Dreamy Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Whip up the best homemade ice cream recipe! This Dreamy Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is rich, creamy & simple. A custard-based delight. Get the recipe now!

June 6, 2025
By Marcus O’Neill.

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Recipe Introduction

Fancy a scoop of pure joy? ever wondered how to make utterly divine homemade ice cream recipe ? honestly, is there anything better on a sunny afternoon than a bowl of proper easy vanilla ice cream homemade ? i think not! let’s get churning and find out.

This recipe takes you back to old-fashioned goodness. it's homemade old fashion vanilla ice cream recipes , a custard-based dream where vanilla is the star.

It's that flavour that will make you fell like you are on holiday.

Homemade Ice Cream: Easier Than You Think

This isn’t some cheffy, complicated thing. this easy ice cream recipe is surprisingly straightforward and fun. you'll need about an hour or so of hands-on time, plus chilling.

You will get about 6-8 servings of best homemade ice cream , so its perfect for sharing (or not!).

Creamy Benefits and the Perfect Occasion

Besides being utterly delicious, this homemade ice cream recipe is a blank canvas! add your favourite fruit! think home made strawberry ice cream recipes or maybe a little chocolate.

It will be perfect for a summer bbq or a cosy night in. what makes this homemade vanilla ice cream recipe so special? its totally customizable.

It gives you the satisfaction of making something truly scrumptious from scratch.

Right, let's get to the goodies. This recipe is not that hard and will be better if you use Ice Cream Recipes Machine .

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Rich, luscious, and perfect for milkshakes!
• Easy Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream
• Homemade Vanilla Icecream
• Homemade Ice Cream Recipes Machine
• Ice Cream Recipes Machine
• Cuisinart Ice Cream
• Custard Ice Cream
• Homemade Ice-cream Recipes
• Easy Homemade Ice Cream
• Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe
• Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream
• Vanilla No Churn Ice Cream
• 3 Ingredient No Churn Ice Cream
• Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Without Maker
• Vanilla Ice Cream Homemade No Machine
• Churn Ice Cream Recipes Homemade No Eggs

Alright, let's dive into what you need to make some banging homemade ice cream recipe . honestly, the quality of your ingredients really shines through.

It's like the difference between a cheap pint from the corner shop and that artisan stuff you get at the seaside.

You know?

Dreamy Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:15 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473ml) Heavy Cream (35% milkfat or higher)
• 1 cup (237ml) Whole Milk
• ¾ cup (150g) Granulated Sugar
• Pinch of Salt
• 1 Vanilla Bean, split lengthwise and seeds scraped or 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• 6 Large Egg Yolks

Instructions:

• In the saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, salt, and the vanilla bean pod (if using). Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until just simmering – do not boil. Remove from heat. Cover and let steep for 30 minutes (or longer for stronger vanilla flavor – up to an hour). If using vanilla extract, add to cooled custard after churning.
• In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks until light and slightly thickened. Slowly drizzle about ½ cup of the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper them and prevent curdling.
• Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a heat-resistant spatula, scraping the bottom of the pan, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spatula. A line drawn on the spatula with your finger should hold its shape. (Aim for about 170-180°F or 77-82°C on an instant-read thermometer). Do not boil.
• Remove from heat and immediately strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. This removes any cooked egg bits and ensures a smooth texture. Discard vanilla bean pod if using.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until completely cold.
• Pour the chilled custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions (usually 20-30 minutes).
• Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2-3 hours to harden to your desired consistency.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted

Main Ingredients

Okay, for the really good stuff, here's the lowdown. Remember this is for the Easy Vanilla Ice Cream Homemade version:

• Heavy Cream: 2 cups (473ml) . Now, this is key . You want the good stuff, with at least 35% milkfat . This is what gives you that richness, that proper creaminess. Anything less and you might as well be eating frozen milk, innit?
• Whole Milk: 1 cup (237ml) . Full fat, yeah? Don't skimp!
• Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup (150g) . Plain old white sugar does the trick.
• Salt: A pinch . Don't go overboard, it just balances the sweetness.
• Vanilla Bean: 1 , split and scraped, or 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract . If you can swing it, use a proper vanilla bean. The flavor is just insane. But if you're in a pinch, good quality extract will do.
• Egg Yolks: 6 Large . Fresh as you can get them. These are the base for a Custard Ice Cream , remember!

