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    Home » Recipes » Desserts

    Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

    Published: Jul 15, 2022 by Michelle · 11 Comments

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    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    This recipe for Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream is smooth, creamy and not too sweet. It features a rich, egg yolk custard base and is great in ice cream sandwiches, or on its own as a dessert.

    Two scoops of vanilla ice cream in stacked bowls, with spoon and waffle cone on the side.

    What is the difference between ice cream vs. ice milk

    The difference between ice cream and ice milk is that ice cream is made with heavy cream (with at least 10% milkfat).

    Ice milk, on the other hand is made with milk and has a milkfat of less than 10%.

    The texture of ice cream is undoubtedly more creamy and smooth than ice milk.

    Why you'll love this recipe

    This recipe for Vanilla Ice Cream is easy to make, as long as you have an ice cream machine or ice cream maker.

    If you don't have an ice cream maker, I've got easy no-churn recipes using condensed milk below:

    Pandan Ice Cream

    Mini Egg Ice Cream

    Black Sesame Ice Cream

    It's not too sweet and has a rich, creamy and custard-y flavor.

    The ice cream tastes way better than store-bought, without all those gums, preservatives and stabilizers.

    Using homemade vanilla extract gives it an undeniable vanilla flavor.

    It only takes 6 quality ingredients to make homemade vanilla ice cream.

    Overhead shot of a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a bowl.

    Ingredients you'll need

    • heavy whipping cream: also known as double cream; cold, with at least 36% milkfat (MF)
    • egg yolks: large egg yolks give the ice cream its rich custard flavour
    • granulated sugar: adds sweetness to the ice cream
    • vanilla extract: use the highest quality vanilla extract for the best flavour;
    • vanilla bean paste or vanilla pod: optional, but adds even more vanilla flavour with its tiny black specks
    • fine sea salt: balances the sweetness
    • whole milk: I recommend using whole dairy milk for rich flavour and not skim or 2% milk

    How to make the ice cream

    Pour the cold heavy cream into a large bowl or jar. Set aside (Step 1 below).

    Separate 6 egg yolks from the egg whites and place the egg yolks into a heat-safe bowl (Step 2 below). (Refrigerate or freeze the egg whites for later use).

    In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks with sugar, vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste (if using), pinch of salt and set aside (Step 3 and 4 below).

    Add the milk to a medium saucepan or pot and simmer over low heat until scalding hot (Step 5 below).

    While whisking the egg mixture, gradually pour in the warmed milk (known as tempering the eggs) (Step 6 below).

    Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low-medium heat, until the custard thickens. When you can draw a line on the back of a spatula or wooden spoon, the ice cream mixture is ready (Step 7 and 8 below).

    Pour the custard mixture through a sieve into the cold heavy cream (Step 9 below).

    Give the mixture a stir and cover with a lid/plastic wrap.

    Place the ice cream mixture into the refrigerator to chill for at least 6-8 hours, or overnight.

    The next day, churn the mixture according to your ice cream manufacturer's instructions.

    Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and place into the freezer.

    Freeze the ice cream for at least 6-8 hours, or until firm.

    Step by step instructions on how to make custard base for vanilla ice cream, with text overlay.

    How to serve

    Scoop the Vanilla Ice Cream and serve in Homemade Ice Cream Waffle Cones, or simply in a bowl.

    Place a scoop on a warm chocolate brownie.

    Or try it on crumble or pie.

    Add it to a root beer float, or Matcha Cream Soda.

    Blend it with strawberry milk to create a milkshake.

    Use the Vanilla Ice Cream base in Birthday Cake Ice Cream Sandwiches.

    How to store

    Keep the Vanilla Ice Cream in an airtight container in the freezer until ready to serve.

    Flavour ideas and add ins

    Have fun and customize the ice cream with additional flavours and mix-ins such as:

    • chocolate: cocoa, chocolate chips
    • sprinkles
    • fruit: raspberry, strawberry, cherry, blueberry
    • tea: matcha, hojicha
    • candy: Kit Kat, Coffee Crisp, M&Ms, etc.
    • cookies: Oreo
    • brownies: cheesecake

    Other ice cream recipes you may like

    Be sure to check out these ice cream dessert recipes:

    Birthday Cake Ice Cream Sandwiches

    Cold Brew Lavender Ice Cream

    Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream (No-Churn)

    No-Churn Matcha Ice Cream

    Matcha Ice Cream Sandwiches

    Let me know if you try out this recipe -- tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer or leave me a comment/rating below!

