Jeni’s Strawberry Ice Cream is a perfect blend of fresh, ripe strawberries and creamy, rich ice cream that captures the essence of summer in every bite. Known for its smooth texture and intense fruit flavor, this recipe brings Jeni’s famous artisanal quality right into our own kitchens. It’s a refreshing treat that’s both simple to make and incredibly satisfying.
We love how this recipe highlights the natural sweetness of strawberries without overwhelming the palate. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Jeni’s or just discovering it, this strawberry ice cream will quickly become a favorite. Let’s dive into making a batch that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
To craft Jeni’s Strawberry Ice Cream, we combine ripe, vibrant berries with a luscious, creamy base. Below, you’ll find the essential components broken down into two parts: the Strawberry Puree Ingredients and the Ice Cream Base Ingredients. Each plays a crucial role in delivering the signature fresh and intensely fruity flavor.
Strawberry Puree Ingredients
We start with the freshest strawberries to ensure that bright, summery flavor shines through. These simple ingredients highlight the natural sweetness and aroma of the fruit.
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (to enhance brightness and balance sweetness)
Ice Cream Base Ingredients
The ice cream base is what gives Jeni’s Strawberry Ice Cream its ultra-creamy texture and subtle richness. Combining dairy with sugar and a touch of vanilla, this base supports the strawberry puree flawlessly.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy cream | 2 cups | Use cold for best results |
| Whole milk | 1 cup | Full-fat for richness |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup | Balances tartness |
| Egg yolks | 4 large | Adds silkiness and body |
| Vanilla bean or extract | 1 teaspoon | Enhances overall flavor |
Together these ingredients promise a perfectly balanced ice cream – intensely fruity yet smooth and creamy. We measure each carefully to recreate Jeni’s celebrated recipe with precision.
Equipment Needed
To craft Jeni’s Strawberry Ice Cream with impeccable texture and flavor, having the right equipment is crucial. Below, we list each essential tool that ensures smooth preparation, proper blending, and ideal freezing.
Essential Tools for Strawberry Puree
- High-Speed Blender or Food Processor: We use this to puree fresh strawberries into a silky smooth consistency that maximizes fruit flavor.
- Fine Mesh Strainer: After blending, we strain the puree to remove seeds and pulp for a perfectly smooth base.
- Mixing Bowls: These are handy for combining the sugar and lemon juice with strawberries evenly.
Equipment for Ice Cream Base Preparation
- Medium Saucepan: To gently heat the cream, milk, and sugar without boiling.
- Whisk: Essential for continuously stirring while tempering egg yolks and blending the base to avoid curdling.
- Heatproof Mixing Bowl: For whipping egg yolks and mixing custard ingredients safely.
- Candy or Instant-Read Thermometer: Critical for monitoring temperature, ensuring custard reaches 170-175°F, the perfect point for thickening without scrambling eggs.
Freezing and Churning Tools
- Ice Cream Maker (with Freezing Bowl): We rely on a quality ice cream maker to churn the mixture, incorporating air for that signature creamy texture while it freezes.
- Spatula: For scraping down sides of the bowl and folding in the strawberry puree into the ice cream base with care.
- Freezer-Safe Container: To store finished ice cream securely, allowing it to firm up for at least several hours before serving.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| High-Speed Blender | Pureeing fresh strawberries |
| Fine Mesh Strainer | Achieving smooth strawberry puree |
| Mixing Bowls | Combining ingredients |
| Medium Saucepan | Heating cream and milk |
| Whisk | Stirring custard base |
| Heatproof Mixing Bowl | Mixing and tempering egg yolks |
| Candy/Instant-Read Thermometer | Monitoring custard temperature |
| Ice Cream Maker | Churning and aerating ice cream |
| Spatula | Folding and scraping ingredients |
| Freezer-Safe Container | Storing and firming the finished ice cream |
With this essential equipment, we set ourselves up to perfectly follow Jeni’s Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe. Proper tools help us achieve the iconic creamy texture and intense strawberry flavor that define this ice cream.
Prep Work
Before diving into the ice cream-making process, thorough prep work ensures we capture the intense strawberry flavor and achieve the creamy texture Jeni’s recipe is famous for.
Preparing the Strawberries
- Select ripe fresh strawberries that are fragrant and bright red, as they form the fruit-forward base of our ice cream.
- Rinse the strawberries gently under cold water to clean them without bruising.
- Hull the strawberries by removing the green stems and caps using a paring knife or strawberry huller.
- Dry the strawberries lightly with paper towels to avoid excess moisture in the puree.
- Slice the strawberries into halves or quarters depending on their size to facilitate even blending.
Making the Strawberry Puree
To maximize fresh strawberry flavor, we create a vibrant puree with precise steps:
- Combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and fresh lemon juice in a bowl. The sugar enhances sweetness while the lemon juice balances acidity and brightens flavor.
- Let the mixture macerate for 30 minutes at room temperature. This helps release natural juices and soften the fruit.
