There’s nothing quite like the creamy, indulgent taste of homemade vanilla bean ice cream. With simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a decadent dessert that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Plus, making your own ice cream allows you to control the quality and quantity of ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more flavorful treat. Here are some simple steps to make homemade vanilla bean ice cream.

Ingredients:
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– Pinch of salt
– 1 vanilla bean
– 6 large egg yolks
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the saucepan. Add the vanilla pod as well. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it starts to steam. Do not let it boil.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks. Slowly add a ladleful of the hot cream mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Continue adding the hot cream in small increments, whisking constantly.

3. Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream and heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Discard the vanilla bean pod. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Chill the custard in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.

6. Once the custard is chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.

7. Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 3-4 hours, or until it’s firm enough to scoop.

Enjoy your homemade vanilla bean ice cream on its own, with a slice of pie, or as a topping for your favorite dessert. The rich, creamy texture and fragrant vanilla flavor are sure to make this a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. Plus, you can feel good about serving a treat that’s made with wholesome ingredients and lots of love.