Description
This Classic Vanilla Ice Cream recipe brings together the finest ingredients to create a smooth and indulgent frozen treat. With a rich custard base flavored with vanilla beans or extract, this ice cream is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Easy to make at home with or without an ice cream maker.
Ingredients
- Heavy Cream: 2 cups (480ml)
- Whole Milk: 1 cup (240ml)
- Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup (150g)
- Vanilla Bean: 1 whole, split and scraped (or 2 tsp vanilla extract)
- Egg Yolks: 5 large
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard:
- In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and vanilla bean (or vanilla extract). Heat over medium until it’s warm but not boiling. If using a vanilla bean, scrape the seeds into the mixture and add the pod as well.
- Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until pale and smooth.
- Temper the Egg Mixture:
- Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly to temper the eggs. This prevents them from scrambling.
- Cook the Custard:
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
- Strain and Cool:
- Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the vanilla pod and any curdled bits. Let it cool to room temperature.
- Chill:
- Place the custard in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to chill thoroughly.
- Churn the Ice Cream:
- If using an ice cream maker, churn the chilled custard according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- If making by hand, pour the mixture into a shallow dish and place it in the freezer. Stir every 30 minutes for 3-4 hours to break up ice crystals.
- Freeze and Serve:
- Once the ice cream has reached a soft-serve consistency, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for an additional 2-3 hours or until firm.
Notes
- For a more intense vanilla flavor, use vanilla beans rather than vanilla extract.
- This ice cream can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 week.
- Feel free to add mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit once the ice cream is churned.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: Classic vanilla ice cream, homemade vanilla ice cream, vanilla bean ice cream, easy ice cream recipe, custard ice cream