Name: The Ultimate Ice Cream with Strawberries Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 360 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

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There’s nothing quite like a scoop of homemade ice cream with the sweet, tangy burst of fresh strawberries. This recipe combines the best of both worlds, creating a dessert that’s equal parts decadent and refreshing. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or craving a cool treat on a hot day, this ice cream with strawberries is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓

What makes this ice cream with strawberries recipe so special? For starters, the combination of rich, creamy ice cream and juicy, ripe strawberries is simply unbeatable. The contrast of textures – the smooth, velvety ice cream and the delightful bursts of fruit – creates a truly satisfying and indulgent experience. Plus, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make, with minimal prep time required. Whether you’re an experienced home chef or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of this delightful dessert in no time.

Ingredients

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

The beauty of this ice cream with strawberries recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of rich dairy and sweet, juicy strawberries creates the classic flavor profile that has made ice cream recipes perennially popular.

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, sugar, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the mixture into a shallow baking dish and refrigerate until completely chilled, about 2 hours.
Step 3: Once the ice cream base is chilled, transfer it to a food processor or high-powered blender and blend until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
Step 4: Fold in the sliced strawberries until evenly distributed. Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
Step 5: Serve the ice cream with strawberries scooped into bowls or cones. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Timing Overview

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Chill time: 2 hours
• Freeze time: 4 hours
• Total time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Compared to traditional ice cream recipes that can take up to an hour to prepare, this ice cream with strawberries saves you 45% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 351
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fat: 21g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 86mg

These ice cream with strawberries provide approximately 10% of your daily vitamin C requirements and 6% of your daily calcium needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.

🌱 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Reduced-fat option: Use low-fat or non-fat milk and Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
• Lower-carb version: Substitute a low-calorie sweetener like erythritol or xylitol for the granulated sugar.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use full-fat coconut milk or oat milk in place of the dairy ingredients.
• Added protein: Fold in a scoop of vanilla protein powder for an extra nutrient boost.
• Boost vegetables: Puree some fresh spinach or kale and mix it into the ice cream base for added vitamins and minerals.

These modifications can reduce calories by up to 25% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the ice cream with strawberries.

🎉 Serving Suggestions

• Serve the ice cream with strawberries warm, drizzled with a balsamic glaze or honey.
• Pair it with a crisp, buttery shortbread cookie or a sprinkle of toasted almonds or granola.
• Complement the dessert with a light, refreshing summer salad or a chilled fruit soup.
• For a festive occasion, create a sundae bar with various toppings like chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and sprinkles.

These serving suggestions can elevate the ice cream with strawberries into a truly impressive and well-rounded dessert experience.

⚠️ Cooking Pitfalls to Skip

• Overmixing: Be careful not to overmix the ice cream base after blending, as this can result in a grainy texture.
• Overchilling: If the base is left in the fridge for too long, it may become too firm and icy, making it difficult to scoop.
• Overcrowding the freezer: Make sure to leave enough space around the container for proper air circulation, or the ice cream may freeze unevenly.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure your ice cream with strawberries turns out perfectly creamy and scoopable every time.

🔒 Storage & Leftovers

These ice cream with strawberries retain their quality remarkably well:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing unbaked: The ice cream base can be frozen for up to 2 months before churning. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before blending and folding in the strawberries.
• Freezing baked: Scoop the finished ice cream into an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving.
• Reheating: To restore the creamy texture, let the frozen ice cream sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before scooping.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ice cream recipe in advance?

Absolutely! The ice cream base can be prepared and chilled up to 2 days in advance. Simply fold in the fresh strawberries just before freezing. You can also freeze the finished ice cream for up to 2 months, making it a great make-ahead dessert option.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can definitely use frozen strawberries in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before folding them into the ice cream base. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free?

As written, this recipe contains dairy in the form of heavy cream and whole milk. However, you can easily adapt it to be gluten-free and dairy-free by using non-dairy milk and cream alternatives, such as coconut milk or oat milk. Just be sure to check the labels on any substitutions to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

What if my ice cream is too hard or icy?

If your ice cream turns out too hard or icy, there are a few troubleshooting tips. First, make sure you’re not overchilling the base before churning. Additionally, avoid overmixing the base once it’s been blended. If the final ice cream is still too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping to soften it up.

Can I add other fruit or mix-ins to this recipe?

Absolutely! This ice cream recipe is highly versatile. Try folding in other fresh or frozen berries, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of caramel or chocolate sauce. Just be mindful of the additional moisture content and adjust the sugar as needed to maintain the right balance of sweetness.

🌈 Happy Cooking!

These ice cream with strawberries represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a refreshing summer dessert or an indulgent treat year-round, they’re sure to impress with their creamy texture and bursts of juicy, sweet strawberry. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these ice cream recipes demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the churning process. So grab some ripe strawberries, fire up your ice cream maker, and get ready to enjoy a truly delectable dessert that will have your friends and family raving.