How to Make Ice Cream (Ice Cream Recipe)

 

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

This recipe uses a classic custard base for a rich and creamy ice cream.

Yields: About 1 quart

Prep time: 20 minutes

Chill time: 2-4 hours

Churning time: 20-30 minutes

Ingredients:

 * 1 cup whole milk

 * 1 cup heavy cream

 * 1/2 cup granulated sugar

 * 4 large egg yolks

 * 1/4 teaspoon salt

 * 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Equipment:

 * Ice cream maker

 * Saucepan

 * Whisk

 * Heatproof bowl

Instructions:

 * Make the custard:

   * In a saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.

   * In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and salt.

   * Temper the eggs: Slowly pour a small amount of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly. This prevents the eggs from scrambling.

   * Gradually pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture.

   * Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Be careful not to let it boil, or the eggs will scramble.

   * Remove from heat and strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Stir in the vanilla extract.

 * Chill the custard:

   * Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap touches the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming.

   * Chill the custard in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until completely cold.

 * Churn the ice cream:

   * Pour the chilled custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. This usually takes 20-30 minutes.

   * The ice cream will be soft-serve consistency when it's finished churning.

 * Harden the ice cream:

   * Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container.

   * Cover the surface of the ice cream with plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals from forming.

   * Freeze for at least 2-3 hours, or until firm.

Tips and Variations:

 * For richer ice cream: Use heavy cream instead of whole milk.

 * Add-ins: Stir in your favorite mix-ins, such as chopped nuts, chocolate chips, fruit, or cookies, during the last few minutes of churning.

 * Flavors: Get creative with flavors! Try adding cocoa powder for chocolate ice cream, fruit purees for fruit flavors, or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

 * No ice cream maker? You can still make ice cream! Use the "rock salt and ice" method or a simple bag method. There are many tutorials available online.

Enjoy your homemade ice cream