Craving a cool, creamy, and utterly delicious homemade vanilla ice cream? Forget those store-bought tubs filled with artificial ingredients! This recipe guides you through making the most delightful vanilla ice cream using your ice cream maker, specifically a Cuisinart, but easily adaptable to any brand. Get ready for a taste of pure, creamy heaven that's surprisingly easy to whip up. This is one of those easy recipes that delivers big on flavor, perfect for a hot summer day or a cozy night in. It's a healthy meal alternative (in moderation, of course!), a quick dinner idea companion, and undeniably one of the best recipes for homemade cooking you'll find!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Ensure your ice cream maker is properly chilled according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This is crucial for achieving the perfect creamy texture. For Cuisinart models, this often means freezing the bowl for at least 24 hours.
Combine Ingredients:
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In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and salt.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is just beginning to simmer. Don't let it boil!
Infuse the Flavor:
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Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
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Let the mixture cool completely. This is important; a warm mixture will not freeze properly. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the saucepan in an ice bath.
Freeze and Enjoy:
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Once the mixture is completely cool, pour it into your prepared ice cream maker.
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Follow your ice cream maker's instructions for churning. Cuisinart models typically take around 20-30 minutes.
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Once churning is complete, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2-3 hours to allow it to harden further. This step helps achieve a firmer texture.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Ice Cream:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of your ice cream is directly affected by the quality of your ingredients. Opt for high-fat heavy cream for the creamiest texture.
- Don't rush the cooling process: Churning warm custard results in icy ice cream. Patience is key!
- Experiment with add-ins: Once the ice cream is almost done churning, add in your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or fresh berries.
Variations:
- Chocolate Vanilla Ice Cream: Add ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the mixture along with the sugar.
- Coffee Vanilla Ice Cream: Stir in 2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder along with the vanilla extract.
- Salted Caramel Vanilla Ice Cream: Add a drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce once the churning is complete.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on serving size. For a standard 1/2 cup serving, expect roughly:
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 18-20g
- Saturated Fat: 12-14g
- Sugar: 25-30g
This delicious homemade vanilla ice cream is a perfect treat for any occasion. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a testament to the joy of simple, delicious homemade cooking. Enjoy!