Strawberry Vanilla Dream Ice Cream is a creamy, dreamy combination of fresh strawberries and smooth vanilla, perfect for summer or any time you’re craving a sweet, refreshing treat! This recipe doesn’t require an ice cream maker and is simple to prepare.
Ingredients:
- For the Strawberry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra brightness)
- For the Vanilla Layer:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberry Layer:
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped strawberries and sugar. Stir to coat the strawberries in sugar, and let them sit for about 15-20 minutes to release their natural juices.
- After the strawberries have softened, use a fork or potato masher to mash them to your desired consistency. For smoother ice cream, you can blend them into a puree.
- If you like a touch of brightness, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the mashed strawberries.
- Set aside.
2. Prepare the Vanilla Layer:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
3. Assemble the Ice Cream:
- Pour half of the vanilla mixture into a loaf pan or shallow dish (around 9×5-inch works well).
- Add half of the mashed strawberry mixture over the vanilla layer, and use a spoon or a skewer to swirl the strawberry mixture into the vanilla layer. You can create a marbled effect by swirling lightly, or mix it more for a uniform blend.
- Pour the remaining vanilla mixture on top, and then the rest of the strawberry mixture. Swirl once again.
4. Freeze:
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in the freezer for at least 6 hours or overnight until it’s firm and frozen.
5. Serve:
- Once the ice cream is frozen, scoop it out and serve it in bowls or cones. It’s perfect as-is or topped with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, add in some chopped chocolate or crushed cookies between the layers for a fun twist.
- If you prefer your ice cream smoother, you can puree the strawberries completely before adding them to the mixture.
Enjoy your Strawberry Vanilla Dream Ice Cream, which is as simple to make as it is delicious!