Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe

There's something magical about homemade ice cream, especially when it's infused with the sweet, juicy essence of fresh strawberries and the warm, aromatic notes of vanilla bean. This luscious, creamy treat is the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day while indulging in a dessert that's both nostalgic and decadent.

I still remember the first time I made this strawberry vanilla bean ice cream. It was during peak strawberry season, and I had a surplus of ripe, fragrant berries that were just begging to be transformed into something extraordinary. One taste of this ice cream, and I was hooked—it’s been a family favorite ever since.

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

Get ready to experience a homemade ice cream like no other. This recipe is packed with fresh, natural flavors that make every spoonful a delight.

First, the combination of fresh strawberries and real vanilla bean creates an incredibly rich and authentic taste. There’s no need for artificial flavors when nature provides such perfection.

This recipe is also super creamy thanks to the balance of heavy cream and whole milk. It churns into a smooth, dreamy texture that melts perfectly on your tongue.

And if you love easy-to-make desserts, you're in luck. While it requires a little patience for chilling and churning, the actual hands-on time is minimal—perfect for a laid-back summer treat.

Best of all, this ice cream is completely customizable. Want to add chocolate chunks, a swirl of strawberry sauce, or a hint of balsamic glaze? The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this homemade strawberry vanilla bean ice cream lies in its high-quality, simple ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Fresh strawberries are the star of this recipe. Use ripe, in-season berries for the best natural sweetness. If your strawberries aren’t quite sweet enough, macerating them with a bit of sugar before blending will enhance their flavor.

Vanilla bean provides a deep, aromatic warmth that elevates the entire dessert. If you don’t have a vanilla bean, pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste can be used as substitutes, but the tiny specks from the actual bean make a world of difference.

Heavy cream and whole milk create the luxuriously smooth texture of the ice cream. The high-fat content in heavy cream prevents the ice cream from becoming icy, while whole milk keeps it from being too rich.

Egg yolks act as a natural thickener, giving the ice cream its custard-like consistency. They also help create a silky-smooth texture that coats your mouth with every bite.

A touch of sugar balances the tartness of the strawberries and enhances the natural flavors. You can adjust the amount depending on how sweet your strawberries are.

How To Make This Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Making this ice cream from scratch is simpler than you might think. Just follow these steps, and you'll have a homemade treat that rivals any store-bought version.

Start by preparing the strawberries. Hull and chop them, then toss them with a bit of sugar and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This process, called maceration, helps draw out the natural juices and intensifies their sweetness.

Meanwhile, make the vanilla custard base. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream, whole milk, and vanilla bean (split and scraped) over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling. Let it steep for 15 minutes to infuse the flavors.

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until they become pale and slightly thickened. Slowly temper the eggs by adding a ladleful of the warm milk mixture while whisking constantly. This prevents the eggs from scrambling. Once tempered, pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook gently until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids, then chill it thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Once chilled, blend the macerated strawberries until smooth, then stir them into the custard base. Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After churning, transfer the ice cream to a container and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up before serving.

Storage Options

Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed fresh, but proper storage will keep it tasting great for up to two weeks.

Store the ice cream in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing to prevent ice crystals from forming.

For the best texture, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before scooping. This allows it to soften just enough for that perfect creamy consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about homemade ice cream is how easily you can tweak it to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few fun variations:

• Chocolate-Strawberry Swirl: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle it into the ice cream during the last few minutes of churning for a fudgy ribbon effect.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut milk and coconut cream for the dairy and use maple syrup instead of sugar for a tropical twist.
• Boozy Strawberry Ice Cream: Add a splash of Grand Marnier or rum for an adult-friendly version with an extra depth of flavor.
• Extra Fruity: Mix in whole chunks of strawberries at the end of churning for a more textured ice cream with bursts of juicy fruit.
• Honey-Sweetened: Swap out the sugar for honey to create a more natural sweetness with floral undertones.

Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins and flavors—the possibilities are endless! However you decide to customize it, this homemade strawberry vanilla bean ice cream is sure to become a household favorite.

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