Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Discover the creamy, rich flavor of Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream with this easy-to-follow recipe perfect for dessert lovers of all skill levels. Crafted with simple, high-quality ingredients, this velvety ice cream offers natural vanilla aroma and customizable texture, making it an ideal treat for any occasion.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours (including chilling and freezing time)
- Yield: About 1 quart (4 servings) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean (split and scraped) or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 4 large egg yolks (optional, for custard texture)
- Pinch of salt
- Prepare the Vanilla Base: Warm the heavy cream and whole milk together in a saucepan over medium heat. If using a vanilla bean, split it open, scrape the seeds into the cream mixture, and add the pod as well. Heat until hot but not boiling to allow the vanilla to infuse.
- Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar together until pale and smooth, essential for a silky custard texture.
- Temper the Egg Mixture: Slowly pour a ladle of the hot cream into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly to prevent scrambling. Gradually pour the tempered egg yolks back into the saucepan with the remaining cream.
- Cook the Custard: Return the saucepan to low-medium heat and stir continuously until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, creating a creamy, smooth custard base.
- Chill the Mixture: Remove from heat, strain the custard to remove cooked egg bits and the vanilla pod, then refrigerate until completely cold, ideally several hours or overnight.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions to incorporate air and achieve a creamy texture.
- Freeze Before Serving: Transfer the churned ice cream into a lidded container and freeze for at least 2-4 hours to firm up for ideal scooping consistency.
Notes
- Use fresh cream, milk, and eggs for the best flavor and texture.
- Properly chill the custard before churning to avoid icy texture and improve creaminess.
- Choose pure vanilla extract or real vanilla beans to enhance flavor.
- Stop churning when the ice cream reaches soft-serve consistency to prevent over-dense texture.
- Adjust sugar levels to your preference or to balance any mix-ins.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: homemade vanilla ice cream, vanilla ice cream recipe, creamy ice cream, custard ice cream, easy dessert