Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe

There's nothing quite like a scoop of Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream on a warm summer day. The sweet, sun-ripened strawberries blend perfectly with the smooth, creamy base infused with real vanilla bean. Every bite is bursting with fresh, fruity flavor and a touch of nostalgia.

I started making this recipe after a trip to the local farmers' market, where I picked up the juiciest strawberries I had ever seen. Pairing them with rich vanilla bean was a no-brainer, and now, this ice cream has become a family favorite. It’s an easy-to-make treat that tastes better than anything from the store, and the best part? No artificial flavors, just pure, natural goodness.

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

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite homemade ice cream. This Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is a must-try for anyone who enjoys fresh, creamy, and indulgent frozen treats.

First, the flavor is out of this world. Fresh strawberries provide a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the deep, aromatic notes of real vanilla bean. It’s the perfect balance of fruity and creamy.

Second, it’s incredibly simple to make. No complicated steps or fancy equipment—just basic ingredients and a little patience while it churns. Whether you have an ice cream maker or use a no-churn method, this recipe delivers amazing results every time.

It’s also made with wholesome ingredients. Unlike store-bought ice creams loaded with preservatives and artificial flavors, this one uses only fresh cream, milk, eggs, vanilla bean, and strawberries.

Finally, it’s completely customizable. Want a little more texture? Add crushed graham crackers for a strawberry cheesecake twist. Prefer it dairy-free? Swap in coconut milk and dairy-free cream for a delicious alternative.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream comes from its simple yet high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in achieving the perfect creamy, rich texture and fresh, vibrant flavor.

The strawberries are the star of this recipe. Choose fresh, ripe berries for the best sweetness and natural flavor. If fresh ones aren't available, frozen strawberries work just as well—just be sure to let them thaw before using.

The vanilla bean is what takes this ice cream to the next level. Instead of vanilla extract, real vanilla bean pods add a deep, luxurious flavor. Split the pod and scrape out the tiny black seeds for maximum aroma and taste.

For the base, heavy cream and whole milk create a rich, smooth texture. The balance of fat in these ingredients ensures the ice cream remains creamy, not icy. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, but the result will be slightly less indulgent.

Egg yolks add richness and help emulsify the ice cream, creating a luscious custard-like consistency. If you prefer an eggless version, you can use cornstarch as a thickener instead.

Finally, a touch of sugar brings out the natural sweetness of the strawberries. Adjust the amount based on how sweet your berries are—you might need less if they’re super ripe.

How To Make This Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Making this ice cream is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps to create a creamy, delicious frozen treat.

Start by preparing the strawberry puree. Wash and hull the strawberries, then blend them with a little sugar until smooth. For an extra vibrant color and flavor, you can cook the puree down slightly to concentrate the sweetness.

Next, prepare the custard base. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream, whole milk, and vanilla bean seeds along with the scraped vanilla pod. Warm it over medium heat until steaming but not boiling, allowing the vanilla to infuse the mixture.

Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together in a separate bowl until pale and slightly thickened. Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the eggs, whisking constantly to prevent scrambling. Then, return everything to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any bits of cooked egg, then stir in the strawberry puree. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least four hours (or overnight) until completely cold.

Once chilled, churn the mixture in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow dish, freeze for about 45 minutes, and stir vigorously with a fork. Repeat every 30 minutes until the ice cream reaches a creamy consistency.

After churning, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least four hours to firm up. Then, scoop and enjoy!

Storage Options

Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in the freezer for up to two weeks. Keep it in an airtight, freezer-safe container to prevent ice crystals from forming.

For best texture, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping. This softens it slightly, making it easier to serve.

If storing for longer periods, press a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container. This helps minimize freezer burn and keeps it tasting fresh.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily switch up the flavors or make adjustments based on dietary needs.

For a dairy-free version, replace the heavy cream and milk with full-fat coconut milk. It adds a subtle tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.

Looking for a lower-sugar option? Swap some or all of the sugar for a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind that liquid sweeteners can slightly change the texture of the ice cream.

To add some extra texture, stir in mix-ins like crushed cookies, white chocolate chips, or toasted nuts during the last few minutes of churning.

If you love tart flavors, mix in a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice with the strawberry puree. It brightens up the flavors and adds a delicious contrast to the sweetness.

This Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you're making it for a backyard barbecue, a summer celebration, or just a cozy night in, it's sure to become a favorite. So grab your ingredients and start churning—your taste buds will thank you!

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