There’s nothing quite like the creamy, dreamy combination of fresh strawberries and fragrant vanilla bean in a homemade ice cream. This Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is packed with natural sweetness, ultra-smooth texture, and a depth of flavor that store-bought ice cream just can’t match. Whether you’re serving it in a cone, a bowl, or as a topping for your favorite desserts, this homemade frozen treat is pure bliss!

Why You’ll Love This Ice Cream

✔ Rich & Creamy Texture – Thanks to heavy cream, egg yolks, and whole milk.
✔ Fresh, Natural Flavors – No artificial additives, just real strawberries and vanilla bean!
✔ Perfectly Balanced Sweetness – The macerated strawberries add the perfect juicy burst.
✔ Great for Any Occasion – Whether it’s summer or you just need a sweet treat!

What Does This Ice Cream Taste Like?

This Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream has a luxuriously smooth texture, with sweet, juicy strawberries in every bite. The vanilla bean adds a deep, warm, aromatic flavor that perfectly complements the fruit’s natural tartness. It’s creamy, indulgent, and bursting with fresh berry goodness!

Ingredients You’ll Need 📋

For the Strawberry Mixture:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced 🍓 – The star ingredient! Fresh is best, but frozen works too.
• ½ cup granulated sugar – Helps the strawberries release their natural juices.

For the Ice Cream Base:

• 1 vanilla bean – Infuses the ice cream with rich, aromatic vanilla flavor.
• 2 cups heavy cream – For that ultra-creamy, luscious texture.
• 1 cup whole milk – Balances the richness.
• ½ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the base perfectly.
• 4 large egg yolks – Adds richness and helps create a custard-like texture.

Optional Add-Ins:

• A splash of lemon juice – Brightens up the strawberry flavor.
• A touch of honey or maple syrup – Adds a deeper sweetness.
• Mini white chocolate chips or crushed graham crackers – For extra indulgence!

How to Make Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream 🍦

Step 1: Macerate the Strawberries

1. In a medium bowl, combine the diced strawberries and ½ cup granulated sugar.
2. Stir well and let them sit for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This releases the natural juices and enhances the flavor.
3. After 30 minutes, mash them slightly with a fork (or blend for a smoother texture) and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Base

1. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds using a knife.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla bean seeds, and the scraped vanilla pod.
3. Stir in the ½ cup sugar and heat the mixture until it’s warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the vanilla flavor.

Step 3: Temper the Egg Yolks

1. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth.
2. Slowly pour about ½ cup of the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly. This prevents the eggs from scrambling.
3. Gradually pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan, stirring continuously.

Step 4: Cook the Custard

1. Return the saucepan to low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly (about 5 minutes). It should coat the back of a spoon but not boil.
2. Remove from heat and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any cooked egg bits and the vanilla pod.

Step 5: Chill the Custard

1. Let the custard cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best!). This ensures a super smooth ice cream texture.

Step 6: Churn the Ice Cream

1. Pour the chilled custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (typically 20–25 minutes).
2. When the ice cream is almost fully churned, add the macerated strawberries and let them incorporate.

Step 7: Freeze & Serve

1. Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container, cover with parchment paper or plastic wrap (to prevent ice crystals), and freeze for at least 2–4 hours before serving.
2. Scoop, serve, and enjoy the creamiest, most delicious homemade ice cream! 🍨✨

Serving Ideas & Pairings

🍰 On top of warm brownies – A perfect balance of hot and cold.
🥞 With pancakes or waffles – Dessert for breakfast, anyone?
🍪 Between cookies – Make the best ice cream sandwiches!
🍾 Drizzled with balsamic glaze – Sounds unusual, but it enhances the strawberry flavor beautifully!

Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Ice Cream

✔ Use ripe strawberries – The sweeter they are, the better your ice cream will taste!
✔ Chill the custard completely – The colder it is before churning, the smoother your ice cream will be.
✔ Don’t skimp on the heavy cream – This is key for a creamy, rich texture.
✔ Use an ice bath to speed up chilling – Place the warm custard bowl over a larger bowl filled with ice water to cool it faster.
✔ Let the ice cream sit at room temp for 5 minutes before scooping – This makes it easier to serve.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Freezer Storage: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
• Prevent Ice Crystals: Press a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly onto the ice cream surface before sealing the container.
• Make Ahead: The custard can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge before churning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?

Yes! Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container, stir every 30 minutes for 3–4 hours, and freeze until firm. This helps prevent ice crystals.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes! Just thaw and drain them well before macerating.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute full-fat coconut milk and coconut cream for the heavy cream and whole milk.

What if I don’t have a vanilla bean?

You can use 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract instead!

Final Thoughts on Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

This homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is rich, creamy, and bursting with fresh, natural flavors. It’s the perfect treat for summer days, special occasions, or just because you deserve it! Once you try this recipe, you’ll never want store-bought ice cream again!

Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to share your photos on Pinterest! 🍓🍦✨