Description
Sweet summer memories bloom in this luscious Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, blending ripe berries with creamy richness. Cool waves of homemade indulgence invite you to savor each silky spoonful of pure delightful pleasure.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits and Berries:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
Dairy:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
Sweeteners and Seasonings:
- 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Combine strawberries, vanilla seeds, heavy cream, milk, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan, creating a rich, aromatic base.
- Heat the mixture over medium temperature, gently stirring until it reaches a soft simmer, releasing the intense vanilla and strawberry essences.
- Remove from heat and allow the mixture to steep for 30 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Extract and discard the vanilla pod, preserving the delicate flavor profile infused into the liquid.
- Utilize an immersion blender or standard blender to transform the mixture into a silky, uniform consistency, ensuring no strawberry chunks remain.
- Transfer the smooth liquid into a sealed container and refrigerate for 4-6 hours, or ideally overnight, to thoroughly chill and develop deeper flavors.
- Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s guidelines, typically 20-25 minutes, until it reaches a soft, creamy texture.
- Scoop the freshly churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container, smoothing the surface, and freeze for 2-3 hours until it achieves a firm, scoopable consistency.
- Serve the luscious strawberry vanilla bean ice cream in chilled bowls or crisp waffle cones, garnishing with fresh strawberry slices if desired.
Notes
- Select ripe, sweet strawberries for the most intense natural flavor and vibrant color in your ice cream.
- Consider using organic strawberries to reduce potential pesticide exposure and enhance overall taste quality.
- Use fresh vanilla bean pods instead of extract for a more complex, rich vanilla undertone that elevates the entire dessert.
- Strain the mixture after blending to ensure an ultra-smooth texture without strawberry seeds or pulp.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and milk with coconut cream and almond milk to create a creamy alternative.
- Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or fresh mint during blending to introduce unexpected depth to the strawberry flavor profile.
- Chill all ingredients thoroughly before preparing to help the ice cream freeze faster and develop a smoother consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 253 kcal
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg