There’s something magical about the rich and creamy texture of homemade vanilla ice cream. This recipe allows you to create a treat that is both smooth and full of timeless vanilla flavor. Made with only the finest ingredients, this homemade vanilla ice cream is a simple yet indulgent dessert that will leave you craving more. Perfect for any occasion, it’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress anyone with a sweet tooth. With this recipe, you can enjoy an irresistible homemade treat without any artificial additives.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 vanilla bean pod (optional, for a richer flavor)
- A pinch of salt
- 4 large egg yolks
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to steam, but not boil. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar completely.
- While the cream mixture heats up, whisk the egg yolks in a separate bowl until they become smooth and slightly pale in color. This step ensures a creamy texture in your ice cream.
- Once the cream mixture is hot, slowly pour about 1 cup of the hot mixture into the egg yolks while continuously whisking to temper the eggs. This process prevents the eggs from curdling.
- Gradually pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture. Stir constantly and cook over medium-low heat until the mixture thickens slightly. This may take around 5-8 minutes. You should be able to coat the back of a spoon with the custard.
- If you are using a vanilla bean, slice the pod lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add the seeds and the pod to the mixture for an added depth of flavor. Continue to cook for a minute or two. If you prefer to skip the vanilla bean, simply add the pure vanilla extract directly into the mixture and stir well.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any solids, including the vanilla bean pod.
- Allow the custard to cool to room temperature before covering it and refrigerating for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. Chilling the custard thoroughly ensures a smoother texture once it’s churned.
- After the custard is chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically takes 20-25 minutes.
- Once the ice cream has reached a soft-serve consistency, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for an additional 2-3 hours to firm up the texture.
- Serve your homemade vanilla ice cream in bowls or cones, and enjoy the smooth, creamy, and pure vanilla flavor!
Conclusion: This homemade vanilla ice cream recipe brings the best of both worlds—richness and simplicity. Whether you’re serving it on a hot summer day or as a special treat for family and friends, its creamy texture and full-bodied vanilla flavor will surely make it a crowd favorite. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a timeless dessert that tastes better than anything store-bought. Plus, you have the freedom to control the quality of ingredients, ensuring every scoop is pure perfection.