Creamy Dreamy Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

My go-to homemade ice cream recipe! Luxuriously smooth vanilla bean ice cream, richer than shop-bought. Custard base for perfect texture. Get the secret!

June 9, 2025
By Sandra.

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Alright, let's dive into this homemade ice cream recipe ! Ever had that craving for real, proper vanilla ice cream ? The kind that tastes like sunshine and childhood memories? Honestly, shop-bought stuff just doesn't cut it, does it?

Recipe Introduction: Your Ticket to Creamy Bliss

This easy vanilla ice cream homemade recipe is your gateway to ice cream nirvana. it's more than just a dessert; it's an experience.

We're talking creamy, dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness, packed with real vanilla flavour.

What Makes This Ice Cream So Special?

This isn't just any homemade vanilla icecream recipe. we're making a custard base. it is slightly more work but the depth of flavour is totally worth it.

Custard gives you that rich, velvety texture you simply can't get otherwise.

This recipe gives about 6-8 servings of utter happiness. plus, it's the perfect excuse for a summer bbq or a cosy night in.

It takes around 4 hours of chilling and churning to get it spot on.

Health and Happiness: A Winning Combo

While it is not a health food, vanilla is rich in antioxidants. What is not to love in every spoon?

Ready to Get Started?

Now that you are hooked, let's gather the ingredients and get this party started. don't be put off by "custard", it's easier than you think.

And trust me, the results are phenomenal. plus, it's a fun little project to do with the kids. next up? the ingredients you will need to make the best ever homemade vanilla ice cream recipe .

Right then, let's dive into the nitty-gritty – the ingredients and gear you'll need to whip up this amazing homemade ice cream recipe ! honestly, getting these bits right is half the battle.

Trust me, i've had my share of ice cream disasters because i skimped on ingredients or tried to wing it with the wrong equipment.

Not fun, let me tell you.

Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

It all starts with top-notch ingredients. I am talking about the real deal if you want that Easy Vanilla Ice Cream Homemade taste. Forget the cheap stuff!

Main Ingredients: Creamy Goodness

• Heavy Cream: 2 cups (475 ml) . This is the queen! Make sure it's properly heavy, at least 36% milk fat. The higher the fat content, the creamier the ice cream.
• Whole Milk: 1 cup (235 ml) . Whole milk provides the right balance of richness and liquid.
• Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup (150g) . Adjust to your sweetness preference. I sometimes sneak in a tablespoon of brown sugar for a hint of molasses.
• Sea Salt: A tiny pinch! Enhances the sweetness, you know?
• Vanilla Bean: 1 . Split it lengthwise and scrape out those beautiful seeds. You can also use 2 tsp of proper vanilla extract, but fresh vanilla bean is where it's at for that Homemade Old Fashion Vanilla Ice Cream Recipes flavor.
• Egg Yolks: 6 large . These create the rich, custard base. Free-range if possible!

Seasoning Notes: Little Extras

• Essential Spice Combo: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm, comforting touch.
• Flavor Enhancers: A splash of bourbon or rum extract amps things up.
• Vanilla Extract: If you're going for an Easy Vanilla Ice Cream Homemade adding an additional teaspoon will boost the flavor.
• Quick Swaps: If you don’t have vanilla extract, a bit of almond extract will do in a pinch, but go easy on it!

Equipment: Get Your Gear On

You don't need a fancy, space-age lab to make incredible ice cream. Just a few essentials.

Essential Tools

• Saucepan: Medium-sized, for cooking the custard.
• Whisk: For smooth, lump-free custard.
• Heatproof Bowl: Glass or stainless steel, for tempering eggs.
• Fine-Mesh Sieve: For straining any pesky lumps from the custard. Honestly, this saves the day!
• Ice Bath: Large bowl filled with ice and water. Cools down the custard quickly, preventing bacteria growth.
• Ice Cream Maker: The heart of the operation. A Cuisinart Ice Cream maker is great, but any reliable machine will do.

Household Alternatives

• No Ice Cream Machine: If you're after Vanilla No Churn Ice Cream recipes, you can skip the machine altogether and look up recipes for that 3 Ingredient No Churn Ice Cream . They involve condensed milk and heavy cream, usually. It's easier but not quite the same, mind you.

So there you have it. with this collection of ingredients and the right equipment, you’re more than set to make some delicious home made strawberry ice cream recipes or even a homemade vanilla icecream that will leave everyone impressed!.

Good luck. you got this!

Alright, let's dive into this homemade ice cream recipe . forget shop-bought! we're making easy vanilla ice cream homemade . trust me, it's easier than finding a decent parking spot on a saturday.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place, Sorted!

First, let's get organised. it's called "mise en place" - fancy french for "everything in its place". honestly, it just means chopping stuff before you start cooking.

Grab your 2 cups heavy cream , 1 cup whole milk , and get ready. next, measure out ¾ cup granulated sugar and a tiny pinch of salt.

Oh my gosh, don't forget that glorious vanilla bean or vanilla extract! crack open your 6 egg yolks into a separate bowl.

Time Savers and Safety

Whisk those yolks before you start heating anything. It saves time. Now, remember, we're dealing with raw eggs here. Wash your hands! It's just good sense, innit?

