Indulge in the creamy, rich delight of homemade vanilla ice cream. This classic dessert is perfect for any occasion, offering a smooth texture and a burst of vanilla flavor that will leave you craving more. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a treat that rivals any store-bought version.
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in your kitchen, you might need to pick up heavy cream and pure vanilla extract if you don't already have them. Heavy cream is essential for achieving that rich, creamy texture, and pure vanilla extract provides a more authentic flavor compared to imitation vanilla.
Ingredients for Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Heavy cream: This is the primary ingredient that gives the ice cream its rich and creamy texture.
Whole milk: Adds a bit of lightness to the cream, balancing the texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the ice cream and helps to create a smooth texture.
Pure vanilla extract: Provides the authentic vanilla flavor that makes this ice cream so delicious.
Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To achieve a smoother texture in your homemade vanilla ice cream, make sure to chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours before pouring it into the ice cream maker. This step helps the cream and milk blend more evenly and allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a creamier final product.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream provides a rich and creamy texture similar to heavy cream and adds a subtle coconut flavor.
heavy cream - Substitute with evaporated milk: Evaporated milk has a similar consistency to heavy cream and can be used to reduce fat content.
whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that can be used to make the ice cream lighter and suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
whole milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk has a creamy texture and a neutral flavor, making it a good substitute for whole milk.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a slight floral note to the ice cream.
granulated sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a unique flavor and can be used as a natural sweetener.
pure vanilla extract - Substitute with vanilla bean paste: Vanilla bean paste has a more intense vanilla flavor and includes the seeds for a speckled appearance.
pure vanilla extract - Substitute with vanilla powder: Vanilla powder is a concentrated form of vanilla that can be used to achieve a strong vanilla flavor without adding liquid.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used to enhance the flavors with a slightly different mineral profile.
salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a coarser texture and can be used to control the saltiness more precisely.
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How To Store / Freeze Your Ice Cream
Ensure your homemade vanilla ice cream is completely churned and has reached a soft-serve consistency before transferring it to a storage container. This helps in achieving a smoother texture once frozen.
Use a lidded, airtight container to store your ice cream. This prevents ice crystals from forming and keeps the ice cream fresh. Opt for a shallow, flat container for quicker and more even freezing.
Before sealing the container, press a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream. This extra layer minimizes exposure to air and helps prevent freezer burn.
Label your container with the date of preparation. Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed within two weeks, although it can last up to a month if stored properly.
Store the ice cream in the coldest part of your freezer, typically the back. Avoid placing it in the freezer door where temperature fluctuations are more common.
When ready to serve, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. This makes scooping easier and enhances the creamy texture.
If you notice any ice crystals forming on the surface, scrape them off before serving. This ensures the best taste and texture for your dessert.
For long-term storage, consider dividing the ice cream into smaller portions. This reduces the number of times the entire batch is exposed to air and temperature changes, maintaining its quality.
Avoid refreezing melted ice cream. Once it has melted, the texture and flavor can be compromised. Instead, enjoy it as a milkshake or in a different dessert recipe.
How To Reheat Leftovers
First, remove the homemade vanilla ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes. This will soften it slightly, making it easier to scoop and enjoy.
If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Place the ice cream in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it on low power for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overdo it, as you don't want to melt it completely.
For a more even thaw, you can use a warm water bath. Fill a larger bowl with warm water and place the container of ice cream in it. Let it sit for a few minutes, checking frequently to ensure it doesn't melt too much.
If you have a bit more time, transfer the ice cream to the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes. This will soften it gradually and evenly, preserving its creamy texture.
For a gourmet touch, consider using a hot knife to scoop the ice cream. Run a knife under hot water, dry it off, and then use it to cut through the ice cream. This method ensures clean, smooth scoops without melting the entire container.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
Whisk: A utensil used to mix the ingredients together until the sugar is dissolved.
Ice cream maker: A machine that churns the mixture to incorporate air and freeze it into ice cream.
Lidded container: A container with a lid used to store the churned ice cream in the freezer.
Spatula: A tool used to transfer the churned ice cream from the ice cream maker to the lidded container.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-chill ingredients: Ensure the heavy cream and whole milk are well-chilled before starting. This helps the ice cream churn faster.
Use a mixer: Use an electric mixer to combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. It dissolves the sugar more quickly.
Quick freeze: Place the ice cream mixture in the freezer for 30 minutes before churning. This reduces the time needed in the ice cream maker.
Batch prep: Double the recipe and store extra ice cream mixture in the fridge for future use.
Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- ¾ cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1 pinch Salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Transfer the churned ice cream to a lidded container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses
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