Are you dreaming of creamy, dreamy homemade vanilla ice cream but intimidated by complicated recipes? Fear not! This recipe is designed specifically for your Cuisinart 2-quart ice cream maker, making achieving perfect, restaurant-quality ice cream incredibly easy. Forget store-bought – this simple recipe delivers unbelievably rich and delicious vanilla ice cream, perfect for a hot summer day or a cozy winter night. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this quick and easy dessert!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Before you begin, ensure your Cuisinart ice cream maker’s bowl is properly frozen according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This is crucial for achieving the desired creamy texture.
Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the sugar is completely dissolved. Make sure there are no undissolved sugar crystals remaining.
Churn the Ice Cream:
- Pour the mixture into your chilled Cuisinart ice cream maker. Follow your ice cream maker's specific instructions for churning time; it typically takes around 20-30 minutes. The ice cream will gradually thicken and become creamy.
Harden the Ice Cream:
- Once the churning is complete, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container. Freeze for at least 2-3 hours to allow it to harden completely. This step ensures a firmer texture.
Tips for the Perfect Vanilla Ice Cream:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the ice cream will taste! Opt for pure vanilla extract for the most authentic flavor.
- Don't over-churn: Over-churning can result in icy ice cream. Stick to the recommended churning time in your ice cream maker's manual.
- Freeze properly: Using an airtight container helps to prevent ice crystals from forming.
- Let it rest: Allow the ice cream to soften slightly before scooping. This makes it much easier to serve.
Delicious Variations:
- Bourbon Vanilla: Add 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon to the mixture for an adult twist.
- French Vanilla: Add 1 tablespoon of vanilla bean paste along with the vanilla extract for a richer, more intense vanilla flavor.
- Chocolate Swirl: Add ½ cup of melted dark chocolate to the ice cream during the last few minutes of churning.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximately):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used. It's calculated based on a recipe yielding approximately 8 servings.
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 3g
This simple recipe is perfect for beginners wanting to explore the world of homemade cooking. It’s a healthy, delicious treat you can easily customize to your taste. Enjoy your creamy, homemade vanilla ice cream!