Smooth, creamy, and fragrant with real vanilla, it’s the foundation of countless desserts and delicious all on its own. Here’s both a description and a foolproof recipe!
🍨 What It Is
Vanilla ice cream is made by churning a sweet custard base — milk, cream, sugar, and egg yolks — flavored with vanilla. The churning incorporates air and prevents large ice crystals from forming, giving it that irresistibly creamy texture.
You can use vanilla extract, vanilla paste, or (best of all) a whole vanilla bean for a rich, aromatic flavor.
🥄 Classic Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Makes: About 1 quart
Prep time: 25 minutes (plus chilling and freezing)
Ingredients
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2 cups heavy cream
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1 cup whole milk
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¾ cup sugar
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1 vanilla bean (split and scraped) or 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
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5 large egg yolks
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Pinch of salt
Instructions
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Heat the base:
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In a saucepan, combine cream, milk, half the sugar, salt, and vanilla bean seeds + pod.
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Heat gently over medium heat until steaming (don’t boil). Remove from heat and let steep 15–20 minutes.
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Whisk the yolks:
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In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks with remaining sugar until pale and thick.
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Temper and cook:
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Slowly pour some of the hot cream into the yolks while whisking (this prevents curdling).
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Return mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (around 170–175°F / 77–80°C).
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Strain and chill:
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Strain the custard through a fine sieve into a clean bowl.
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Stir in vanilla extract (if not using a vanilla bean).
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Cover and chill completely (at least 4 hours or overnight).
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Churn:
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Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer instructions (usually 20–25 minutes).
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Transfer to a lidded container and freeze until firm, about 2–4 hours.
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🍦 Serving Ideas
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Classic: In a waffle cone or sundae bowl with hot fudge.
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Elegant: Alongside warm fruit pie or molten chocolate cake.
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Fun: Sandwiched between cookies for homemade ice cream sandwiches.
Would you like me to generate an image of a scoop (or bowl) of creamy vanilla ice cream — realistic photo-style?
