How to Make Vanilla Ice Cream
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar.
- Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves. Make sure it’s hot but not boiling—about 170-180°F (77-82°C).
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Let the mixture cool down to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight—chilling is key!
- Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn following the manufacturer’s instructions until it thickens to a soft-serve consistency.
- Transfer your ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours to firm up.
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, no worries! Pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze. Every 30 minutes, stir vigorously to break up ice crystals until fully frozen.
Nutrition Snapshot
A half-cup serving of this homemade vanilla ice cream contains roughly 250-300 calories. Most calories come from the cream’s fat, while sugar provides the sweet kick. It’s a treat, so enjoy it mindfully—though homemade means you control what goes in!
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Don’t boil the cream mixture: Boiling can ruin the texture, making it grainy or curdled. Heat just enough to dissolve the sugar.
- Chill thoroughly: If the base isn’t cold, your ice cream won’t churn properly and could end up icy or soft.
- Avoid over-churning: Too much churning adds air, resulting in fluffy ice cream rather than creamy richness.
- Freeze long enough: Let it harden in the freezer for a few hours after churning to develop perfect texture and flavor.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Scoop
- Use real vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste for a more intense, natural flavor.
- Cover the mixture while chilling to avoid fridge odors sneaking in.
- Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit after churning for extra fun!
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, freezing and stirring every 30 minutes is a great workaround.
Wrap Up
Making your own vanilla ice cream at home is easier and more rewarding than you might think. With just a handful of simple ingredients and some patience, you can whip up a creamy, flavorful dessert that beats any store brand. Perfect for hot summer days or cozy nights, this recipe is sure to become your go-to for homemade ice cream cravings. Give it a try, and treat yourself to the smoothest, most delicious vanilla ice cream ever!
