Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
There’s nothing quite like a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on a hot day. Making your own homemade vanilla ice cream is easier than you might think! With just a few ingredients and a little bit of effort, you can create a delicious dessert that is sure to impress friends and family.
Why make this recipe?
Homemade vanilla ice cream allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring that you enjoy a treat that’s free of preservatives and artificial flavors. Plus, the taste of freshly made ice cream is unbeatable! It’s perfect for topping off a slice of cake, enjoying on its own, or sharing at a gathering. 🥳🍦
How to prepare Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream 🥛
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk 🥛
- 3/4 cup (150g) sugar 🍬
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean) 🍦
- A pinch of salt 🧂
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract (or scraped insides of the vanilla bean), and a pinch of salt until well combined. 🥄
- Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes.
- Once churned, the ice cream will be soft but creamy. For a firmer texture, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours. ❄️
- Remove from the freezer a few minutes before serving to let it soften slightly for easier scooping. 🍦
How to serve Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Serve your homemade vanilla ice cream in a bowl or cone. You can also add toppings like chocolate syrup, sprinkles, fresh fruit, or crushed cookies to elevate the treat even more! 🍫🍓🍪
How to store Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Store your homemade vanilla ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Just make sure to let it sit out for a few minutes before scooping, as it tends to harden. ❄️
Tips for preparing Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
- Make sure your ice cream maker bowl is fully frozen before you start the churning process.
- For a richer flavor, you can steep the vanilla bean in the milk for about 30 minutes before mixing.
- Clean your mixing bowl and beater immediately after use for easier cleanup later.
Variations
Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or berries to your vanilla ice cream base during the last few minutes of churning. You can also swap out the vanilla for peppermint extract or coffee to create different flavors! 🍫🍇☕
FAQs
1. Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes! You can pour the mixture into a shallow dish, freeze it, and stir it every 30-60 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency (about 3-4 hours).
2. How can I fix icy ice cream?
If your ice cream turns out icy, it may have been frozen too quickly. To fix it, mix it with a little bit of warm milk and churn it again. This will help reintroduce air and creaminess.
3. Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
While you can use low-fat milk, using whole milk will give your ice cream a creamier texture. If you want to cut back on calories, consider using half whole milk and half heavy cream for a balanced result.
Enjoy your homemade vanilla ice cream! 🍨