Imagine a dessert that transports you to the vibrant streets of India with every single creamy spoonful - our Vanilla Chai Ice Cream is not just a treat, it's a sensory adventure! This isn't your ordinary ice cream; it's a luxurious blend of rich, velvety cream infused with warming chai spices that will make your taste buds dance with pure delight. Whether you're a chai lover, an ice cream enthusiast, or simply someone who craves an extraordinary dessert experience, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 1 quart
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon chai spice blend
- 4 egg yolks
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and chai spice blend. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves completely and mixture is hot but not boiling.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk egg yolks until smooth and pale yellow. Slowly temper the egg yolks by gradually adding about 1/2 cup of the hot cream mixture while continuously whisking to prevent scrambling.
- Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with remaining cream mixture. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon (approximately 170-175°F).
- Remove from heat and immediately strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any potential egg solids.
- Stir in vanilla extract and mix thoroughly. Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours or overnight until completely chilled.
- Once chilled, pour the custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer's instructions, typically 20-25 minutes until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container, smooth the top, and cover with plastic wrap. Freeze for an additional 2-3 hours until firm.
- Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality chai spice blend for the most authentic flavor profile
- Temper eggs slowly and carefully to prevent scrambling
- Always strain your custard to ensure a silky-smooth texture
- Chill the mixture thoroughly before churning for best results
- Allow the ice cream to soften slightly before serving for the perfect scoopable consistency
- Experiment with garnishes like crushed cardamom or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair
- Use an instant-read thermometer to nail the perfect custard temperature
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 667kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 291mg
