There’s nothing quite like the creamy, sweet and indulgent taste of homemade vanilla bean ice cream. This classic dessert is a favorite for people of all ages and can be enjoyed on its own, with a slice of pie, or alongside a warm brownie. And the best part? Making your own vanilla bean ice cream is easier than you might think.

To make this delectable treat at home, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients: heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, egg yolks, a vanilla bean, and a pinch of salt. The key to a truly delicious vanilla bean ice cream lies in the use of real vanilla beans, which add an intense, aromatic flavor that can’t be replicated with extract.

To start, split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds with the back of a knife. Place the seeds and the empty pod in a saucepan with the heavy cream and whole milk. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove the pan from the heat and let the flavors infuse for about 30 minutes.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually pour a small amount of the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Once tempered, pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream and milk. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Be careful not to let it boil, as this can cause the eggs to curdle.

Once the custard base is ready, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the vanilla bean pod and any cooked egg bits. Allow the custard to cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling the custard thoroughly is crucial for achieving a smooth and creamy texture in the finished ice cream.

Once the custard is fully chilled, it’s time to churn it in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The churning process incorporates air into the custard, giving the ice cream its characteristic light and airy texture. When the ice cream is almost done churning, you can add any mix-ins you like, such as chocolate chips, toasted nuts, or fruit. Finally, transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze it for several hours until firm.

The result? A lusciously creamy, silky smooth vanilla bean ice cream with real flecks of vanilla bean throughout. The rich and indulgent flavors are incomparable to store-bought varieties, making this homemade ice cream a truly special treat for any occasion.

So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of homemade vanilla bean ice cream? Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also a fun and rewarding way to spend an afternoon in the kitchen. And with just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a scoop of this classic dessert anytime you please.