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Bowl of homemade strawberry vanilla bean ice cream topped with fresh strawberries
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Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

A creamy and velvety homemade ice cream that combines the delightful flavors of ripe strawberries and aromatic vanilla bean, creating a perfect summer treat.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time4 hours 30 minutes
Course: Dessert, Ice Cream
Cuisine: American, Summer
Keyword: frozen treats, Homemade Ice Cream, strawberry ice cream, Summer Dessert, vanilla bean ice cream
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 250kcal

Ingredients

Ice Cream Base

  • 2 cups heavy cream For a luxurious and creamy texture.
  • 1 cup whole milk Adds a lightness while enhancing creaminess.
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar The perfect balance of sweetness.
  • 1 bean vanilla bean For aromatic essence and specks of vanilla.
  • 4 large egg yolks Contributes to a rich custard base.

Strawberry Swirl

  • 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped Offers vibrant color and refreshing taste.
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar Enhances the sweetness of strawberries.
  • 1 tsp lemon juice Brightens the flavors.

Instructions

Make the Strawberry Swirl

  • In a medium saucepan, place 1 ½ cups of chopped strawberries, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Heat over medium for about 10 minutes, gently mashing with a fork, then set aside to cool.

Prepare the Ice Cream Base

  • In another saucepan, combine 1 cup of whole milk, 2 cups of heavy cream, and half of the granulated sugar over low heat. Add the split vanilla bean and seeds, and slowly bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks with the remaining ¾ cup of sugar until pale. Gradually pour in the warm cream mixture while whisking continuously.
  • Return the mixture to the saucepan and heat over low, stirring until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours.

Churn the Ice Cream

  • Once the base is chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically about 20-30 minutes.
  • In the final moments of churning, gently fold in the chilled strawberry mixture.

Freeze & Serve

  • Transfer the churned ice cream to a lidded container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
  • Scoop into bowls or cones and enjoy!

Notes

For a lower-fat version, substitute half the heavy cream with Greek yogurt. Try adding crushed cookies or chocolate chips for variations.