Making homemade ice cream is a delightful process, and it allows you to customize flavors and ingredients according to your preferences. Here’s a basic recipe for classic vanilla ice cream:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ice Cream Maker: If you have a freezer-bowl ice cream maker, make sure the bowl is completely frozen according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes at least 24 hours.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the sugar is completely dissolved. Make sure the mixture is well combined.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight. This step helps the flavors meld together and ensures a smoother texture.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Set up your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pour the chilled mixture into the bowl of the ice cream maker and churn it until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes.
- Transfer and Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container. If you like a firmer texture, you can let it firm up in the freezer for a few hours before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop the homemade ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy it plain or with your favorite toppings!
Tips:
- For variations, you can add mix-ins like chocolate chips, crushed cookies, fruit purees, or nuts during the churning process.
- Experiment with different flavors by infusing the cream mixture with ingredients like coffee beans, cinnamon sticks, or citrus zest before chilling.
- To make a custard-based ice cream, you can add egg yolks to the mixture and cook it gently over low heat until thickened before chilling and churning.
Enjoy your delicious homemade ice cream!
