Indulge in the velvety smoothness of homemade vanilla bean ice cream, infused with the aromatic richness of pure vanilla beans and a hint of sweetness that lingers on your palate long after the last scoop. Prepare to savor every heavenly spoonful of this classic treat that will transport you to dessert heaven.
Vanilla bean ice cream is the quintessential dessert that always hits the spot. Its creamy texture and rich, sweet flavor make it a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints. The delicate yet distinctive taste of the vanilla beans is what truly sets it apart from other ice creams. The aroma of the beans is intoxicating and irresistible, and with every bite, you can taste the specks of vanilla bean scattered throughout the silky smooth ice cream. Making ice cream at home is surprisingly easy, and the result is a treat that will leave you and your loved ones swooning with pleasure. Whether enjoyed on its own or used as a topping for pies, cakes, or brownies, vanilla bean ice cream is a classic dessert that never goes out of style.
How to Make Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
This simple, decadent ice cream recipe can be made with just a few ingredients:
- 1 whole vanilla bean
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
- a pinch of salt (try using a few twists of vanilla salt for extra vanilla flavor)
- 1 cup of milk
Once you have gathered your ingredients, follow these steps to make approximately 1 1/2 pints of ice cream.
- Freeze Ice Cream Maker Insert: Make sure to freeze the container of your ice cream maker at least one day in advance.
- Split the Vanilla Bean: Split the vanilla bean lengthwise using a paring knife. Scrape out the seeds and put them into a small saucepan along with the empty pod. See the video below to see how to split a vanilla bean.
- Dissolve the Sugar: Add 1 cup of heavy cream, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat and whisk until the sugar dissolves. Once dissolved, remove from heat and let cool to room temp.
- Add Remaining Cream and Milk: Add the remaining cup of heavy cream and the milk. Whisk to combine. Cover and chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 4+ hours.
- Churn: Set up your ice cream maker when you’re ready to churn. Remove the empty vanilla pod from the liquid, dry it off, and save it for another use. Whisk well to incorporate the ingredients, then churn the ice cream according to your machine’s setting.
- Serve: Serve your vanilla bean ice cream directly from the ice cream maker or store it in freezer-safe containers.
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Equipment
- Ice Cream Maker
- Saucepan
- Measuring cups
- paring knife
Ingredients
- 1 whole vanilla bean
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Freeze Ice Cream Maker Insert: Make sure to freeze the container of your ice cream maker at least one day in advance.
- Split the Vanilla Bean: Split the vanilla bean lengthwise using a paring knife. Scrape out the seeds and put them into a small saucepan along with the empty pod.
- Dissolve the Sugar: Add 1 cup of heavy cream, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat and whisk until the sugar dissolves. Once dissolved, remove from heat and let cool to room temp.
- Add Remaining Cream and Milk: Add the remaining cup of heavy cream and the milk. Whisk to combine. Cover and chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 4+ hours.
- Churn: Set up your ice cream maker when you're ready to churn. Remove the empty vanilla pod from the liquid, dry it off, and save it for another use. Whisk well to incorporate the ingredients, then churn the ice cream according to your machine's setting.
- Serve: Serve your vanilla bean ice cream directly from the ice cream maker or store it in freezer-safe containers.
