the freshness of strawberry, making this recipe one you won’t want to miss. So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s get churning!
What is Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream?
You’ve probably wondered how Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream got its rather fancy-sounding name! It might sound like something you’d find on a dessert menu in a chic café, but the truth is, it’s as simple as it sounds! Picture this: You have a stunningly vivid strawberry flavor rolling around your mouth, paired with smooth vanilla notes! Couldn’t find a name better encapsulating that delicious experience? Now, isn’t that a classic case of “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? This ice cream brings delightful smiles and happy tastes all around, making it a must-try for anyone who loves sweets. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into making this treat, and impress everyone you serve!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream:
There are three heavenly reasons to fall in love with this dessert. First, the highlight of this dish is without doubt its creamy, dreamy texture! Made with fresh strawberries and high-quality heavy cream, you’re guaranteed to experience the ultimate indulgence. Second, when you whip up this ice cream at home, you might just create a significant savings on your grocery bill, especially when compared to those pricey gourmet varieties! Finally, let’s not forget the toppings! Think chocolate syrup, crushed nuts, or a sprinkle of festive sprinkles! The combinations are endless! If you love this ice cream as much as we do, consider checking out our no-churn coffee ice cream recipe for another delicious option!
How to Make Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream:
Quick Overview
Making Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is an absolute breeze! With easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have this incredible treat ready to serve in no time. The vibrant flavors are animated by the fresh strawberries and complemented by the unique essence of real vanilla beans. From start to finish, this recipe will take about 30 minutes of active preparation time, and a few hours to chill before serving, making it perfect for summer gatherings or simply satisfying a sweet tooth!
Key Ingredients for Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the strawberries)
- 1 vanilla bean
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the cream mixture)
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Macerate the Strawberries: In a mixing bowl, toss the diced strawberries with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Set this aside for about 30 minutes to let the berries soak up that sweet goodness and release their juices.
- Prepare the Cream Mix: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, and 1/2 cup of sugar over medium heat. Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise, scrape out the seeds, and add both the seeds and the pod into the cream mixture. Heat this until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally.
- Temper the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the 4 large egg yolks until they’re a pale yellow. Gradually add a few spoonfuls of the warm cream mixture to the yolks while whisking to temper them. This prevents the eggs from scrambling!
- Thicken the Mixture: Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Cool and Combine: Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly before removing the vanilla pod. Stir in the 1 tsp of vanilla extract.
- Mix in Strawberries: Once the mixture is fully cooled, combine the macerated strawberries (juice included) with the cream mixture. Stir well!
- Chill the Mixture: Transfer to a container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight if you can wait.
- Churn It Up!: Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze & Enjoy: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container, freeze until firm, and then serve it up in your favorite bowls or cones!
What to Serve Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream With:
Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream isn’t just a stand-alone star; it pairs beautifully with an array of desserts and flavors! Consider serving it alongside warm chocolate brownies for that delightful contrast of heat and cool. It also works wonders with a slice of buttery pound cake or sprinkled over pancakes for a breakfast twist! For a refreshing change, enjoy it with a glass of mint lemonade or an iced coffee for a lovely afternoon treat. There are endless possibilities, so let your creativity shine!
Top Tips for Perfecting Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream:
- Choose Ripe Strawberries: The flavor of your ice cream highly depends on the freshness of the strawberries used! Select bright, ripe strawberries for the best results.
- Substitutions: If you can’t find a vanilla bean, you can substitute with 2 teaspoons of high-quality vanilla extract.
- Eggs: Make sure to whisk the yolks properly and slowly add the warm cream to avoid cooking them too quickly.
- Storage: To avoid ice crystals, ensure that your ice cream is well-sealed in the container.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Once you have made your Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer. When frozen solid, it should remain fresh for about three weeks. If the ice cream becomes too hard, allow it to sit out at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping. Enjoy the cool, creamy sweetness as it melts in your mouth and refreshes your taste buds all over again!
Dare to try making your own Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream? With its luscious flavor profile and family-friendly recipe, it is bound to be a hit at your next gathering!
Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream A Sweet Scoop of Bliss!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar for the strawberries
- 1 vanilla bean
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar for the cream mixture
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Macerate the Strawberries: In a mixing bowl, toss the diced strawberries with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Set this aside for about 30 minutes to let the berries soak up that sweet goodness and release their juices.
- Prepare the Cream Mix: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, and 1/2 cup of sugar over medium heat. Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise, scrape out the seeds, and add both the seeds and the pod into the cream mixture. Heat this until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally.
- Temper the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the 4 large egg yolks until they’re a pale yellow. Gradually add a few spoonfuls of the warm cream mixture to the yolks while whisking to temper them. This prevents the eggs from scrambling!
- Thicken the Mixture: Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Cool and Combine: Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly before removing the vanilla pod. Stir in the 1 tsp of vanilla extract.
- Mix in Strawberries: Once the mixture is fully cooled, combine the macerated strawberries (juice included) with the cream mixture. Stir well!
- Chill the Mixture: Transfer to a container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight if you can wait.
- Churn It Up!: Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze & Enjoy: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container, freeze until firm, and then serve it up in your favorite bowls or cones!
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