- Transfer the mixture to a high-speed blender and puree until smooth.
- Pour the puree through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl to remove seeds and pulp, creating a silky texture.
- Cover and chill the strawberry puree in the refrigerator until ready to fold into the ice cream base.
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Strawberries | 2 cups (sliced) | Base fruit for fresh flavor |
| Granulated Sugar | 1/2 cup | Sweetens and macerates the strawberries |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon | Balances sweetness and enhances aroma |
Preparing the Ice Cream Base
The ice cream base needs to be rich and smooth to perfectly complement the strawberry puree:
- In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and half of the granulated sugar. Heat gently over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
- In a separate heatproof mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks with the remaining sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.
- Slowly ladle about one cup of the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.
- Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream and milk.
- Cook the custard over low heat, stirring constantly with a heatproof spatula until it thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon and reaches an internal temperature of 170°F (77°C).
- Immediately strain the custard through a fine sieve into a clean bowl to remove any cooked egg bits.
- Stir in vanilla extract for added depth and flavor.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap pressed directly to the custard surface to prevent a skin from forming.
- Chill the base completely in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight before churning.
| Ingredient | Amount | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Cream | 2 cups | Provides richness and creamy texture |
| Whole Milk | 1 cup | Lightens the cream, balances texture |
| Granulated Sugar | 3/4 cup | Sweetens custard and aids browning |
| Egg Yolks | 5 large | Thickens and enriches custard |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon | Adds depth and aromatic flavor |
Our prep work creates the essential building blocks to produce the iconic Jeni’s Strawberry Ice Cream—intensely fruity, ultra-creamy, and irresistibly smooth.
Instructions
Follow these precise steps to craft Jeni’s Strawberry Ice Cream with its signature intense fruit flavor and ultra-creamy texture. Each phase builds on the last to achieve the perfect balance of richness and freshness.
Step 1: Making the Custard Base
- Heat the Dairy: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups heavy cream and 1 cup whole milk. Warm over medium heat until you see steam and tiny bubbles at the edges. Do not boil.
- Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar: While the dairy heats, whisk together 5 large egg yolks and ¾ cup granulated sugar in a heatproof bowl until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.
- Temper the Yolks: Slowly pour about ½ cup of the warm cream mixture into the yolk mixture while whisking constantly to raise the temperature without scrambling the eggs.
- Cook the Custard: Return the tempered yolk mixture to the saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a spatula, until the custard thickens and reaches 170°F to 175°F, coating the back of your spatula.
- Strain and Cool: Immediately strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any cooked egg bits. Let it cool slightly to room temperature.
Step 2: Combining the Strawberry Puree and Ice Cream Base
- Blend the Puree: Use your prepared strawberry puree made from fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Make sure it’s smooth and vibrant.
- Mix Together: Gently fold the strawberry puree into the cooled custard base until fully combined. The swirl of pink against the creamy custard should be even and inviting.
Step 3: Chilling the Mixture
- Transfer the combined mixture to an airtight container.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This deepens the flavors and ensures the base is cold enough for churning.
| Chilling Time | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 4 hours | Allow flavors to meld |
| Overnight | Enhance texture and flavor depth |
Step 4: Churning the Ice Cream
- Prepare the Ice Cream Maker: Follow your machine’s instructions on pre-freezing or setup.
- Pour the Mixture: Pour the chilled mixture into the ice cream maker bowl.
- Churn: Run the machine for 20 to 30 minutes until the mixture thickens to a soft-serve consistency. You will notice the glistening texture and strawberry aroma intensify as it churns.
Step 5: Freezing for Texture
- Transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container.
- Cover the surface with parchment paper directly on top to prevent ice crystals.
- Seal and freeze for 4 to 6 hours to firm up the texture to a scoopable consistency.
Serving Suggestions
To fully enjoy Jeni’s Strawberry Ice Cream, we recommend pairing it with complementary flavors and textures. The naturally sweet and creamy profile of this ice cream makes it versatile for many creative presentations.
Classic Pairings
Serve a generous scoop of Jeni’s Strawberry Ice Cream in a waffle cone or crisp sugar cone. The crunchy texture contrasts beautifully with the ice cream’s smoothness.
- Fresh berries such as blueberries or raspberries amplify the fruit intensity.
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze enhances the strawberry’s natural tartness.
- Mint leaves add a refreshing herbal note and brighten the presentation.
Dessert Enhancements
Elevate the experience by incorporating the ice cream into desserts. Here are some of our favorite ideas:
| Dessert Idea | Description |
|---|---|
| Strawberry Shortcake | Layer with buttery biscuits and whipped cream for a supreme summer treat. |
| Warm Brownies or Chocolate Cake | Top warm chocolate desserts with a scoop to balance richness with fruitiness. |
| Fruit Salad | Add a dollop to a medley of fruits for extra creaminess and flavor depth. |
Creative Serving Styles
Try these creative ways to serve Jeni’s Strawberry Ice Cream to impress guests or elevate a simple gathering:
- Ice Cream Sandwiches
Place a thick scoop between two shortbread or sugar cookies for a handheld delight.
