The vanilla bean ice cream recipe is a simple yet decadent dessert that can be made at home. It pairs the creaminess of whole milk and heavy cream with the warm, delicate flavors of a vanilla bean. The addition of light corn syrup and sour cream brings a touch of tanginess and helps to keep the texture smooth.
Most of the ingredients are common, but two of them might require a special trip to the supermarket - the vanilla bean and light corn syrup. Vanilla beans are much more flavorful than the typical extract and are what give this ice cream its unique taste. Light corn syrup is used to enhance the texture and prevent the formation of ice crystals.
Ingredients for Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Whole milk: A dairy product that forms the base of the ice cream, providing a rich and creamy texture.
Heavy cream: Adds to the creaminess of the ice cream while providing a smooth mouthfeel.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the ice cream and balances the flavor of the vanilla.
Light corn syrup: Helps to prevent ice crystal formation, making the ice cream smoother and creamier.
Vanilla bean: The key ingredient that provides the unique, sweet, and complex flavor profile to the ice cream.
Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent, giving the ice cream a more stable structure.
Sour cream: Adds a hint of tartness to the ice cream, complementing the sweetness of the other ingredients.
One reader, Cynthia Comer says:
This vanilla bean ice cream recipe is a game-changer! The rich, creamy texture and the intense vanilla flavor make it a standout. It's easy to make and tastes better than any store-bought ice cream. I highly recommend trying it out for a delightful treat!
Techniques Required for Making Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
How to prepare the cornstarch mixture: Whisk together ¼ cup of milk with the cornstarch until smooth in a small mixing bowl. Set aside.
How to infuse the milk mixture with vanilla: In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining 1¾ cup of milk, heavy cream, sugar, corn syrup, vanilla bean seeds, and vanilla bean pod. Bring the mixture just to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar.
How to thicken the ice cream base: Once the milk mixture reaches a boil, whisk the cornstarch mixture once more. While whisking the milk mixture in the saucepan, slowly pour the cornstarch mixture. Reduce the heat slightly, while stirring constantly. Allow the mixture to bubble and cook for 1 to 2 minutes longer until it has thickened and coats the back of a wooden spoon.
How to chill the ice cream base: After cooking, remove from the heat, then whisk in the sour cream. Pour the mixture into a heatproof bowl, cover with wax paper, pressing directly against the surface of the mixture to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until chilled through for 30 minutes before processing in the ice cream maker.
How To Make Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Satisfy your sweet tooth with our delicious and creamy vanilla bean ice cream! It’s the perfectly simple cold treat to have on a hot summer day.
Serves:
Ingredients
Instructions
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- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of milk with the cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
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- In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining 1¾ cup of milk, heavy cream, sugar, corn syrup, vanilla bean seeds, and vanilla bean pod.
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- Bring the mixture just to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar.
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- Once it reaches a boil, whisk the cornstarch mixture once more.
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- While whisking the milk mixture in the saucepan, slowly pour the cornstarch mixture.
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- Reduce the heat slightly, while stirring constantly.
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- Allow the mixture to bubble and cook for 1 to 2 minutes longer until it has thickened and coats the back of a wooden spoon.
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- Remove from the heat, then whisk in the sour cream.
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- Pour the mixture into a heatproof bowl. Cover the mixture with wax paper, pressing directly against the surface of the mixture to prevent a skin from forming.
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- Refrigerate until chilled through for 30 minutes before processing in the ice cream maker.
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- Process the mixture in an ice cream maker according to manufactures instructions.
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- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and freeze until firm.
