Recipe: Vanilla Ice Cream with Strawberry Swirl

Recipe: Vanilla Ice Cream with Strawberry Swirl

Vanilla ice cream with a strawberry swirl is a classic dessert that never goes out of style. The creamy, rich vanilla ice cream, paired with the sweet and tangy strawberry swirl, creates a perfect balance of flavors. This ice cream is smooth, luscious, and full of refreshing fruity goodness, making it an ideal treat for any occasion.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to make this delicious vanilla ice cream with strawberry swirl from scratch. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you can create this delightful dessert in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Ice Cream:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 4 large egg yolks

For the Strawberry Swirl:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries (or frozen, thawed)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust depending on the sweetness of your strawberries)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Vanilla Ice Cream Base

1. Combine Milk, Cream, and Sugar
   In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to steam, but do not allow it to come to a boil.

2. Whisk the Egg Yolks
   In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they become pale and slightly thickened. Gradually add about half of the hot milk and cream mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs (this prevents them from scrambling).

3. Combine and Thicken
   Slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture, stirring constantly. Continue to cook the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).

4. Strain and Cool
   Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any curdled bits. Let it cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Swirl

1. Cook the Strawberries
   In a small saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Blend the Strawberries
   Once the strawberries have softened, use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the mixture until smooth. Let it cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Churn the Vanilla Ice Cream

1. Churn the Ice Cream Base
   After the vanilla ice cream base has chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically for 20-25 minutes, or until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency.

2. Swirl in the Strawberry Puree
   Once the ice cream is churned, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Spoon the cooled strawberry puree on top of the ice cream in a few places, and then use a spoon or knife to gently swirl the strawberry puree into the vanilla ice cream. Be careful not to overmix; you want to create a beautiful swirl pattern, not fully combine the two.

Step 4: Freeze and Serve

1. Freeze the Ice Cream
   After swirling in the strawberry mixture, cover the ice cream container with a lid and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the ice cream is firm and scoopable.

2. Serve
   Once the ice cream has hardened, scoop it into bowls or cones and serve immediately. You can garnish with extra fresh strawberries or a drizzle of strawberry sauce for extra flavor.

Tips and Variations

1. Make It Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut milk and coconut cream. This will give the ice cream a slightly tropical flavor to complement the strawberry.

2. Use Other Fruits: You can replace the strawberry swirl with other fruit swirls, like blueberry or raspberry, for a different fruity variation.

3. Add-ins: If you like texture in your ice cream, add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or cookie crumbs after churning, and swirl them in gently before freezing.

Health Benefits

1. Strawberries: Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, all of which help boost your immune system and improve digestion.

2. Vanilla: Vanilla extract is a natural antioxidant and has calming properties, promoting relaxation.

3. Egg Yolks: Egg yolks contain healthy fats and essential vitamins that support overall health, including healthy skin and improved immune function.

Storage

Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping to soften.

Conclusion

Vanilla ice cream with strawberry swirl is a classic, refreshing dessert that combines the creamy richness of vanilla with the sweet, tangy burst of strawberry. Whether served as a simple treat or topped with additional fruits and sauces, this homemade ice cream is sure to become a family favorite. Easy to make and full of flavor, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy the delightful combination of vanilla and strawberry in every bite!