Vanilla Ice Cream

Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe: an irresistibly creamy homemade dessert

Vanilla ice cream is one of the favorite desserts in many cultures, and making it at home has become both a simple and rewarding experience. Inspired by traditional French recipes like «French Vanilla Ice Cream», this version combines the smoothness of cream with the sweet aroma of vanilla, achieving a flavor and texture that surpass commercial options like Häagen-Dazs, La Michoacana, or Los Alpes. In 2025, with a focus on natural ingredients and simple techniques, this recipe is perfect for those who want to sweeten their afternoons with an artisanal touch, without complications and with professional results. From children to adults, everyone enjoys this refreshing and creamy ice cream, which also allows for experimenting with variations and accompaniments. Preparing it at home not only guarantees an authentic flavor but also invites sharing sweet and memorable family moments.

Preparation time

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 10 minutes
• Cooling: 4 hours
• Total: approximately 4 hours 30 minutes
• Servings: 8 to 10
• Difficulty: Easy

Essential ingredients to create perfect homemade vanilla ice cream

• 6 fresh egg yolks
• One good quality vanilla bean
• 1 ½ cup whole milk
• 1 ½ cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup white granulated sugar

For the base cream (custard)

• Whole milk and heavy cream, which provide the creamy structure of the ice cream
• Egg yolks, which give body and richness to the dessert
• Sugar to sweeten and balance the flavors
• Vanilla bean, whose authentic aroma and flavor enhance the dessert

Necessary utensils to prepare homemade vanilla ice cream

• A large mixing bowl
• A whisk or electric mixer
• A fine mesh sieve
• A saucepan to heat the milk and cream
• A silicone spatula
• Airtight container for freezing

How to prepare vanilla ice cream step by step: the ultimate guide

1. Prepare the base cream (custard)

1. Heat the milk and cream: In a saucepan, add the whole milk along with the heavy cream and the vanilla bean split lengthwise. Heat over medium heat until it begins to steam, but without letting it boil. This helps release the aromatic fibers of the vanilla, intensifying its flavor.
2. Mix the yolks and sugar: In a bowl, beat the yolks together with the sugar until you get a smooth, pale-colored mixture with good structure. It is important not to overbeat to prevent the yolks from cooking.
3. Temper the yolks: When the milk is hot, remove the bean and pour a little of the hot milk over the yolks, whisking constantly. This step prevents the yolks from curdling due to the sudden change in temperature. Then, slowly incorporate the rest of the hot milk, distilling smoothness and uniformity into the mixture.
4. Cook the cream: Return the entire mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a spatula or wooden spoon, until it thickens and coats the back of the spoon. The ideal point is reached when, upon running it through the spatula, it leaves a clear path without the cream falling back.
5. Strain and cool: Pass the cream through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or vanilla remnants. Then, place the container in an ice bath or cold water bath to quickly lower its temperature. Cover with plastic wrap, ensuring it touches the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and let it cool in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

2. Freeze and churn the vanilla ice cream

1. Prepare the ice cream machine: If you use a machine like the Kitchen Aid, make sure the freezer bowl is in the freezer at least 15 hours beforehand. If you don't have a machine, you can place the mixture in a lidded container and stir every 30 minutes for 3 hours to achieve a creamy and uniform texture.
2. Pour the mixture and churn: When the cream is well chilled, pour it into the machine and follow the manufacturer's instructions to churn and freeze until a creamy texture is obtained, approximately 20-30 minutes. The mixture should double in volume and have a thick and smooth consistency.
3. Reserve and chill: Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for a firmer and more delicious result.

3. Serve and enjoy your homemade vanilla ice cream

When serving, leave the ice cream at room temperature for a few minutes so it's ready to be savored at its best. You can decorate it with additional vanilla seeds, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar. For an even more complex experience, accompany it with a portion of rustic apple tart or a soft cold coffee cheesecake. Vanilla snow pairs perfectly with these and other delights.

Tips for achieving perfect homemade vanilla ice cream

• Always use fresh and good quality ingredients, especially vanilla, which is the soul of this dessert.
• Prevent the cream from boiling when cooking so that it doesn't curdle and lose its creamy texture.
• Refrigerating the cream for several hours is essential for it to have the ideal firmness and flavor.
• If you want a creamier texture, you can add a little more whipping cream in the final whisking.
• Experiment with different accompaniments or sauces, such as fresh fruit, chocolate syrup, or dulce de leche.

Approximate nutritional information per serving

• Calories: 169 kcal
• Proteins: 1.9 g
• Fats: 10.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 14.5 g
• Fiber: 0 g

Estimated values per serving, calculated based on fresh ingredients and traditional recipes.

5 keys to make your vanilla ice cream perfect

1. Use fresh and quality ingredients: natural vanilla and fresh egg yolks make a difference in flavor and texture.
2. Control the temperature during cooking: cooking over medium-low heat and stirring constantly ensures that the cream does not curdle and has the ideal consistency.
3. Quick and complete cooling: transferring the cream to an ice bath speeds up the process and helps maintain its structure.
4. Proper final churning: if using a machine, follow instructions to avoid overly hard ice cream; if not, stir every 30 minutes for an ideal velvety texture.
5. Freezing time: leave it in the freezer for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for an intense flavor and firmness.

3 tricks to improve your homemade vanilla ice cream

1. Add a touch of liquor: a few drops of rum or vanilla liqueur enrich the flavor and help prevent the ice cream from crystallizing too much.
2. Use inverted sugar or honey: helps maintain a smooth texture and prevents large ice crystals.
3. Combine flavors: add a little lemon zest or orange zest for a citrus touch that complements the vanilla.

When to enjoy vanilla ice cream in 2025?

This delicious dessert is ideal for those hot afternoons when you crave something refreshing and smooth. It also works perfectly for family celebrations, snacks with friends, or even as a special dessert for traditional festivities. The simple preparation and irresistible flavor make it a classic for any occasion, especially during summer in Mexico, where joy and family gatherings are enjoyed with a sweet and cold touch. Additionally, vanilla ice cream can be accompanied by fresh fruits, homemade sweets, or a chocolate sauce, further enhancing its flavor and presentation. In 2025, with the trend of incorporating natural ingredients and artisanal techniques, this recipe remains a timeless favorite that always brings that feeling of home and tradition in every spoonful.

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