Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream is a creamy, rich dessert made with simple pantry staples. This recipe offers a smooth texture and comforting vanilla flavor, perfect for any occasion. Whether made with or without an ice cream maker, it can be easily customized and is sure to become a favorite treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes (including chilling and freezing)
- Yield: About 1 quart (4 servings) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-churn or ice cream maker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ¾ to 1 cup sugar
- 1 vanilla bean (split and seeds scraped) or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
Optional Ingredients for Custard-style Base
- 4 large egg yolks
Instructions
- Prepare the Ice Cream Base: Combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm but not boiling. If using egg yolks for custard-style ice cream, whisk them separately and slowly temper with some warmed milk before mixing all ingredients together.
- Infuse with Vanilla: Add vanilla bean seeds scraped directly from the pod or a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract into the warm base. Let the mixture steep off the heat to fully develop the vanilla aroma.
- Chill Thoroughly: Transfer the ice cream base to a bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to chill completely, ensuring a smooth churn and creamy texture.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn for 20-30 minutes according to manufacturer directions. Without a machine, freeze the base in a shallow container, stirring every 30 minutes for about 3 hours to break up ice crystals.
- Freeze to Firm Up: Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container and freeze for an additional 3-4 hours until firm and scoopable.
Notes
- Chill ingredients ahead of time to help the mixture freeze faster and smoother.
- Do not skip chilling the base before churning to maximize creaminess.
- Use pure vanilla extract or vanilla beans for the most authentic flavor.
- Taste the base before chilling and adjust sugar to your preference.
- Store ice cream in airtight containers to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: vanilla ice cream, homemade ice cream, no churn ice cream, custard ice cream, dairy dessert, easy ice cream
Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/homemade-vanilla-ice-cream/