Here’s a delightful Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream recipe that’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a refreshing treat!
Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tsp vanilla bean paste)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries:
In a small bowl, combine the chopped strawberries with 1/4 cup of the sugar. Let sit for about 15-20 minutes until the strawberries release their juices. Then, lightly mash them with a fork, leaving some chunks for texture. Set aside. - Make the Vanilla Custard Base:
In a saucepan, pour the whole milk and add the vanilla bean, splitting it lengthwise and scraping the seeds into the milk. Add the vanilla bean pod to the milk as well. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it’s hot but not boiling. - Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar:
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar until pale and slightly thickened. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs. - Cook the Custard:
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 170°F / 77°C). Do not let it boil. Once thickened, remove from heat, discard the vanilla bean pod, and stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. - Chill the Mixture:
Pour the custard into a large bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight until completely cold. - Combine and Churn:
Once chilled, add the mashed strawberries and their juices to the custard mixture. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually 20-30 minutes) until it reaches a soft, creamy consistency. - Freeze and Serve:
Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up. Serve in scoops and enjoy your Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream!
This ice cream is delicious on its own or as a topping for cakes and pies. Enjoy!