Craving that creamy, dreamy vanilla ice cream you get from Ben & Jerry's but want to avoid the trip to the store? This recipe lets you create your own homemade version, packed with flavor and made with love (and significantly less packaging!). It's surprisingly easy, perfect for a hot summer evening, and a fantastic way to impress your friends and family. This delicious dessert is a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver amazing results, perfect for a quick dinner dessert or a special occasion. Get ready to dive into a world of creamy goodness!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup high-quality vanilla beans (or 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste for convenience)
Instructions:
Step 1: Infuse the Cream (Optional, but Highly Recommended!)
For that truly decadent Ben & Jerry's flavor, take the time to infuse your cream with vanilla beans. This simple step elevates the taste considerably.
- Split the vanilla beans lengthwise and scrape out the seeds using a small knife.
- Combine the heavy cream, vanilla bean seeds, and the split vanilla bean pods in a saucepan.
- Gently heat over medium-low heat until just simmering, then remove from heat and let it steep for at least 30 minutes, or even better, an hour or two. The longer it steeps, the more intense the vanilla flavor will be.
Step 2: Combine and Heat
- In a medium saucepan, combine the infused cream (or simply heavy cream if skipping the infusion), whole milk, and sugar.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Don't let it boil!
Step 3: Cool and Chill
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the vanilla bean pods (if using).
- Let it cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This is crucial for a smooth and creamy texture.
Step 4: Churn and Freeze
- Churn the cooled mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
- Once churned, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2-3 hours to allow it to harden further.
Tips for Success:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the ice cream. This recipe benefits from using heavy cream, whole milk, and high-quality vanilla extract or beans.
- Don't rush the chilling process: Allowing the mixture to chill thoroughly is essential for a smooth texture.
- Patience is key: Don't peek at the ice cream too early while it's freezing. Give it time to harden completely.
Variations:
- Add-ins: Get creative! Fold in chocolate chips, cookie crumbles, nuts, or fresh berries once the ice cream is churned but before it goes into the freezer for the final hardening.
- Different extracts: Experiment with other extracts like almond or maple for a unique twist.
- Brown Sugar: Swap some of the granulated sugar for brown sugar for a slightly richer, caramel-like flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: around 250 Fat: around 18g Sugar: around 25g
This homemade Ben & Jerry's-style vanilla ice cream is a delicious and rewarding project, perfect for those who enjoy homemade cooking. It's a treat you can feel good about, knowing exactly what goes into it. Enjoy!