vanilla ice cream

Vanilla Ice Cream - Simple and Delicious Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 4 hours (including freezing time)
Total time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8 servings

Ice cream is a dessert that reminds us of warm summer days, childhood, and moments spent with loved ones. Whether it was a simple pleasure to enjoy at a café or a sweet memory from past vacations, ice cream remains a universal favorite. Today, I will guide you step by step in making a creamy and flavorful vanilla ice cream, perfect for enjoying at any time of the day.

Ingredients needed

- 4 egg yolks: Use fresh eggs for the best results. The yolks are essential for giving the ice cream a creamy texture.
- 150 g sugar: For a perfect taste, reduce to 100 g if you prefer a less sweet ice cream. Sugar not only sweetens but also helps achieve a smooth texture.
- 150 ml milk: Choose whole milk for a rich flavor. The milk is the base of the mixture, and its quality significantly influences the ice cream's flavor.
- 400 ml heavy cream (30% fat): A high-fat cream will give the ice cream a velvety consistency.
- 1 vanilla pod: Use natural vanilla for an intense and authentic flavor. Don’t forget to save the seeds to add to the mixture.

Steps for preparation

1. Prepare the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, which will help with easier blending.

2. Mix the yolks with the sugar: In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until you obtain a light-colored, fluffy, and voluminous cream. This step is essential as the incorporated air will help texture the ice cream.

3. Prepare the milk with vanilla: Split the vanilla pod lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add the seeds and the pod to the warm milk. Heat the milk and cream mixture (200 ml) over low heat, stirring constantly until it begins to steam but without boiling.

4. Combine the mixtures: Gradually pour the warm milk mixture over the egg cream, stirring constantly to avoid curdling the eggs. Transfer the mixture back to the pot and cook over a double boiler, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens (about 5-10 minutes). Be careful! Do not let the mixture boil.

5. Cooling the mixture: Once the mixture has thickened, transfer it to a clean bowl and let it cool completely. Then, incorporate the remaining cream (200 ml), mixing well. This will add creaminess and balance the flavor.

6. Final cooling: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for a few hours or, ideally, overnight. This step is crucial as slow cooling will enhance the texture of the ice cream.

7. Churning in the ice cream maker: Make sure the ice cream maker's containers have been frozen the day before. Pour the cold mixture into the ice cream maker and turn it on, following the manufacturer's instructions. Usually, the process takes 20-30 minutes. If you notice that the ice cream does not have the desired consistency, you can let it churn longer.

8. Final freezing: Once the ice cream has been processed, transfer it to airtight containers and let it freeze for at least an hour to firm up.

9. Serving: Enjoy the vanilla ice cream plain or add toppings like melted chocolate, fresh fruits, or roasted nuts. Give it a personal touch by adding a caramel sauce or fruit puree.

Suggestions and variations

1. For a more intense flavor: Experiment by adding a pinch of salt to enhance the vanilla flavor.

2. Flavored ice cream: You can add various ingredients such as cocoa, nuts, berries, or even coffee to create interesting variations of the ice cream.

3. For chocolate lovers: Try adding melted chocolate to the ice cream mixture during processing for a delicious chocolate vanilla ice cream.

Nutritional benefits

This vanilla ice cream is an excellent source of calcium and protein due to its milk-based ingredients. The egg yolks contain essential vitamins such as A, D, E, and K, while vanilla has antioxidant properties. Homemade ice cream offers the advantage of controlling the ingredients, thus reducing the amount of additives and preservatives.

Get ready for success!

If you are new to using an ice cream maker, don’t be discouraged if your first attempts don’t turn out perfect. Every recipe is an opportunity to learn, experiment, and adapt to your personal preferences. Remember that homemade ice cream is about joy and creativity, so have fun while cooking!

Frequently asked questions

1. Why is my ice cream too hard?
If the ice cream becomes too hard, make sure you haven’t left it in the freezer for too long. It’s best to take it out 5-10 minutes before serving to soften a bit.

2. Can I use skim milk?
While it is possible, the ice cream will not have the same creaminess as when using whole milk or cream with a higher fat content.

3. How can I prevent ice crystals from forming in ice cream?
Make sure the mixture is well blended and that it is chilled before putting it in the ice cream maker. Also, keep the ice cream in an airtight container.

Now that you have all the necessary information, let’s enjoy a delicious serving of vanilla ice cream! Enjoy!