If you have a soft spot for summer’s sweetest treats, you’re going to adore this Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe. Imagine the freshness of vibrant strawberries perfectly balanced with the warm, aromatic notes of real vanilla bean, all wrapped up in a creamy, dreamy ice cream base. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug on a sunny day, and yet elegant enough to impress guests or simply treat yourself. This recipe transforms basic ingredients into a homemade delight that melts on your tongue with a luscious combination of fruity brightness and vanilla sweetness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, yet every ingredient plays a crucial role. From the fresh strawberries providing natural sweetness and vibrant color, to the full-bodied cream and milk giving it that luscious, creamy texture, these ingredients create the perfect harmony of flavors and mouthfeel.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped: Use ripe, juicy berries for the brightest flavor and color; fresh is best here.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess that makes the ice cream indulgently smooth.
- 1 cup whole milk: Balances the cream to create a light but creamy texture.
- ¾ cup sugar: Sweetens naturally and helps to create a better ice cream texture when frozen.
- 1 vanilla bean, scraped: Real vanilla bean seeds infuse the ice cream with an irresistible fragrant warmth.
How to Make Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Strawberries
Start by combining the fresh chopped strawberries and sugar in a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth to create a luscious, vibrant strawberry puree that will infuse your ice cream with natural fruit sweetness and beautiful color.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, and the scraped seeds from your vanilla bean. This mixture forms the rich, creamy base that carries the delicate vanilla flavor throughout your ice cream.
Step 3: Combine
Gently fold the strawberry puree into the cream base until the mixture is evenly combined. This is where the magic begins—bright, fruity strawberry meets the smooth sophistication of vanilla cream.
Step 4: Chill
Cover your mixture and refrigerate it for at least two hours. Chilling not only helps deepen the flavors but also is essential for the ice cream’s texture once churned.
Step 5: Churn
Pour your chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn it according to your machine’s instructions. Typically, this takes about 20 to 25 minutes. Watching the transformation into thick, creamy ice cream is perhaps the most satisfying part!
Step 6: Freeze
Transfer the fresh churned ice cream into an airtight container and freeze for at least four hours. This step lets it set up perfectly so you can scoop out creamy, melt-in-your-mouth servings.
How to Serve Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet elegant presentation, top your ice cream with a few fresh strawberry slices coupled with a small drizzle of vanilla bean syrup or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted almonds. These garnishes enhance texture and flavor without overpowering the star of the show.
Side Dishes
This ice cream pairs wonderfully with light desserts like a shortbread cookie, fresh berry salad, or a delicate angel food cake. The creamy ice cream balances crispy and airy textures beautifully, creating a well-rounded dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your strawberry vanilla bean ice cream in chilled glass bowls or inside halved and hollowed strawberries for a stunning, unexpected treat. For a fun twist, try layering it with crushed graham crackers and whipped cream for an instant no-bake strawberry parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply store any leftover strawberry vanilla bean ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. This keeps it fresh and prevents ice crystals from forming, so every scoop remains luxuriously smooth.
Freezing
When freezing homemade ice cream, remember it is best eaten within two weeks for optimal freshness and flavor. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to lock in creaminess and prevent any freezer odors from seeping in.
Reheating
Unlike many dishes, ice cream is meant to be enjoyed frozen. If it becomes too hard, allow it to sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping to reach the perfect soft-serve consistency—no actual reheating needed!
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Frozen strawberries can work in a pinch, but fresh berries provide a brighter flavor and better texture. If using frozen, thaw and drain any excess liquid before blending to avoid a watery puree.
What if I don’t have a vanilla bean?
You can substitute with 1 to 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. Add it to the cream mixture after whisking the milk and cream for a strong vanilla flavor, though it won’t have the same little vanilla bean specks.
Do I need an ice cream maker to make this recipe?
Using an ice cream maker produces the best texture by churning air into the mixture. Alternatively, you can freeze the mixture and stir every 30 minutes until firm to mimic this process, though it may be less creamy.
How long does the ice cream last in the freezer?
Homemade ice cream tastes best within two weeks but can last up to a month if well sealed. Over time, the texture may become a little icy, so consume sooner if possible.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Fold in your favorite mix-ins during the last few minutes of churning for an extra layer of texture and flavor that complements the strawberry vanilla bean base perfectly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe enough—it’s a timeless classic elevated by the simplicity and quality of each ingredient. From the first creamy bite to the last spoonful, it’s a celebration of fresh strawberries and pure vanilla that’s guaranteed to become a favorite dessert in your kitchen. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, and let’s churn up some happiness!
Print
Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is a creamy and refreshing homemade dessert made with fresh strawberries, rich vanilla bean, and a smooth cream base. Perfect for summer or any time you crave a sweet, fruity treat.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
Others
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, scraped
Instructions
- Blend the Strawberries: In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped strawberries and sugar. Blend until smooth to create a strawberry puree.
- Mix the Cream Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, and the seeds scraped from the vanilla bean pod until fully combined.
- Combine: Add the strawberry puree to the cream mixture and stir gently until well incorporated, ensuring an even flavor throughout.
- Chill: Cover the mixture with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing it to become thoroughly chilled which helps in the churning process.
- Churn: Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically for 20-25 minutes, until the mixture thickens to a soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours to firm up completely before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the ice cream base is very cold before churning to ensure a smooth texture.
- Fresh strawberries give the best flavor, but frozen can be used if fresh are unavailable; thaw and drain excess liquid before blending.
- You can substitute the vanilla bean with 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract if needed.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes until frozen.
