If you’re a fan of classic, creamy vanilla ice cream, then you’re going to love this delicious vanilla bean ice cream recipe. Made with real vanilla beans, this recipe offers a rich and decadent flavor that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– Pinch of salt
– 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
– 6 large egg yolks
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, sugar, salt, and the scraped vanilla bean (including the pod). Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to steam.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks until they become slightly thickened and lighter in color.

3. Once the cream mixture is steaming, slowly pour a small amount of it into the egg yolks while whisking constantly. This will temper the eggs and prevent them from curdling.

4. Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture, stirring constantly.

5. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove the vanilla bean pod and any potential bits of cooked egg.

7. Stir in the vanilla extract and let the custard cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.

8. Once the custard is thoroughly chilled, churn it in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

9. Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for a few hours, or until it reaches your desired consistency.

10. Scoop and enjoy your homemade, creamy vanilla bean ice cream!

This recipe yields about 1 quart of vanilla bean ice cream. It’s perfect for enjoying on its own, or paired with your favorite desserts like pie, brownies, or fresh fruit.

The real vanilla bean and pure vanilla extract give this ice cream a distinct, rich flavor that is hard to replicate with artificial flavorings. Plus, the creamy texture is absolutely irresistible.

So, if you’re in the mood for a classic treat that never goes out of style, give this delicious vanilla bean ice cream recipe a try. It’s sure to become a staple in your dessert rotation.