Making Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream is easier than you might think, and it’s a classic treat that everyone loves! With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can enjoy rich, creamy, and flavorful vanilla ice cream made right in your own kitchen.
Here’s a simple recipe for Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 5 large egg yolks (for a custard-style ice cream base)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Custard Base (Optional, for Creamier Texture):
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is warmed (but not boiling).
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth.
- Slowly pour a small amount of the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly. This process, called tempering, helps prevent the eggs from curdling.
- Gradually add the rest of the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, continuing to whisk.
- Pour the entire mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula. Cook until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Be careful not to let it boil.
- Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the custard through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl to remove any cooked egg bits.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Allow the custard to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours or overnight until fully chilled.
2. Churn the Ice Cream:
- Once your custard is chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically takes about 20-25 minutes, depending on the model.
- The ice cream will have a soft-serve consistency at this point.
3. Freeze to Firm Up:
- Transfer the churned ice cream into a lidded container and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Cover and place the container in the freezer for at least 4-6 hours or until the ice cream is firm and fully set.
4. Serve:
- Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- For a Lighter Version: If you prefer a less rich ice cream, you can skip the egg yolks and just mix the heavy cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. The texture will be a little less creamy but still delicious.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to stir in chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or fruit after the ice cream has finished churning, then freeze for a few hours to allow the add-ins to set.
- No Ice Cream Maker? You can also make this ice cream without an ice cream maker by placing the chilled mixture into a shallow container and freezing it. Every 30-45 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork to break up the ice crystals and ensure a smooth texture. Repeat this process until the ice cream is firm and creamy.
Enjoy!
Homemade vanilla ice cream is smooth, creamy, and bursting with vanilla flavor. It’s the perfect treat on its own or paired with your favorite toppings and desserts.