Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Introduction

Homemade vanilla ice cream is one of life’s sweetest pleasures. It’s creamy, smooth, and full of rich vanilla flavor. Making this treat at home is easier than you might think, and it’s a fun activity to do with family or friends. You can serve it in bowls, or cones, or even on top of your favorite pie!

Why Make This Recipe

You should make this vanilla ice cream because it’s simple and delicious! There’s nothing quite like a scoop of creamy ice cream on a hot day or as a dessert after dinner. Plus, it’s way better than store-bought. You get to use fresh ingredients and customize the flavor just how you like it.

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Ingredients:

2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
1 cup (240ml) whole milk
3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
1 vanilla bean (or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract)
4 large egg yolks
A pinch of salt

Directions:

In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and half of the sugar. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add both the seeds and the pod to the saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to steam (don’t let it boil).
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar and salt until the mixture is pale and creamy.
Slowly pour a small amount of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly. This will prevent the yolks from scrambling. Gradually add the tempered yolks back into the saucepan with the cream mixture.
Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon (170–175°F or 77–80°C). Remove from heat and strain the cream through a fine-mesh sieve to discard the vanilla pod and any lumps.
Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
Once chilled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until thick and creamy.
Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours to firm up.
Serve in bowls or cones and enjoy the rich goodness of homemade vanilla!

How to Serve Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

You can serve homemade vanilla ice cream in a bowl or a cone. It’s delicious on its own or topped with chocolate syrup, fresh fruit, or sprinkles. It’s also great with warm desserts like apple pie or brownies!

How to Store Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

To store the ice cream, keep it in an airtight container in the freezer. It can last for about two weeks. Just remember to let it sit out for a few minutes before serving if it gets too hard.

Tips to Make Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Don’t rush the chilling process; the longer it cools, the better it will taste.
If you don’t have a vanilla bean, pure vanilla extract works perfectly too.

Variation

If you want to change things up, you can add mix-ins like chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or fruit. Just fold them in when the ice cream is almost done churning.

FAQs

Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes! You can freeze the mixture in a container and stir it every 30 minutes until it’s creamy.

How long does homemade vanilla ice cream last?
It lasts about two weeks in the freezer if stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
You can, but the ice cream may not be as creamy. Heavy cream is key to a rich taste!