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Homemade Ice Cream Recipe

this homemade ice cream recipe is a dream come true. It’s creamy, rich, and loaded with vanilla flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 260 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

  • Warm the Milk & Sugar (5 minutes)
  • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, cream, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, about 3–5 minutes. Do not let it boil.
  • Temper the Eggs (5 minutes)
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly pour about ½ cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly. Then pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan.
  • Cook the Custard (6–8 minutes)
  • Cook over low to medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of the spoon and leaves a clean line when you run your finger through it.
  • Strain and Chill (2–3 hours)
  • Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Stir in the vanilla extract. Cover with plastic wrap (press it directly onto the surface to prevent skin) and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled.
  • Churn (20–25 minutes)
  • Pour the chilled custard into your ice cream machine and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions. It usually takes 20–25 minutes until it looks like soft serve.
  • Freeze (4 hours or overnight)
  • Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container. Cover with plastic wrap or parchment directly on the surface and freeze until firm.

Notes

Use a vanilla bean for deep, floral vanilla notes. But extract works just fine too!
Don’t rush this step—overheating can cause scrambled eggs.
Freeze the bowl of your ice cream maker overnight for best results!
Try scooping it into mason jars for make-ahead individual sundaes at parties!
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