This classic vanilla ice cream recipe is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed on its own or as a topping for various desserts. Made with simple ingredients like cream, sugar, and vanilla, it offers a rich and creamy texture that is hard to resist.
The recipe is straightforward and perfect for beginners, requiring minimal equipment. You can customize it by adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, fruits, or nuts to create your own unique flavors.
Creating the Perfect Vanilla Ice Cream
Vanilla ice cream is a timeless treat that brings joy to any occasion. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it a favorite among dessert lovers.
To achieve that perfect scoop, start with high-quality ingredients. Heavy cream and whole milk form the base, while granulated sugar and pure vanilla extract add sweetness and depth.
Mixing these ingredients is the first step. Whisk them together until the sugar dissolves completely, ensuring a smooth texture in the final product.
Chilling the Mixture
Once combined, it’s essential to chill the mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least two hours, or even overnight.
This chilling period is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld and ensures the mixture is cold enough for churning.
After chilling, the mixture will be ready for the ice cream maker, where it will transform into a delightful soft-serve consistency.
Churning to Perfection
Churning is where the magic happens. Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
This process incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a light and fluffy ice cream.
Typically, churning takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and you’ll know it’s ready when it reaches a soft-serve texture.
Freezing for Firmness
After churning, the ice cream needs to be transferred to an airtight container.
Freezing it for at least four hours will give it the firm texture that makes it perfect for scooping.
During this time, you can prepare your waffle cones and toppings, making the experience even more enjoyable.
Serving Suggestions
When it’s time to serve, scoop the creamy vanilla ice cream into waffle cones.
Top each scoop with colorful sprinkles and a cherry for that classic touch.
For an added twist, consider serving alongside fresh fruits on a picnic blanket, creating a cheerful outdoor setting that enhances the experience.
Enjoying the Experience
Whether enjoyed on a sunny day or during a cozy evening, vanilla ice cream brings a sense of happiness.
Its versatility allows it to pair well with various desserts or stand alone as a delightful treat.
Gather your loved ones, set up a picnic, and indulge in the simple pleasure of homemade vanilla ice cream topped with your favorite goodies.
Easy Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
This vanilla ice cream features a smooth and creamy base made from heavy cream, milk, sugar, and pure vanilla extract. The recipe takes about 30 minutes of active preparation and requires chilling time, yielding about 1 quart of ice cream.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight to ensure it is very cold.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Serve: Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy. You can also add toppings like chocolate sauce, sprinkles, or fresh fruit.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Churn Time: 20-30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 22g