Homemade Ice Cream Recipe (Strawberry & Vanilla)
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Strawberry Flavor:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (blended into puree)
- 2–3 tablespoons sugar (for the strawberries)
For Vanilla Flavor:
- 1 extra teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for stronger flavor)
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prepare the Base Mixture
Start by pouring the heavy cream into a large mixing bowl. Add the whole milk and sugar. Using a whisk or electric mixer, mix everything together until the sugar dissolves completely. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick but still pourable.
Add the vanilla extract and mix again. This forms your basic ice cream base, which can be used for multiple flavors.
Step 2: Divide the Mixture
Split the mixture into two equal portions:
- One for strawberry ice cream
- One for vanilla ice cream
Step 3: Prepare Strawberry Flavor
Wash and cut fresh strawberries. Blend them until smooth to create a puree. You can strain the puree if you want a smoother texture without seeds.
Add 2–3 tablespoons of sugar to the puree and mix well. Then pour the strawberry mixture into one portion of the ice cream base. Stir until fully combined. The color should turn a soft pink.
Step 4: Prepare Vanilla Flavor
For the vanilla portion, simply add a bit more vanilla extract if you want a stronger flavor. Mix gently.
Step 5: Pour into Containers
Pour each mixture into separate plastic or airtight containers, like the ones shown in the image. Make sure to leave a little space at the top because the mixture expands slightly when freezing.
Step 6: Freeze the Ice Cream
Place the containers in the freezer for about 2–3 hours. After this time, take them out and stir the mixture with a spoon or fork. This step helps break ice crystals and makes the texture creamy.
Return the containers to the freezer and repeat this process every 1–2 hours for about 6–8 hours total.
Step 7: Final Freezing
After several rounds of mixing, let the ice cream freeze completely for at least 8 hours or overnight. The texture will become thick, creamy, and scoopable.
Step 8: Serving
Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving. This makes scooping easier.
Serve in bowls or cones. You can also add toppings like:
- Fresh fruit
- Chocolate syrup
- Nuts
- Sprinkles
Tips for Best Results
- Use cold ingredients for better texture.
- Stirring during freezing is very important to avoid icy texture.
- You can experiment with other flavors like mango, chocolate, or coffee using the same base.
- Store in airtight containers to prevent freezer burn.