- Prepare the Custard Base:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and half of the sugar (3/8 cup). Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is hot and the sugar has dissolved. Do not let it boil.
- Whisk the Egg Yolks:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, the remaining sugar (3/8 cup), and a pinch of salt until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.
- Temper the Eggs:
- Slowly pour about 1 cup of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture while constantly whisking. This helps to gently warm the eggs and prevent them from curdling.
- Combine and Cook the Custard:
- Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or a heat-resistant spatula, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of the spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Do not let it boil, as this can cause the eggs to curdle.
- Strain and Cool the Custard:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the custard through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean mixing bowl. This step ensures a smooth custard by removing any bits of cooked egg.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Allow the custard to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Chilling the mixture thoroughly ensures a smoother texture in the final ice cream.
- Churn the Ice Cream:
- Once the custard is thoroughly chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes, depending on your machine.
- The ice cream will have a soft-serve consistency when it’s done churning.
- Freeze the Ice Cream:
- Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and place it in the freezer for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- Serve:
- Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy! You can also serve it with your favorite toppings, such as fresh fruit, chocolate sauce, or sprinkles.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream:
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality vanilla extract and fresh cream and milk for the best flavor and texture.
- Proper Chilling: Ensure the custard base is thoroughly chilled before churning. This helps the ice cream freeze faster and prevents ice crystals from forming.
- Storage: Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the coldest part of your freezer. To prevent ice crystals, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container.
Variations to Try:
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: For an even richer vanilla flavor, use a vanilla bean. Split the bean, scrape out the seeds, and add them to the cream mixture before heating.
- Mix-Ins: Fold in your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or chopped nuts, during the last few minutes of churning.
Conclusion:
Homemade vanilla ice cream is a classic and versatile dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it a favorite among all ages. Follow this detailed recipe and tips to create a delightful treat that everyone will love. Enjoy making and savoring your homemade vanilla ice cream!