Here’s a simple Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream recipe you can try:
Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (you can adjust the sweetness to taste or use a sugar substitute)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, enhances the strawberry flavor)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk (or a lighter milk option if preferred)
- 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tsp pure vanilla extract)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for extra smoothness)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberries:
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In a medium bowl, combine the fresh strawberries with 1/4 cup of sugar and lemon juice (if using). Toss gently to coat the strawberries and let them sit for about 15-20 minutes. This helps release the juices and intensifies the flavor of the strawberries.
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After 20 minutes, mash the strawberries with a fork or potato masher until they’re mostly broken down, but you can leave some small chunks if you prefer a bit of texture in your ice cream. If you want a smoother texture, blend them into a puree in a blender or food processor.
2. Make the Ice Cream Base:
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In a separate bowl, scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean (cut the bean lengthwise and use a spoon to scrape out the seeds). If you don’t have a vanilla bean, you can use 1 teaspoon vanilla extract as a substitute.
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In a medium saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional), and the scraped vanilla bean seeds. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Heat until it’s just about to simmer, but don’t let it boil.
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Once the cream mixture is hot, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly for about 10 minutes.
3. Combine the Strawberry and Cream Mixtures:
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Once the cream mixture has cooled a bit, add the macerated strawberries (including any juice) to the cream mixture. Stir until fully combined.
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If you like a smoother ice cream, you can use a blender or immersion blender to combine the strawberries and cream for an ultra-silky texture.
4. Chill the Mixture:
- After combining the ingredients, place the entire mixture in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight if possible, to chill completely. This helps the ice cream set up better and gives the flavors more time to meld.
5. Freeze the Ice Cream:
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No Ice Cream Maker: Pour the chilled mixture into a lidded container and place it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork or whisk to break up any ice crystals. Do this for about 3-4 hours until the ice cream reaches the consistency you like.
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With Ice Cream Maker: If you have an ice cream maker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, you’ll pour the mixture into the machine and churn for 20-25 minutes until it reaches soft-serve consistency. Then, transfer the ice cream to a container and freeze for an additional 2-3 hours to firm up.
6. Serve:
Once the ice cream has reached your desired consistency, scoop it into bowls or cones and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream:
- For smoother texture: Using a combination of half-and-half and heavy cream can help create a smoother texture, but you can also use whole milk if you want to reduce the richness.
- Sugar substitutes: If you’re looking for a sugar-free or low-sugar version, you can swap the sugar for stevia, erythritol, or other sugar alternatives, but adjust the amount based on your preferred level of sweetness.
- For extra vanilla flavor: If you love vanilla, you can add an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract or use vanilla paste for an even more intense flavor.
- For chunkier ice cream: If you prefer to have some bigger strawberry pieces in your ice cream, blend the strawberry mixture lightly or leave it in chunks rather than pureeing it completely.
Serving Suggestions:
- Toppings: Top the strawberry ice cream with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of honey or chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
- Sundae Style: Make a strawberry ice cream sundae with nuts, sprinkles, or a maraschino cherry on top.
- Pair with desserts: This ice cream is fantastic when paired with warm pie, crumble, or even a simple shortbread cookie.
This Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is a perfect treat for warm weather, family gatherings, or simply when you’re craving a creamy, fresh dessert. It’s sure to be a hit with everyone!