Creamy, Dreamy Homemade Ice Cream with Fresh Berry Swirls
Summer in a scoop! This luxuriously smooth ice cream blends ripe strawberries and fragrant vanilla bean for a classic treat that’s perfect on its own or piled onto cones, pies, or waffles. No artificial flavors—just pure, fruity sweetness!
✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ 5 simple ingredients – No corn syrup or stabilizers.
✅ Real vanilla bean – For those gorgeous flecks and rich flavor.
✅ Customizable – Swap berries or add mix-ins.
✅ Ice cream maker required – But SO worth it!
📝 Ingredients
(Makes ~1 quart)
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups (300g) fresh strawberries, hulled & chopped
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
(Optional: 1 tbsp vodka or lemon juice to prevent iciness!)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Make Strawberry Purée
- In a blender, pulse strawberries + sugar until smooth.
2️⃣ Prepare the Base
- In a bowl, whisk cream, milk, vanilla bean seeds (or extract), and strawberry purée.
- Chill 4+ hours (or overnight) for best texture.
3️⃣ Churn & Freeze
- Pour into ice cream maker and churn 20–25 mins until thick.
- Transfer to a container and freeze 2+ hours to firm up.
💡 Pro Tips
🔹 For intense berry flavor: Macerate strawberries with sugar 1 hour before blending.
🔹 No vanilla bean? Use 1 tsp vanilla extract + ½ tsp vanilla paste for flecks.
🔹 Prevent crystals: Add 1 tbsp vodka to the base before churning.
❓ FAQs + Variations
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
✅ Yes! Thaw completely and drain excess liquid.
2. How long does it keep?
🧊 Freezer: Up to 2 weeks (press parchment on surface to prevent ice).
3. No ice cream maker?
➡️ Freeze in a shallow pan, stirring every 30 mins for 3–4 hours.
4. Dairy-free option?
🥥 Use coconut milk + coconut cream instead.
5. Make it richer?
🍦 Substitute half the milk with more heavy cream.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- On warm pie or cobbler
- With shortbread cookies for ice cream sandwiches
- Drizzled with balsamic reduction for gourmet flair
⏳ Time & Nutrition
Prep: 15 mins | Chill/Freeze: 6+ hrs | Total: 6 hrs 15 mins
Calories: ~220/scoop | Servings: 8
🌟 Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is summer nostalgia in a bowl—creamy, fruity, and utterly irresistible. Perfect for:
- Fourth of July parties
- Backyard BBQs
- When berries are at their peak!
Scoop up sunshine! ☀️🍨
(Tip: Swirl in chopped dark chocolate during the last 5 mins of churning!)
