Description
Indulge in the ultimate homemade vanilla ice cream, where simplicity meets decadence. This recipe delivers a velvety-smooth texture and rich vanilla flavor, making it a timeless dessert perfect for any occasion. Whether served alone or paired with your favorite toppings, it’s a guaranteed delight for all.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean or 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 5 large egg yolks
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Infuse the Vanilla Flavor:
- Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Combine the seeds, vanilla pod, heavy cream, whole milk, and half of the sugar in a medium saucepan.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to steam, but avoid boiling. Remove from heat, cover, and let it steep for 30 minutes to maximize the vanilla infusion.
- Prepare the Custard Base:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, remaining sugar, and salt until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.
- Gradually pour the warmed vanilla cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
- Cook the Custard:
- Return the custard mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.
- Heat until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon (170°F or 77°C). Do not let it boil.
- Strain and Cool:
- Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Discard the vanilla pod.
- Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
- Churn and Freeze:
- Pour the chilled custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container, cover, and freeze for 2-4 hours, or until firm.
- Serve:
- Scoop and serve your creamy vanilla ice cream as is or top with your favorite sauces, fruits, or sprinkles. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you don’t have a vanilla bean, substitute it with 1 tablespoon of high-quality vanilla extract, adding it after the custard is removed from heat.
- To enhance the richness, use a combination of heavy cream and half-and-half instead of whole milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup (8 servings total)
- Calories: 198 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 28 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 141 mg