- Float or Shake
Blend with sparkling lemonade or vanilla soda for a refreshing float or mix with milk for a creamy shake.
- Parfaits or Sundaes
Layer with granola, fresh strawberries, and a drizzle of honey or chocolate sauce for visual and textural interest.
Portion Tips for Serving
Maintaining the ideal portion ensures the flavors are balanced and the textures appealing.
| Portion Size | Description |
|---|---|
| 1/2 cup (about 4 oz) | Standard single serving |
| 1 cup (about 8 oz) | Generous dessert portion |
| Scoop Size | Use a medium scoop for consistency |
“Properly serving Jeni’s Strawberry Ice Cream elevates the eating experience by highlighting its creamy texture and vibrant strawberry flavor.”
By combining thoughtful pairings with well-planned presentation, we can make every serving of Jeni’s Strawberry Ice Cream unforgettable.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is crucial to preserving the intense fruit flavor and ultra-creamy texture of Jeni’s Strawberry Ice Cream. Follow these expert guidelines to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn.
Best Containers for Storage
- Use an airtight, freezer-safe container to lock out air and moisture.
- Opt for shallow, wide containers rather than tall ones to allow faster freezing and easier scooping.
- Avoid storing ice cream in the original ice cream maker bowl unless it has a tight-fitting lid designed for storage.
Freezer Temperature
Keep your freezer set to 0°F (-18°C) or below. This temperature ensures the ice cream stays firm without developing ice crystals that compromise texture.
Storage Duration
| Storage Time | Quality Expectation |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 week | Peak freshness and texture |
| 2 to 4 weeks | Slight loss of creaminess |
| Over 1 month | Noticeable ice crystals form |
Tip: For best taste and texture, enjoy homemade ice cream within two weeks of making it.
Preventing Ice Crystals
- Press a sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container.
- Avoid opening the container frequently to minimize temperature fluctuations.
Thawing and Serving
- Before serving, move the ice cream to the refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes to soften slightly, making scooping effortless while retaining its creamy consistency.
- Avoid letting the ice cream sit at room temperature excessively as this impacts texture.
By applying these storage tips, we ensure every scoop of our Jeni’s Strawberry Ice Cream remains a perfect celebration of fresh summer strawberries combined with rich, creamy delight.
Conclusion
Jeni’s Strawberry Ice Cream is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors and creamy indulgence. With the right ingredients, equipment, and attention to detail, we can recreate this iconic treat in our own kitchens.
Whether we’re enjoying it on a warm day or sharing it with friends and family, this recipe promises a delightful experience every time. Let’s embrace the process and savor the rich, fruity goodness that makes Jeni’s Strawberry Ice Cream truly unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Jeni’s Strawberry Ice Cream so special?
Jeni’s Strawberry Ice Cream combines fresh strawberries with a rich, creamy base to create an intensely fruity and smooth texture. The recipe highlights natural strawberry sweetness and uses quality ingredients to deliver a perfect balance of flavor and creaminess.
What ingredients are needed for the strawberry puree?
The strawberry puree requires fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. These ingredients enhance the fruit’s natural sweetness and aroma, creating a silky puree that forms the base of the ice cream’s flavor.
What is included in the ice cream base?
The ice cream base contains heavy cream, whole milk, egg yolks, granulated sugar, and vanilla. These work together to create a creamy, rich custard that complements the strawberry puree perfectly.
What equipment do I need to make this ice cream?
You’ll need a high-speed blender, fine mesh strainer, mixing bowls, medium saucepan, whisk, thermometer, ice cream maker, spatula, and a freezer-safe container to prepare and store the ice cream.
How do I prepare the strawberries for the puree?
Select ripe strawberries, clean them thoroughly, remove the hulls, and slice them. Then macerate the strawberries with sugar and lemon juice before blending into a smooth puree.
How is the ice cream custard base made?
Heat the cream and milk, whisk egg yolks with sugar, temper the yolks by slowly adding hot dairy, cook the custard until slightly thickened, and strain it to ensure smoothness.
What are the steps to make Jeni’s Strawberry Ice Cream?
Make the custard base, prepare and strain the strawberry puree, combine both, chill the mixture, churn in an ice cream maker, then freeze until firm for the best texture.
How should I serve Jeni’s Strawberry Ice Cream?
Serve it in waffle cones, with fresh berries, or drizzled with balsamic glaze. It also pairs well with shortcakes, brownies, fruit salad, or as ice cream sandwiches and parfaits.
How do I store this ice cream to maintain quality?
Store it in airtight, freezer-safe containers at 0°F (-18°C) or below. Press plastic wrap on the surface to prevent ice crystals, minimize container openings, and soften slightly before serving.
How long can I keep Jeni’s Strawberry Ice Cream in the freezer?
For best taste and texture, consume within 1 to 2 weeks when stored properly to retain its fresh strawberry flavor and creamy consistency.