For the Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream , you will need these. This should make an Easy Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream :

• Fresh Strawberries : 1 pound or 450g , hulled and sliced. Ideally, go for local, seasonal strawberries if you can find them. Trust me, it makes a difference! Give them a good wash.
• Lemon Juice : 1 tablespoon . Freshly squeezed is always best! This adds a bit of tanginess and balances the sweetness of the strawberries.

Honestly, using fresh, ripe strawberries makes all the difference in the world in your homemade strawberry ice cream recipe . if they're a bit bland, your ice cream will be too! don't be afraid to taste them before you start and add a little extra sugar if needed.

Seasoning Notes

Right, let's talk flavours, shall we?

• Vanilla & Salt: This is your base. Don't underestimate it! Good vanilla is magic.
• Aromatics: For a bit of extra oomph, try adding a splash of rum or bourbon to the custard base (after it's cooled, of course). Just a tablespoon or two will do.

Want to make a 3 ingredient no churn ice cream? You can simply use Vanilla extract, condensed milk, and heavy cream! It will make an Easy Ice Cream Recipe .

Equipment Needed

Okay, here's what you'll need in the kitchen:

• Saucepan: Medium-sized, heavy-bottomed. This helps prevent the custard from scorching.
• Whisk: For whisking things, obviously.
• Spatula: Heat-resistant, for scraping the bottom of the pan.
• Sieve: Fine-mesh, for straining the custard.
• Ice Cream Maker: You'll need this for that Homemade Ice Cream Recipes Machine quality. If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can still make a Vanilla No Churn Ice Cream Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Without Maker , but it won't be quite the same. A Cuisinart Ice Cream machine will do the trick.
• Airtight Container: For storing your masterpiece.

Don't have a fancy ice cream maker? no worries! you can still make a decent vanilla ice cream homemade no machine .

The texture won't be quite as smooth, but it'll still taste amazing. you can find a recipe for that churn ice cream recipes homemade no eggs easily!

And that's it. You're ready to go. Let's get churning!

Alright, let’s dive into making some proper ice cream! forget the shop-bought stuff, because there is truly nothing like a homemade ice cream recipe that you've slaved over, right in your own kitchen.

Trust me; once you start, you'll never go back.

Dreamy Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The Homemade Way

This recipe is all about going back to basics. think creamy, rich, and bursting with the pure, unadulterated flavor of vanilla.

It's like those sunday afternoons with family, that comforting taste that just makes you feel good. we're not talking about that fluffy stuff from the ice cream van; this is the real deal, like homemade old fashion vanilla ice cream recipes .

Difficulty Level: Medium. You'll need to keep a close eye on that custard.

Time It Right

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: Minimum 4 hours (overnight is best, honestly!)
• Churning Time: 20- 30 minutes
• Total Time: Around 5- 6 hours (but mostly waiting, innit?)

Yields: About 6-8 servings. That is, if you don't eat half of it straight from the churner like I usually do. No judgement here.

Prep Steps: Get Your Act Together!

• Essential mise en place : Measure out your 2 cups heavy cream , 1 cup whole milk , ¾ cup granulated sugar , a pinch of salt, 1 vanilla bean (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract), and have your 6 egg yolks ready to roll. I know, it sounds like a lot. But trust me, it's worth it.
• Time-saving organization tips: Get everything lined up. Have your saucepan, whisk, spatula, and ice cream maker within reach. Prep the ice bath before you start the custard. Honestly, organisation is key.
• Safety reminders: When you're dealing with hot custard, be careful! Use oven gloves, and avoid distractions. You don't want to burn yourself!

