Homemade vanilla bean ice cream is a classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a sweet treat to enjoy at home, making your own vanilla bean ice cream is a fun and rewarding experience. Plus, the rich and creamy texture and the fragrant vanilla flavor will surely impress your guests.
To make homemade vanilla bean ice cream, you’ll need a few ingredients and some time and patience. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for you to try:
Ingredients:
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 vanilla beans
– 6 large egg yolks
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Begin by preparing the vanilla beans. Using a sharp knife, split the vanilla beans lengthwise and scrape out the seeds using the back of the knife. Set the seeds aside and place the vanilla bean pods in a saucepan.
2. In the same saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and vanilla bean seeds. Heat the mixture on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a simmer. Once it simmers, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture steep for 30 minutes to allow the vanilla flavor to infuse into the cream.
3. While the cream mixture is steeping, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar in a separate bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. After the cream has finished steeping, gradually pour a small amount of the hot cream into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent them from curdling.
5. Once the eggs are tempered, return the entire mixture back to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
6. Remove the custard from the heat and strain it through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove the vanilla bean pods and any bits of cooked egg. Stir in the pure vanilla extract.
7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, making sure the wrap touches the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming, and refrigerate the custard for at least 4 hours or overnight until it’s completely chilled.
8. Once the custard is thoroughly chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
9. Transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container, cover it with a lid, and freeze for at least 4 hours or until it’s firm enough to scoop.
10. When you’re ready to serve, scoop the homemade vanilla bean ice cream into bowls or cones, and enjoy!
Making your own homemade vanilla bean ice cream is a delightful way to indulge in a classic dessert. With its simple ingredients and creamy texture, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, the next time you’re craving a sweet treat, try making your own vanilla bean ice cream and see just how delicious homemade can be.