CLASSIC HOMEMADE VANILLA ICE CREAM (USING EGGS)


I’ve never been a big fan of store-bought ice cream in those cardboard cartons. If I’m going to indulge in ice cream, it has to be homemade. There’s just something special about the real thing — especially when it’s made from scratch. This old-fashioned, custard-style vanilla ice cream uses eggs to create an incredibly creamy texture and a rich, authentic flavor that you simply can’t get from the store.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups heavy cream

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 4 large egg yolks

  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract (or 1 whole vanilla bean)

  • Pinch of salt

Why use eggs?
Eggs give the ice cream a silky smooth texture and a custard-like richness. They’re the secret to that classic, old-fashioned ice cream flavor that I grew up with.

DIRECTIONS

1.  In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and half of the sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it’s hot and steaming, but not boiling.   

2.  In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, remaining sugar, and pinch of salt until smooth and pale.

3.  To prevent scrambling the eggs, you’ll need to temper them. Slowly drizzle a ladle of the hot cream mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly. Repeat once or twice more. Then, pour everything back into the saucepan.

4.  Cook the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula. You're aiming for a thickened custard that coats the back of a spoon (about 170–175°f). Don’t let it boil.

5.  Stir in the vanilla extract and let it cool to room temperature. Then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.

6.  Once the custard is thoroughly chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It usually takes about 20–25 minutes to reach a soft-serve consistency.

7.  Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for 2–4 hours to firm up. Then scoop, serve, and savor every bite.

Customize it! Add crushed cookies, swirls of fudge, or fruit during the last few minutes of churning.