Classic Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

4 stars
4.40 (13)
Classic Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
40mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on November 17, 2023

Indulge in the creamy goodness of homemade vanilla ice cream with this classic recipe. Made with simple ingredients like cream, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, this ice cream is rich, velvety, and perfect to beat the summer heat. Whether you enjoy it on a cone, in a bowl, or as a base for your favorite desserts, this vanilla ice cream will surely delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

  1. In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar over medium heat until it reaches a simmer.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth.
  3. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot cream mixture into the bowl with the egg yolks while whisking continuously. This helps temper the eggs and prevent them from scrambling.
  4. Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-8 minutes.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
  6. Once cooled, cover the saucepan with plastic wrap, making sure the plastic wrap touches the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate the custard for at least 4 hours or overnight to chill completely.
  7. Once chilled, pour the custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions until it thickens and reaches a soft-serve consistency.
  8. Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
  9. Serve the homemade vanilla ice cream in bowls, cones, or as desired. Enjoy!

Interesting Facts

  • Vanilla is the most popular flavor of ice cream in the United States.
  • Ice cream can be traced back to ancient China, where it was made with a mixture of milk and rice.
  • July is National Ice Cream Month in the United States.