Description
This Classic Vanilla Ice Cream recipe is a timeless treat that’s creamy, smooth, and perfectly sweet. Made with simple ingredients, it’s the ultimate indulgence for summer or any time of year. Homemade ice cream is a classic favorite, and this one is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 5 large egg yolks
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling. Remove from heat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and salt together until smooth.
- Gradually pour about 1/2 cup of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Slowly pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the cream mixture, whisking continuously.
- Return the saucepan to the stove over medium-low heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (about 170°F/77°C).
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the custard through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl to remove any curdled bits.
- Allow the custard to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Once the mixture is chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Once the ice cream reaches the desired consistency, transfer it to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
- Scoop and enjoy your homemade vanilla ice cream!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a split vanilla bean to the cream mixture instead of using vanilla extract. Be sure to remove the bean before pouring the mixture through the strainer.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can freeze the mixture in a shallow dish, stirring every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals until the ice cream is firm and creamy.
- This recipe can be customized by adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or fresh fruit.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe (about 1/2 cup)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 120mg