Homemade ice cream is a delightful treat, especially when you can customize it to your taste. Here’s a simple recipe for classic vanilla ice cream:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 vanilla bean or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Ice
- Rock salt (if using an ice cream maker)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ice Cream Base:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and salt.
- If you’re using a vanilla bean, split it lengthwise with a sharp knife and scrape out the seeds. Add both the seeds and the pod to the saucepan. If you’re using vanilla extract, you’ll add it later.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to steam. Do not let it boil.
- Infuse the Mixture:
- Once the mixture is steaming, remove it from the heat and let it sit for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. If you used a vanilla bean, leave the pod in the mixture during this time.
- Chill the Mixture:
- After infusing, remove the vanilla bean pod if used. If you used vanilla extract, stir it in now.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the mixture to prevent a skin from forming.
- Refrigerate the mixture until completely chilled, preferably overnight.
- Churn the Ice Cream:
- If you have an ice cream maker, churn the mixture according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make ice cream! Pour the chilled mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe dish and place it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture vigorously with a fork to break up ice crystals. Repeat until the ice cream is thick and creamy.
- Freeze the Ice Cream:
- Once the ice cream reaches the desired consistency, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Scoop your homemade vanilla ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy it plain or with your favorite toppings!
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit purees during the churning process. Enjoy your homemade ice cream!
