Prepare to be transported back to childhood with the most heavenly, melt-in-your-mouth vanilla ice cream you've ever tasted! This isn't just any ordinary dessert—this is a nostalgic journey crafted with love, using a simple yet magical recipe passed down through generations. Imagine a scoop so creamy, so rich, and so perfectly vanilla that it will make store-bought ice cream seem like a distant memory. Whether you're a dessert enthusiast or a novice in the kitchen, this foolproof recipe will have you creating restaurant-quality ice cream right in your own home.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 quart
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and salt, whisking them together to ensure even distribution.
- Pour the heavy cream and whole milk into the bowl with the sugar mixture, stirring gently until the sugar completely dissolves. Use a whisk to blend the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring no sugar crystals remain.
- Add the pure vanilla extract to the cream mixture, stirring to incorporate the flavor evenly throughout the liquid.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for 30-45 minutes to chill completely. This helps create a smoother ice cream texture.
- Remove the chilled mixture from the refrigerator and give it a quick stir to redistribute the vanilla.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker, following the manufacturer's instructions for churning. Typically, this takes 20-25 minutes until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid. Use a spatula to smooth the surface.
- Cover the container and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the ice cream to firm up completely.
- Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 3-5 minutes to soften slightly for easy scooping.
Tips
- Use high-quality ingredients: The secret to exceptional ice cream lies in using fresh, premium heavy cream and pure vanilla extract.
- Chill thoroughly: Ensure your mixture is completely cold before churning to achieve the smoothest texture possible.
- Don't rush the churning process: Follow your ice cream maker's instructions precisely and be patient during churning.
- For extra smoothness, consider straining the mixture before churning to remove any potential sugar crystals.
- Store your ice cream in a shallow, wide container to help it freeze more evenly and prevent ice crystal formation.
- If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can still make this recipe by using the "no-churn" method of whipping cream and condensing milk.
- Experiment with add-ins like crushed cookies, chocolate chips, or fresh fruit to create your own unique variations.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 340kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 100mg
