Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your kitchen into a gourmet dessert paradise! This Rich Vanilla Ice Cream isn't just a recipe—it's a luxurious experience that will make your taste buds dance with pure, silky-smooth delight. Imagine creating a dessert so creamy, so decadent, that store-bought ice cream will forever pale in comparison. With just a few simple ingredients and some kitchen magic, you'll craft a frozen treat that's guaranteed to impress family and friends, making you the ultimate dessert hero!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 5 large egg yolks
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, half of the sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it just begins to simmer and steam appears around the edges.
- While the cream mixture is heating, separate the egg yolks into a medium mixing bowl. Add the remaining sugar and whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened, creating a smooth custard base.
- Slowly temper the egg yolks by gradually pouring about 1/2 cup of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula.
- Cook the custard over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon and reaches approximately 175°F (79°C).
- Remove the custard from heat and immediately strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any potential scrambled egg bits.
- Cover the custard with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours or overnight until completely chilled.
- Once chilled, pour the custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically 20-25 minutes.
- Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container, smooth the top with a spatula, and cover with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to firm up and develop a rich, creamy texture.
- Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping.
Tips
- Use the highest quality ingredients: Fresh egg yolks and pure vanilla extract make a massive difference in flavor.
- Temperature is crucial! Use a cooking thermometer to ensure your custard reaches exactly 175°F for the perfect consistency.
- Strain your custard carefully to achieve a ultra-smooth texture without any egg bits.
- Chill the custard thoroughly before churning—patience is key to creamy ice cream.
- For extra richness, consider using Madagascar vanilla extract or scraping fresh vanilla beans.
- If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can still make this recipe by freezing and stirring the mixture every hour to break up ice crystals.
- Allow the ice cream to soften slightly before serving for the most luxurious scooping experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 250mg
