Description
This homemade vanilla ice cream is rich, creamy, and packed with real vanilla flavor. Made with a classic custard base of milk, cream, egg yolks, and sugar, it churns up into a velvety smooth treat that’s far superior to anything from the store. Whether served on its own, paired with warm pie, or layered into sundaes, this ice cream is pure dessert perfection. With a little planning and some quality ingredients, you can bring that old-fashioned creamery taste right into your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 6 egg yolks
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Heat milk and cream in a saucepan until hot but not boiling. Steep with vanilla bean if using.
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale.
- Slowly temper yolks with warm milk mixture, then return to saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring, until custard thickens (170–175°F).
- Strain into a bowl, stir in vanilla extract and salt, and chill completely.
- Churn in an ice cream maker until soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze for 2–4 hours until firm before serving.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, chill the custard overnight before churning.
- Add vanilla bean paste for those classic specks.
- Always strain your custard for the silkiest texture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churned
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 140mg