Indulge in the luxurious, creamy delight of homemade strawberry vanilla bean ice cream—a perfect blend of rich vanilla custard and fresh, macerated strawberries. This ice cream is silky smooth, bursting with natural sweetness, and carries a nostalgic charm that rivals any store-bought treat.
Made from real vanilla bean and fresh strawberries, this recipe takes the traditional ice cream experience to the next level. Each spoonful melts in your mouth, offering a harmonious balance of creamy richness and fruity freshness. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a simple summer treat, this homemade ice cream is pure bliss!
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Authentic Vanilla Flavor – Real vanilla bean gives it a deep, aromatic taste.
✅ Rich & Creamy Texture – Made with heavy cream and egg yolks for an ultra-smooth consistency.
✅ Fresh Strawberry Goodness – Macerated strawberries bring out the best natural flavors.
✅ Better than Store-Bought – No artificial additives, just pure homemade goodness!
✅ Customizable – Can be adapted for different textures, sweetness levels, or dietary needs.
📋 Ingredients
To make this heavenly strawberry vanilla bean ice cream, you’ll need:
For the Vanilla Custard Base:
- 1 vanilla bean (split and seeds scraped)
- 2 cups heavy cream (for a rich, creamy texture)
- 1 cup whole milk (balances the creaminess)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (divided into two portions)
- Pinch of salt (enhances the flavors)
- 6 large egg yolks (for a velvety custard base)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (deepens the vanilla flavor)
For the Macerated Strawberries:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled & diced) 🍓
- 2 tbsp sugar (draws out the strawberries’ natural sweetness)
📝 Step-by-Step Directions
1️⃣ Prepare the Strawberries
To extract maximum flavor and sweetness:
- In a bowl, toss diced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar.
- Let them sit for at least 30 minutes to release their natural juices.
- Optionally, lightly mash them for a mix of chunky and smooth textures.
⏳ Tip: For a smoother consistency, blend the strawberries into a puree before adding them to the ice cream.
2️⃣ Heat the Milk & Cream
The custard base is the heart of the ice cream, making it incredibly creamy:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine:
- Heavy cream
- Whole milk
- Half of the sugar
- Pinch of salt
- Vanilla bean seeds and pod
- Heat the mixture until it just reaches a gentle boil, then remove from heat.
⏳ Tip: Do not let it boil vigorously—this prevents the dairy from curdling.
3️⃣ Temper the Egg Yolks
To achieve a silky custard without scrambling the eggs:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Egg yolks
- Remaining sugar (until pale and smooth)
- Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly.
⏳ Tip: Pour slowly and whisk vigorously to prevent the eggs from cooking too quickly.
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