Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Quick answers for perfect vanilla bean ice cream: infusion, custard technique, substitutions, no-churn methods, and storage tips.
Gourmet vanilla ice cream like this is anything but...vanilla. This recipe is deliciously rich, fragrant, and sweet. With the recipe you serve a scoop of ice cream with a slice of pie, and not the other way around!
Yield: 6 servings
- Split and steep a real vanilla bean for the best, most fragrant flavor.
- Temper the egg yolks and cook the custard slowly until it coats a spoon to avoid curdling.
- Chill the base fully before churning and store airtight to keep a smooth texture.
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Preparation Instructions:
Pour the milk into a heavy pan with a split vanilla bean and bring slowly to a boil. Remove from heat, cover, and let infuse for 20 minutes. Take out the vanilla bean and scape the seeds into the liquid.
Beat the egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale. Gently reheat the milk or cream and beat a little of it into the egg yolks. Pour the egg mixture into the cream and return the pan to a low heat. Stir until the custard is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon; it will take several minutes. Do not let it boil, or you'll end up with scrambled eggs!
Remove the pan from the heat and continue to stir until it has almost cooled. Whip the whipping cream gently and fold it into the custard.
Place cream mixture into an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
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More About This Recipe
For quicker results, let the cream mixture cool in the fridge before placing in the machine. If you don't have a vanilla bean, you can substitute one teaspoon of extract. (You can also use both the real bean and extract for more vanilla flavor.)
If you enjoyed this recipe, check out more dessert recipes here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the egg yolks do in this recipe?
Egg yolks make a custard base. They add richness, improve mouthfeel, and act as emulsifiers so the ice cream stays smooth and less icy. Cook them gently with the warmed milk to thicken the mixture.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the texture will be lighter. The recipe works with milk or light cream plus heavy cream for body. If you want very rich ice cream, use more heavy cream. If you use only milk, expect a softer, less creamy result.
How do I get the most flavor from a vanilla bean?
Split the bean lengthwise, scrape the seeds into the milk, and add the pod to the pan. Heat gently to just below boiling, then remove from heat and let it steep for about 20 minutes before straining or removing the pod.
How do I avoid scrambled eggs when making the custard?
Temper the yolks by whisking in a small amount of hot milk before returning the mix to the pan. Cook over low heat while stirring constantly. Stop heating when the custard coats the back of a spoon or reaches about 170 to 175 F. Never let it boil.
Can I use vanilla extract instead of a vanilla bean?
Yes. Use about 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract per bean. For stronger flavor, you can combine a bean and a little extract. Add extract after the custard cools slightly to preserve the aroma.
Do I have to chill the custard before churning?
Yes. Chill the custard in the fridge or an ice bath until very cold. Cold base churns faster and makes smaller ice crystals, which yields creamier ice cream. Cooling also reduces strain on your ice cream maker.
How can I make this without an ice cream maker?
Pour the cold custard into a shallow, freezer-safe pan and freeze. Every 20 to 30 minutes, stir or whisk vigorously to break ice crystals until mostly frozen. For a smoother result, pulse frozen chunks in a food processor before final freeze.
How should I store the ice cream and how long will it keep?
Keep it in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed on the surface to limit air. Stored in the back of a very cold freezer, it keeps best quality for about 2 weeks. Texture may get firmer or slightly icy over longer storage. Let it sit 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature before scooping.
What do the egg yolks do in this recipe?
Egg yolks make a custard base. They add richness, improve mouthfeel, and act as emulsifiers so the ice cream stays smooth and less icy. Cook them gently with the warmed milk to thicken the mixture.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the texture will be lighter. The recipe works with milk or light cream plus heavy cream for body. If you want very rich ice cream, use more heavy cream. If you use only milk, expect a softer, less creamy result.
How do I get the most flavor from a vanilla bean?
Split the bean lengthwise, scrape the seeds into the milk, and add the pod to the pan. Heat gently to just below boiling, then remove from heat and let it steep for about 20 minutes before straining or removing the pod.
How do I avoid scrambled eggs when making the custard?
Temper the yolks by whisking in a small amount of hot milk before returning the mix to the pan. Cook over low heat while stirring constantly. Stop heating when the custard coats the back of a spoon or reaches about 170 to 175 F. Never let it boil.
Can I use vanilla extract instead of a vanilla bean?
Yes. Use about 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract per bean. For stronger flavor, you can combine a bean and a little extract. Add extract after the custard cools slightly to preserve the aroma.
Do I have to chill the custard before churning?
Yes. Chill the custard in the fridge or an ice bath until very cold. Cold base churns faster and makes smaller ice crystals, which yields creamier ice cream. Cooling also reduces strain on your ice cream maker.
How can I make this without an ice cream maker?
Pour the cold custard into a shallow, freezer-safe pan and freeze. Every 20 to 30 minutes, stir or whisk vigorously to break ice crystals until mostly frozen. For a smoother result, pulse frozen chunks in a food processor before final freeze.
How should I store the ice cream and how long will it keep?
Keep it in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed on the surface to limit air. Stored in the back of a very cold freezer, it keeps best quality for about 2 weeks. Texture may get firmer or slightly icy over longer storage. Let it sit 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature before scooping.
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