Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Bars

Enjoy these refreshing and indulgent Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Bars, perfect for summer or any time you crave a sweet and creamy treat. Made with a combination of real vanilla bean and strawberry swirls, these bars are a delightful blend of flavors. Their rich texture and natural sweetness make them a perfect homemade dessert for all ages.

Ingredients:

• For the Vanilla Bean Ice Cream:
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
• For the Strawberry Swirl:
  • 1½ cups fresh strawberries, chopped
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• For Dipping and Toppings:
  • 1½ cups white chocolate, melted
  • ½ cup dark chocolate sprinkles (optional)
  • Ice cream bar molds and sticks

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vanilla Bean Ice Cream:
   • In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla bean seeds, and the vanilla pod. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Do not let it boil.
   • Remove from heat and add a pinch of salt and vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to infuse.
2. Make the Strawberry Swirl:
   • In a small saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries release their juices and the mixture thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
   • Let the strawberry mixture cool, then blend it to create a smooth puree.
3. Assemble the Ice Cream Bars:
   • Once the vanilla bean mixture is chilled, churn it in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
   • Pour half of the vanilla ice cream into ice cream molds. Add a spoonful of strawberry swirl to each mold, then top with more vanilla ice cream. Use a stick to swirl the mixture gently.
   • Insert sticks and freeze the bars for at least 4 hours or until fully set.
4. Decorate the Bars:
   • Once the ice cream bars are frozen solid, carefully remove them from the molds.
   • Dip each bar into the melted white chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with dark chocolate sprinkles, if desired.
   • Place the bars back in the freezer to harden for about 15 minutes.

Additional Tips for Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Bars:

1. Serving Suggestion:
   Serve these ice cream bars straight from the freezer on a hot day for a refreshing treat. You can also add extra toppings like nuts or drizzled chocolate for a gourmet finish.
2. Storage:
   Store the ice cream bars in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. Make sure they are individually wrapped in parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. Customization:
   Feel free to swap the strawberries for other fruits like raspberries or blueberries, and use milk or dark chocolate for dipping.

FAQs About Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Bars:

1. Can I make these bars without an ice cream maker?
   Yes, you can freeze the mixture in the molds directly, stirring every hour to prevent ice crystals from forming.
2. Can I use store-bought vanilla ice cream?
   Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use your favorite vanilla ice cream and simply add the strawberry swirl and decorations.
3. How long do the ice cream bars take to freeze?
   It typically takes 4 to 6 hours for the bars to fully freeze, but freezing them overnight ensures the best texture.
4. Can I make this recipe vegan?
   Yes, you can substitute the cream and milk with coconut milk, and use vegan white chocolate for dipping.

Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Bars are a creamy, fruity dessert that combines the richness of vanilla bean ice cream with the sweetness of fresh strawberries. These homemade bars are simple to make and a perfect way to cool down on a hot day!