Step-by-Step Process: Let's Get Churning

1. Infuse the Cream: Heat the 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, ¾ cup granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla bean (if using) in a saucepan. Heat until it barely simmers ( do not boil ). Let it steep for about 30 minutes .
2. Temper Those Yolks: Whisk your 6 egg yolks in a separate bowl. Slowly drizzle in about ½ cup of the warm cream, whisking like mad. This is called "tempering" and stops you from getting scrambled eggs in your ice cream.
3. Combine and Cook: Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the cream. Cook over low heat , stirring constantly, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon ( about 170- 180° F ). Don't boil it, or it'll curdle!
4. Strain and Chill: Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. This gets rid of any lumps. Pop it in the fridge to cool it fast, like Easy Homemade Ice Cream .
5. Chill Out: Cover the custard with cling film, pressing it right onto the surface, so no skin forms. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours , or overnight if you can wait.
6. Churn, Baby, Churn: Pour the chilled custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to its instructions (usually 20- 30 minutes ).
7. Harden Up: Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2- 3 hours to harden.

Pro Tips: Secrets from My Kitchen

• Don't rush the custard! Low and slow is the way to go. Trust me, I've ruined plenty of batches by getting impatient.
• Avoid curdling by using low heat , also consider use bain-marie.
• If you want Vanilla No Churn Ice Cream , skip the ice cream maker! Just whisk the chilled custard every 30 minutes as it freezes to break up the ice crystals. It's more work, but it does work.

Honestly, making ice cream at home is so rewarding. And this is a great Easy Vanilla Ice Cream Homemade recipe to start with! Enjoy!

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the wonderful world of homemade ice cream recipe perfection! you know, after years of "research" (aka, eating loads of ice cream), i've got a few notes to share that will take your easy vanilla ice cream homemade attempts from "meh" to "oh my gosh, this is amazing!".

These are things i've learned the hard way. so, let's make some magic.

Recipe Notes: Nailing That Perfect Scoop

Making ice cream at home can seem intimidating. but trust me, it is totally doable! it's like, once you get the hang of it, you'll be churning out flavors like a pro.

Whether it's home made strawberry ice cream recipes or good old vanilla, you'll feel so proud. let's break it down.

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Okay, presentation matters, right? forget just plopping a scoop into a bowl. you deserve better! for the strawberry ice cream recipe , try layering it with fresh, sliced strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream.

Feeling fancy? drizzle with a balsamic glaze. talk about a crowd-pleaser! a classic homemade old fashion vanilla ice cream recipes screams for a hot fudge sundae .

I swear, it's the best. or make milkshakes ! easy peasy!

As for sides, think contrasting flavors. A warm brownie or a slice of apple pie is just chef's kiss .

Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh

Storing your precious homemade strawberry ice cream properly is crucial. we don't want freezer burn ruining our fun! after churning, pack it tightly into an airtight container.

I've found that pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface helps prevent ice crystals. honestly, it works a treat! and speaking of treats, it's also possible to make a vanilla no churn ice cream with a 3 ingredient no churn ice cream .

It will keep in the freezer for up to two weeks, but let's be real, it will probably be gone way before then, haha.

Variations: Get Creative in The Kitchen

This easy homemade ice cream recipe is a fantastic jumping-off point for all sorts of deliciousness! want something a bit lighter? try a dairy-free version by using full-fat coconut milk for a lush, tropical twist.

And if you're watching your sugar intake, you can try using a sugar substitute, but be aware this can affect the texture, you know?

How about adding some seasonal flair? during the summer, throw in some fresh berries, and in the autumn, how about a bit of pumpkin puree and some cinnamon? the possibilities are endless! if you need a vanilla ice cream homemade no machine , consider recipes that use condensed milk for that extra sweetness.

Nutrition Basics: Quick Facts

I'm not going to bore you with a super detailed breakdown, but a scoop of this best homemade ice cream (about 1/2 cup) has roughly 350 calories.

The exact number will depend on your ingredients, of course. one thing to note is that custard ice cream is rich in fats and sugar, so enjoy in moderation.

But hey, life's too short to skip dessert, right? remember to check online for an easy ice cream recipe or ice cream maker recipes .

Looking for great homemade ice-cream recipes without a machine? churn ice cream recipes homemade no eggs could be your thing!.

Don't be afraid to get creative with your ice cream base, maybe using a cuisinart ice cream maker or looking for homemade vanilla ice cream without maker solutions to expand your horizons! i like to make my easy homemade strawberry ice cream for family celebrations.

So there you have it – my secret notes for making the most amazing homemade vanilla ice cream recipe . get out there, experiment, and have some fun! you'll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up a batch of frozen happiness.

Happy churning!