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- Serve cold, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
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- Calories: 347.75kcal
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- Fat: 25.43g
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- Saturated Fat: 15.67g
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- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.22g
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- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.00g
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- Carbohydrates: 28.04g
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- Fiber: 0.02g
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- Sugar: 25.88g
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- Protein: 3.30g
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- Cholesterol: 91.35mg
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- Sodium: 56.08mg
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- Calcium: 116.51mg
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- Potassium: 136.67mg
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- Iron: 0.07mg
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- Vitamin A: 285.25µg
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- Vitamin C: 0.42mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
When scraping the seeds from the vanilla bean, use the back of your knife to apply gentle pressure along the length of the bean. This will help to extract the maximum amount of flavor. Also, don't discard the pod after you've scraped out the seeds. Instead, add it to the saucepan with the milk and cream mixture. The heat will help to extract even more vanilla essence, giving your ice cream a rich, full-bodied flavor.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Plan: Before starting the recipe, gather all the ingredients and equipment needed to streamline the cooking process.
Prep: Pre-measure and prepare ingredients in advance to save time during the cooking process.
Organize: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to avoid unnecessary clutter and save time on cleaning up later.
Multi-task: Look for opportunities to multi-task, such as chopping ingredients while waiting for water to boil, to maximize efficiency.
Efficient tools: Use efficient kitchen tools and appliances to simplify tasks, such as using a food processor for chopping or a stand mixer for mixing.
Cleanup: Clean as you go to minimize the time spent on post-cooking cleanup, making the process more efficient.
Prioritize: Focus on the most time-consuming tasks first, such as prepping ingredients or waiting for the oven to preheat, to make the most of your time.
Substitute Ingredients For Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe
whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, providing a nutty flavor and creamy texture to the ice cream.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used for a dairy-free option, adding a rich and tropical flavor to the ice cream.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener, adding a distinct flavor and sweetness to the ice cream.
light corn syrup - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener with a hint of caramel flavor, adding depth to the ice cream.
vanilla bean - Substitute with vanilla extract: Vanilla extract can be used as a convenient alternative, providing the same vanilla flavor without the need for scraping the seeds from a vanilla bean.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder can be used as a gluten-free alternative to thicken the ice cream base, providing a smooth and creamy texture.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a tangy substitute, adding a creamy texture and a slightly tart flavor to the ice cream.
Presenting Your Homemade Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Elevate the ice cream scoop: Use a small ice cream scoop to create a perfectly round and smooth scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Place it delicately in the center of a chilled dessert plate.
Garnish with fresh vanilla bean: Split a vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Sprinkle the seeds over the ice cream scoop for a visually stunning and aromatic touch.
Drizzle with homemade caramel sauce: Create a beautiful drizzle of caramel sauce around the ice cream scoop, adding a touch of sweetness and elegance to the presentation.
Add a tuile cookie: Accompany the ice cream with a delicate tuile cookie placed on the side of the plate for a textural contrast and an artistic flair.
Dust with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the plate with powdered sugar using a fine mesh sieve to add a touch of sophistication and a hint of sweetness to the presentation.
Serve with fresh berries: Arrange a few vibrant fresh berries around the ice cream scoop to add a pop of color and a refreshing element to the dish.
Use a tempered chocolate garnish: Create a small, elegant chocolate garnish using tempered chocolate and place it on top of the ice cream for a luxurious and professional touch.
Sprig of mint: Finish the presentation with a small, fresh mint sprig placed delicately on the plate for a burst of color and a hint of herbal aroma.
Essential Tools for Making Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for various tasks such as chopping, pureeing, and mixing ingredients.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is an essential tool for combining ingredients and mixing them thoroughly. It comes in various sizes and materials to suit different cooking needs.
Saucepan: A saucepan is a deep cooking vessel with a handle and often a lid, used for cooking sauces, boiling liquids, and simmering.
Whisk: A whisk is a kitchen utensil used for whipping, beating, and stirring ingredients to incorporate air and create a smooth texture.
Ice cream maker: An ice cream maker is a machine used to churn and freeze ice cream mixture, resulting in a creamy and smooth texture.
Heatproof bowl: A heatproof bowl is designed to withstand high temperatures and is suitable for tasks such as melting chocolate, whisking eggs over a double boiler, or mixing hot ingredients.
Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is a versatile tool for stirring, mixing, and tasting food. It is gentle on cookware and ideal for tasks that require precision.
Wax paper: Wax paper is a moisture-resistant paper with a thin coating of wax on both sides, often used for covering food to prevent sticking or for lining baking pans.
Storing and Freezing Your Homemade Ice Cream
Once the vanilla bean ice cream has been churned and transferred to an airtight container, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container. This will help prevent ice crystals from forming on the surface of the ice cream.
Store the vanilla bean ice cream in the coldest part of your freezer, typically the back, to maintain its texture and flavor. Avoid storing it in the door, as temperature fluctuations can cause the ice cream to become icy or grainy.
For best quality, consume the vanilla bean ice cream within 2 to 4 weeks of freezing. After this time, the ice cream may start to develop ice crystals and lose its smooth texture.
If you want to keep the vanilla bean ice cream for an extended period, consider placing the airtight container in a large resealable plastic bag before storing it in the freezer. This extra layer of protection will help prevent freezer burn and maintain the ice cream's quality for up to 2 months.
To serve the vanilla bean ice cream after freezing, remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes to soften slightly. This will make it easier to scoop and serve.
If you have leftover vanilla bean ice cream that has become too hard to scoop, let it soften at room temperature for a few minutes before returning it to the freezer. Avoid microwaving the ice cream, as this can cause it to melt unevenly and affect its texture.
Interesting Fact About Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
The vanilla bean ice cream recipe is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. Vanilla is the second most expensive spice after saffron, due to the extensive labor required to grow the vanilla orchid and hand-pollinate the flowers. This labor-intensive process contributes to the high cost of vanilla beans.
Is Making Vanilla Bean Ice Cream at Home Cost-Effective?
This vanilla bean ice cream recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of whole milk, heavy cream, and vanilla bean may increase the cost, but the final product is worth it. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20. The rich and creamy texture of the ice cream, combined with the aromatic vanilla flavor, makes it a delightful treat. I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10 for its flavor, texture, and overall appeal.
Is Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Healthy or Unhealthy?
This vanilla bean ice cream recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - whole milk, heavy cream, and sugar - are all high in calories and saturated fat. The recipe also includes corn syrup, which is a processed sweetener that adds empty calories without any nutritional value. While the vanilla bean does provide some flavor and aroma, it doesn't contribute much in terms of nutrition.
However, there are ways to make this recipe healthier without sacrificing too much taste:
- Swap out the whole milk and heavy cream for lower-fat alternatives like 2% milk or even almond milk
- Reduce the amount of sugar and corn syrup, or replace them with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup
- Add in some fresh fruit like strawberries or peaches for added flavor and nutrients
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein boost and tangier flavor
- Experiment with other natural flavorings like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa powder to reduce the need for as much sugar
By making these small tweaks, you can still enjoy a creamy and satisfying ice cream treat without all the guilt. Just remember to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet!
Editor's Opinion on This Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe
This vanilla bean ice cream recipe is a classic and indulgent treat. The combination of whole milk, heavy cream, and vanilla bean creates a rich and creamy base, while the addition of sour cream adds a delightful tanginess. The use of cornstarch helps to thicken the mixture, resulting in a smooth and luscious texture. The step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to follow, making this recipe accessible for both novice and experienced home cooks. Overall, this recipe promises a decadent and flavorful homemade ice cream that is sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth.
Enhance Your Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe:
This vanilla bean ice cream recipe guarantees a decadent and creamy treat. The use of whole milk and heavy cream ensures a rich and luscious texture, while the addition of sour cream brings a delightful tanginess. The infusion of vanilla bean seeds and pod promises an intense and aromatic flavor. With meticulous attention to detail, such as the careful cooking process and chilling time, this recipe ensures a velvety and indulgent ice cream experience.
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