Homemade Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe - Creamy & Flavorful Dessert

Intro:

Nothing beats the creamy indulgence of homemade vanilla ice cream. But what truly sets it apart from store-bought versions? The answer lies in the magic of vanilla beans. This recipe will show you how to make a smooth, rich, and flavorful vanilla bean ice cream that’s sure to impress. Using real vanilla beans gives your ice cream an authentic taste and a luxurious texture. Let’s dive into how easy it is to make vanilla bean ice cream that will leave everyone asking for more!

Ingredients:

• 2 vanilla beans ( available for purchase)

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 5 large egg yolks
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the vanilla beans:

·        Slice the vanilla beans in half lengthwise. Use the back of your knife to scrape the tiny black seeds from inside the pods.

2. Heat the cream and milk:

·        In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla seeds, and the scraped pods. Heat over medium heat until the mixture begins to simmer, then remove from heat. Let it steep for 10 minutes to infuse the flavor.

3. Whisk the egg yolks and sugar.

·        In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until smooth and slightly thickened.

4. Temper the Eggs:

·        Slowly pour the hot cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs (preventing them from scrambling). Once combined, return the mixture to the saucepan.

5. Cook the Custard:

·        Cook the custard over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. When the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon, remove it from the heat.

6. Chill the Custard:

·        Strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove the vanilla pods. Let it cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

7. Churn the Ice Cream:

·        Once the custard is chilled, churn it in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.

8. Freeze and Serve:

• Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm. Serve and enjoy the rich, velvety texture and pure vanilla flavor!

Conclusion:

Homemade vanilla bean ice cream is a true treat that showcases the complex and authentic flavor of vanilla beans. While vanilla extract is a convenient option, the depth of flavor provided by real vanilla beans makes this ice cream recipe a must-try for any baking enthusiast. So next time you're craving ice cream, make the switch to vanilla beans and indulge in a richer, more satisfying dessert!