Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Homemade vanilla ice cream is a classic dessert that countless people love. It’s rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying on a hot day. Making your own ice cream at home isn’t just fun; it also lets you control the ingredients and flavors. Plus, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a bowl of ice cream that you made yourself!

Why Make This Recipe

Making homemade vanilla ice cream is a great choice for many reasons. First, it’s a wonderful treat that you can customize to fit your taste. You can add your favorite flavors or toppings. Second, the freshness of homemade ice cream offers a taste that store-bought cannot match. Lastly, it’s a fun activity to do with family or friends, creating sweet memories while you enjoy a delicious treat together.

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Ingredients

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
5 large egg yolks

Directions

Prepare the Custard Base: In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream and whole milk over medium heat until it begins to steam, but not boil. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and salt until smooth and pale.
Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour about half of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Gradually pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture while continuing to whisk.
Cook the Custard: Place the saucepan over low heat and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon. This should take about 5-8 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, or the eggs may scramble.
Chill the Custard: Once the custard has thickened, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the custard into a clean bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled.
Churn the Ice Cream: Once the custard is chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually 20-30 minutes).
Freeze: After churning, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow it to firm up.
Serve & Enjoy: Scoop out the creamy, homemade vanilla ice cream and enjoy its rich flavor! Tip: You can mix in your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips, caramel swirls, or fresh fruit before freezing for extra flavor!

How to Serve Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

You can serve homemade vanilla ice cream in bowls or cones. It pairs wonderfully with warm desserts like brownies or apple pie. Try adding fresh fruits or toppings like sprinkles, chocolate syrup, or nuts to make it even more delightful.

How to Store Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Store your homemade vanilla ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. This will help keep it fresh and prevent ice crystals from forming. It should last for about two weeks, but it’s so delicious that it might not last that long!

Tips to Make Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Don’t rush the chilling process; make sure the custard is well chilled before churning.
Keep an eye on the custard while cooking to prevent it from scrambling.

Variation

You can change up the flavor by adding mix-ins like crushed cookies, berries, or various extracts (like almond or mint) to your base. This recipe is very adaptable!

FAQs

1. Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes! You can mix the custard in a bowl every 30 minutes for about 3-4 hours until it reaches the desired consistency.

2. How long does it take to make homemade vanilla ice cream?
From start to finish, it takes about 6-8 hours, including chilling and freezing time.

3. Can I use a sugar substitute?
Yes, you can use sugar substitutes that measure like sugar. However, the texture may be slightly different.

Enjoy making and savoring your homemade vanilla ice cream!