Description
Classic homemade vanilla ice cream made with rich cream, milk, eggs, and pure vanilla extract. This creamy, smooth dessert is perfect for any occasion and can be customized with mix-ins for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- 5 large egg yolks
Instructions
- Warm the milk mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, and salt over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm but not boiling.
- Temper the egg yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the warm milk mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly to temper them and prevent curdling.
- Combine and thicken: Gradually whisk the tempered yolks back into the saucepan. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon, reaching about 170°F (77°C).
- Strain and chill: Remove from heat and strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any cooked egg bits. Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to chill thoroughly.
- Churn the ice cream: Once chilled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze to firm: Transfer the churned ice cream into a lidded container and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up before serving.
Notes
- For an intensified vanilla flavor, substitute vanilla extract with a vanilla bean pod by splitting and steeping it in the milk mixture during heating.
- Add mix-ins such as crushed cookies, chocolate chips, or nuts after churning for extra texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 4+ hours chilling time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
