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Home Made Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

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Why Make This Home Made Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

There’s something incredibly delightful about homemade ice cream, especially when it’s bursting with the fresh flavors of strawberries and the fragrant allure of vanilla bean. Making your own strawberry vanilla bean ice cream allows you to enjoy a creamy treat that not only tastes better than store-bought options but also lets you control the ingredients. With fresh strawberries at their peak in summer and the unmatched aroma of real vanilla, this ice cream is a celebration of simplicity and flavor. Prepare to indulge in its luscious, creamy texture that melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting more!

How to Make Home Made Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Creating this decadent ice cream at home is easier than you might think. The process combines cooking down fresh strawberries with sugar and vanilla, then blending it with a rich custard base made from heavy cream, whole milk, and egg yolks. The result is a perfectly balanced dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Follow this guide for a step-by-step approach, and soon you’ll be enjoying your homemade strawberry vanilla bean ice cream right at your own table.

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 cup granulated sugar
1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
6 large egg yolks

Directions:

Start by preparing the strawberry mixture: In a saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and the seeds scraped from the vanilla bean. Cook this over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries become soft and the sugar has fully dissolved. This fragrant mixture should only take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool.

Next, make the custard base. In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream and whole milk over moderate heat until it begins to simmer. Once simmering, take it off the heat to prevent burning.

In a bowl, whisk the 6 egg yolks until they’re a pale yellow. Slowly pour the hot cream mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs—this prevents them from curdling.

Return this combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 8-10 minutes. Once thickened, strain the custard into a clean bowl to remove any lumps or cooked egg bits, then let it cool to room temperature. After cooling, refrigerate the custard until it becomes cold, about 2-3 hours.

Now, it’s time to churn! Pour the chilled custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. During the last few minutes of churning, add in the strawberry mixture, allowing it to swirl beautifully into the ice cream. Once churned to a soft-serve consistency, transfer your ice cream to an airtight container and freeze it until firm, usually about 4 hours.

Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 290
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 206mg
Sodium: 38mg
Total Carbohydrates: 31g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 27g
Protein: 4g

How to Serve Home Made Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Serve your luscious strawberry vanilla bean ice cream in chilled bowls or cones for a delightful treat on warm days. Top it with fresh strawberry slices, a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, or even a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. This ice cream pairs wonderfully with desserts like pie or cake, making it an ideal addition to gatherings, birthday parties, or simply a cozy night at home.

How to Store Home Made Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

To keep your homemade ice cream fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container in the freezer. To prevent ice crystals from forming, press a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container. Properly stored, your ice cream will stay fresh for about 2-3 weeks. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping to soften it slightly!

Expert Tips for Perfect Home Made Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Choose the Right Strawberries: Opt for ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor. If strawberries aren’t in season, feel free to use frozen strawberries—just thaw and drain excess moisture before cooking.
Don’t Rush the Churning Process: Allow the mixture to churn long enough in the ice cream maker to incorporate air and achieve that smooth, creamy texture.
Control the Sweetness: Adjust the sugar level according to the tartness of your strawberries. Start with less, as you can always add more if needed.

Delicious Variations

Chocolate Chip Delight: Stir in mini chocolate chips during the last few minutes of churning for a sweet surprise in every bite.
Nutty Crunch: Add crushed almonds or walnuts for a delightful crunch that complements the creaminess.
Berry Medley: Incorporate a mix of berries, like blueberries or raspberries, alongside strawberries for a fruity twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of milk?
Yes! You can substitute whole milk with almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version, although the texture may be slightly different.
Is it necessary to use fresh strawberries?
While fresh strawberries provide the best flavor, you can certainly use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking.
How can I tell if my custard is thick enough?
A good test is to dip a spoon into the custard; if the mixture coats the back and you can draw a line through it with your finger, it’s ready to strain.

Conclusion

Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is not just a treat; it’s an experience filled with delightful flavors and a creamy texture that will transport you to a sunny day. With the right ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a delicious dessert that your family and friends will adore. So gather your ingredients and start churning—your taste buds will thank you! Don’t forget to share your results and any variations you try—the kitchen is a place to explore and enjoy!