    Two scoops of vanilla ice cream in stacked bowls, with spoon and waffle cone on the side.

    Print Recipe
    5 from 8 votes

    Vanilla Ice Cream

    This recipe for Vanilla Ice Cream is smooth, creamy and not too sweet. It features a rich, egg yolk custard base and is great in ice cream sandwiches, or on its own as a dessert.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time10 mins
    Chilling Time6 hrs
    Total Time6 hrs 20 mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American, Canadian
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 224kcal
    Author: Michelle

    For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.

    Ingredients

    For key visual steps, refer to photos in the body of the post.

    • 500 ml heavy whipping cream (at least 36% milkfat) cold
    • 6 large egg yolks
    • 120 g granulated sugar
    • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract high-quality
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla bean pod) optional
    • pinch fine sea salt
    • 250 ml whole milk
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Pour the cold heavy cream into a large bowl or jar. Set aside.
    • Separate 6 egg yolks from the egg whites and place the egg yolks into a heat-safe bowl. (Refrigerate or freeze the egg whites for later use).
    • In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks with sugar, vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste (if using), pinch of salt and set aside.
    • Add the milk to a medium saucepan or pot and simmer over low heat until scalding hot.
    • While whisking the egg mixture, gradually pour in the warmed milk (known as tempering the eggs).
    • Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low-medium heat, until the custard thickens. When you can draw a line on the back of a spatula or wooden spoon, the ice cream mixture is ready.
    • Pour the ice cream mixture through a sieve into the cold heavy cream.
    • Give the mixture a stir and cover with a lid/plastic wrap.
    • Place into the refrigerator to chill for at least 6-8 hours, or overnight.
    • The next day, churn the ice cream according to your ice cream manufacturer's instructions.
    • Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and place into the freezer.
    • Freeze the ice cream for at least 6-8 hours, or until firm.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 224kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 142mg | Sodium: 24mg | Potassium: 83mg | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 774IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 0.3mg

    The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.

    Did you try this recipe?Mention @siftandsimmer or tag #siftandsimmer!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ben | Havocinthekitchen

      July 18, 2022 at 3:28 pm

      5 stars
      While I enjoy condensed milk ice cream every now and then, honestly you cannot beat a traditional custard ice cream. This looks so creamy and dreamy!

      Reply
    2. Linsey

      July 19, 2022 at 1:54 pm

      5 stars
      Always like rich and creamy vanilla ice cream!!! Nice treat!

      Reply
    3. Shadi

      July 29, 2022 at 6:24 pm

      5 stars
      This was amazing and such a treat! Thank you! Everyone in my family loved it.

      Reply
      • Michelle

        August 04, 2022 at 4:16 pm

        Thanks for giving the recipe a try, Shadi! Glad your family loved it 🙂

    4. Beth

      August 04, 2022 at 8:28 am

      5 stars
      I haven't made real ice cream like this in so long! I can't wait to try this recipe. It's so rich.

      Reply
    5. Suja MD

      August 07, 2022 at 6:43 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely delicious dish; thank you for this fantastic recipe! I will make it again!!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        August 08, 2022 at 6:55 am

        Thanks for trying out the recipe, Suja!! 🙂

    6. Savita

      August 20, 2022 at 2:06 pm

      5 stars
      I always love making ice cream at home, and this recipe turned out so well. Everyone in the family loved it. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Michelle

        August 20, 2022 at 5:24 pm

        Thank you so much, Savita! Glad your family enjoyed it!

    7. Kathleen

      November 04, 2022 at 9:01 am

      5 stars
      I love homemade ice creams especially those that are made with a custard base. It makes the ice cream much creamier and delicious!

      Reply
    8. Dannii

      December 20, 2022 at 12:05 pm

      5 stars
      You can't beat a classic vanilla ice cream and this was amazing. So easy to make too.

      Reply

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