This luxuriously smooth and creamy ice cream combines real vanilla bean with fresh, macerated strawberries for an elegant yet nostalgic frozen treat. Perfectly balanced, rich, and bursting with natural flavors!
📋 Ingredients
● 1 vanilla bean, split & seeds scraped
● 2 cups heavy cream
● 1 cup whole milk
● ¾ cup granulated sugar (divided)
● Pinch of salt
● 6 large egg yolks
● 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
● 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled & diced 🍓
● 2 tbsp sugar (for strawberries)
📝 Directions
1️⃣ Prepare the Strawberries:
Toss diced strawberries with 2 tbsp sugar and let sit for 30 minutes to release their natural juices.
2️⃣ Heat the Milk & Cream:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, whole milk, half of the sugar, salt, and vanilla bean seeds (including the pod).
Bring just to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.
3️⃣ Temper the Egg Yolks:
In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks and remaining sugar until smooth.
Gradually pour the hot milk mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly to prevent scrambling.
4️⃣ Cook the Custard:
Return the custard mixture to the saucepan over low heat.
Stir constantly with a wooden spoon until it thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon (170-175°F on a thermometer).
5️⃣ Chill the Custard:
Remove from heat and strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl.
Stir in vanilla extract, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
6️⃣ Churn the Ice Cream:
Remove vanilla bean pod and pour the chilled custard into an ice cream maker, churning according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
In the last few minutes of churning, add macerated strawberries.
7️⃣ Freeze & Serve:
Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for 2-4 hours until firm.
Scoop, serve, and enjoy this heavenly homemade delight! 🍓🍦
💡 Tips & Variations:
✔ Extra Creamy? Add ½ cup sweetened condensed milk for a richer texture.
✔ Chunky or Smooth? Blend the strawberries before adding for a fully infused flavor!
✔ No Ice Cream Maker? Freeze the mixture in a shallow dish, stirring every 30 minutes for a few hours.
🕒 Prep Time: 15 min | Chill Time: 4 hrs | Churn Time: 25 min | Freeze Time: 2-4 hrs
🍴 Servings: 6-8
This homemade strawberry vanilla bean ice cream is the ultimate summer treat—pure, creamy, and packed with real fruit & vanilla goodness!