The Creamy Process: Step-by-Step

Alright, let's go!

1. Infuse that Cream: In a saucepan, combine the cream, milk, sugar, salt, and vanilla. Heat it up! Stir until the sugar disappears. Bring it just to a simmer.
2. Temper Those Yolks: Grab that heatproof bowl with the yolks. Slowly drizzle some of the warm cream mixture in while whisking. Don't want scrambled eggs!
3. Cook the Custard Magic: Pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan. Cook on low heat, stirring like your life depends on it. It'll thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon. It takes 5- 10 minutes .
4. Chill Out, Custard: Immediately pour the custard through a sieve into a bowl in an ice bath. Cool it down super quick. This prevents gritty bits. Chill for at least 2 hours , or better, overnight.
5. Churn, Baby, Churn: Pour the chilled custard into your ice cream maker. Churn as the maker tells you to.
6. Harden Up (Optional): Scooping time is so close! Transfer the churned ice cream to a container. Freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up.

Pro Tips for Ice Cream Glory

Okay, listen up!

• Don't boil that custard! Seriously. It ruins everything.
• Chilling it properly gives the best smooth result, it's the secret!
• If you want Home Made Strawberry Ice Cream Recipes , fold in macerated strawberries at the end.

Easy homemade strawberry ice cream is always a winner. or why not try vanilla no churn ice cream by skipping the ice cream maker altogether, but for that you need an egg free base! a bit of homemade vanilla icecream really does sort everything out.

If you're after homemade old fashion vanilla ice cream recipes , this is pretty close!

Fancy using your ice cream recipes machine ? give this custard recipe a whirl. honestly, cuisinart ice cream machines love this recipe.

Don't over-churn, or you'll get grainy ice cream. right, time for a cuppa.

Recipe Notes

So, you've got the homemade ice cream recipe down, haven't you? ace! but before you dive in, let's cover some handy notes and tricks i've picked up along the way.

Honestly, these little things can make all the difference.

Sweet Serving Ideas

Let's talk presentation. first impressions matter, you know? plating your easy vanilla ice cream homemade can elevate it to something truly special.

I love serving mine in chilled bowls, maybe with a sprig of mint. talk about fancy!

And what to pair it with? this goes so well alongside a warm slice of apple pie or a rich chocolate brownie.

A cheeky glass of dessert wine wouldn't go amiss either, wink wink! for my home made strawberry ice cream recipes i usually serve with fresh fruit or strawberry coulis for extra berry kick.

Storage Secrets

Right, what if you've got leftovers? no worries! your homemade vanilla icecream will keep well in the freezer. just make sure it’s in an airtight container.

I like to portion mine out into smaller tubs. that way, i can grab a single serving whenever the craving hits.

It'll stay good for about a month, although let's be honest, it never lasts that long in my house! when reheating, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.

Playing with Flavors

Fancy mixing things up? you can easily adapt this homemade ice cream recipes machine to suit your taste. for a seasonal twist, swap out the vanilla for some pumpkin spice in the autumn.

Trust me, it's a game-changer.

For my gluten-free mates, just make sure any toppings you add are gluten-free. and for a dairy-free version, experiment with coconut milk.

The results are surprisingly delicious! when making easy homemade strawberry ice cream , you can use any frozen berries you have.

Nutrition Nitty-Gritty

Okay, let’s talk a bit about the good stuff… sort of! indulging in homemade ice cream is amazing, but knowing what's in it helps you make informed choices.

Obviously, this isn’t health food. but the beauty of a homemade vanilla ice cream recipe is that you control the ingredients.

Each serving has a good dose of fat, but it’s all about balance, right? plus, a little sugar boost can be just what you need after a long day.

Moderation is key, as they say, with easy homemade ice cream .

So there you have it! my little notes to help you on your ice cream maker recipes journey. remember, don't be afraid to experiment.

Making your own vanilla no churn ice cream should be fun. go on, get churning! you might just surprise yourself!

I swear Churn Ice Cream Recipes Homemade No Eggs are really easy.

Creamy Dreamy Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe Card

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Preparation time:02 Hrs 20 Mins

Cooking time:25 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (475 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (235 ml) whole milk
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• Pinch of sea salt
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and seeds scraped (or 2 tsp vanilla extract)
• 6 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (if using the vanilla bean; optional, for extra punch)

Instructions:

1. Combine cream, milk, sugar, salt, and vanilla bean (pod and seeds) in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Bring just to a simmer (bubbles forming around the edges). Remove from heat.
2. In a heatproof bowl, whisk the egg yolks until slightly lightened in colour. Gradually whisk a small amount of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks to temper them (this prevents them from scrambling).
3. Slowly pour the tempered egg yolk mixture into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture, whisking constantly. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon. This should take about 5-10 minutes. A line drawn on the coated spoon with your finger should remain visible. Important: Do not boil, or the custard will curdle.
4. Immediately pour the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl set inside an ice bath. Stir frequently to cool the custard quickly. Add vanilla extract (if using). Once cool, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
5. Pour the chilled custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions.
6. Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours to harden further before serving.