There’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade vanilla ice cream on a hot day—or any day, really! This Classic Vanilla Ice Cream recipe is rich, creamy, and made with simple, gluten-free ingredients. No need for any fancy gadgets or hard-to-find ingredients; just heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla beans (or vanilla extract), sugar, and a pinch of salt come together to create a sweet, velvety ice cream that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Whether you’re enjoying it on its own, with a warm brownie, or as a topping for a fruit parfait, this vanilla ice cream is a treat that everyone can enjoy, especially those on a gluten-free diet. Let’s dive into how you can make this creamy, dreamy ice cream at home!
Why You’ll Love This Classic Vanilla Ice Cream
- Gluten-Free: Made with simple ingredients, this ice cream is naturally gluten-free and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Rich & Creamy: The combination of heavy cream and whole milk creates a rich and velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a few ingredients and a bit of patience to make this homemade ice cream.
- Customizable: Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, berries, or nuts to make it your own.
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Heavy cream | 2 cups |
| Whole milk | 1 cup |
| Vanilla beans (or vanilla extract) | 2 beans or 1 tbsp |
| Sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Pinch of salt | A small pinch |
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vanilla Beans:
If using vanilla beans, slice them open lengthwise and scrape out the seeds with a knife. Place the seeds and the empty pods into a saucepan. If you’re using vanilla extract, you can skip this step and add the extract later.
2. Combine Milk and Cream:
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is warm. Be sure not to let it come to a boil—just warm enough for the sugar to dissolve and the flavors to infuse.
3. Infuse the Vanilla:
Once the milk and cream mixture is warm, add the vanilla seeds (or vanilla extract) and the empty vanilla pods (if using vanilla beans) to the saucepan. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes, allowing the vanilla flavor to infuse.
4. Whisk the Egg Yolks:
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks together. Slowly pour a small amount of the warm milk and cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs (this prevents them from curdling). Once the egg yolks are warmed up, slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk and cream mixture.
5. Cook the Custard:
Return the saucepan to the stove and cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Don’t let it boil! This step will create a custard base for the ice cream.
6. Strain and Cool:
Once the custard has thickened, remove it from the heat and strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the vanilla pods (if using) and any curdled egg bits. Let the custard cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight for the best texture.
7. Churn the Ice Cream:
Once the custard is completely chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes, depending on your ice cream maker.
8. Freeze and Serve:
Once the ice cream has reached a soft-serve consistency, transfer it to a lidded container and freeze it for at least 4 hours or until it’s firm. Scoop and serve the homemade vanilla ice cream on its own, or pair it with your favorite desserts!
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200-250 kcal |
| Protein | 2-3 grams |
| Total Fat | 15-18 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 9-10 grams |
| Cholesterol | 50-60 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 20-24 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 grams |
| Sugar | 18-20 grams |
| Vitamin A | 10% of the daily value |
| Vitamin C | 0% of the daily value |
| Calcium | 6% of the daily value |
| Iron | 2% of the daily value |
| Potassium | 100-150 mg |
This Classic Vanilla Ice Cream is the perfect homemade treat for any occasion. Rich, creamy, and naturally gluten-free, it’s a delicious way to indulge in a classic favorite without any worries. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with your favorite toppings, this ice cream is sure to become a go-to dessert in your household.
So, grab your ingredients, break out the ice cream maker, and treat yourself to this creamy, dreamy homemade vanilla ice cream!
