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You’ll have trouble finding a more delightful vanilla ice cream recipe than Cuisinart’s classic. It serves up the perfect amount of pure sweetness.

It’s rich and creamy, with a deep vanilla flavor that comes from using both vanilla extract and vanilla bean paste.

We love how easy it is to make in the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker, too – no need for a stovetop or ice cream maker bowl to pre-freeze.

Pour the mixture into the machine and let it do its thing.

What makes this recipe so classic?

Is it the simplicity of the ingredients list, which calls for just cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract?

Or is it the Cuisinart ice cream maker which churns out perfectly smooth and creamy ice cream every time?

We like to think it’s a combination of both.

This recipe is straightforward to make, and the results are always impressive.

Serve it up with your favorite toppings, or keep it simple and enjoy a scoop (or two) on its own.

What ingredient gives vanilla ice cream its flavor?

The key ingredient in this recipe is vanilla extract.

It’s what gives the ice cream its rich, deep vanilla flavor.

We also like to use vanilla bean paste, adding a lovely flecked appearance and extra flavor.

Whole milk: You could also use low-fat or nonfat milk in this recipe, but whole milk will yield the creamiest results. It contains more fat-soluble vitamins than skim milk, so it’s not as bad for you as you think.
Heavy cream: Don’t substitute light cream or half-and-half in this recipe – they won’t produce the same rich and creamy results. Heavy cream is made up of mostly milkfat, which is why it’s so rich and delicious.
Granulated sugar: Also known as white sugar, granulated sugar is the most common sugar used in baking and cooking. It’s made from sugar cane or sugar beets and is often bleached to achieve a white color.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch is a powdery starch that’s derived from corn. It’s commonly used as a thickening agent in sauces, gravies, and puddings.
Salt: This recipe calls for half a teaspoon of salt, which helps to balance the sugar’s sweetness and enhances the vanilla’s flavor.
Vanilla bean: A vanilla bean is a pod that contains the seeds of the vanilla plant. It’s incredibly aromatic and has a rich, robust flavor.
Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract is made by soaking vanilla beans in alcohol to extract their flavor. It’s a convenient way to add vanilla flavor to recipes, giving this ice cream its classic flavor.

Ingredients:

1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step by Step Instructions:

1. Combine the milk, cream, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan.

2. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the mixture and add the bean as well.

3. Cook over medium heat, frequently stirring, until the mixture comes to a boil.

Reduce the heat and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

4. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Pour into the chilled Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

6. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

Notes:

If you don’t have a vanilla bean, you can use 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in place of the beans and seeds.
This recipe can also be made in an ice cream maker bowl that’s been pre-frozen. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Then, transfer to the frozen bowl and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Variations:

For a twist on the classic, try adding 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the mixture before churning.
For a truly decadent treat, top your ice cream with a drizzle of hot fudge or caramel sauce. Yum!

There’s nothing like a bowl of homemade vanilla ice cream on a hot summer day.

It’s cool, refreshing, and delicious.

Plus, it’s straightforward to make and doesn’t require any unique ingredients or equipment.

Storage Instructions:

There are 3 ways to store your ice cream:

In the freezer: If you plan on eating your ice cream within 2 weeks, you can store it in an airtight container in the freezer.
In the fridge: For a softer, scoopable consistency, store your ice cream in the fridge. It will last for about 2 weeks.
On the counter: If you want your ice cream to be soft and creamy, leave it out on the counter. It will start to melt after about 30 minutes, so devour it!

There’s no wrong way to enjoy vanilla ice cream.

This recipe is sure to please whether you prefer soft and creamy or hard and scoopable.

Get churning!

This recipe yields about 1 quart of ice cream.

Nutritional Information:

The following nutritional information is for 1/2 cup of vanilla ice cream.

Calories: 190
Fat: 11 g
Saturated fat: 7 g
Cholesterol: 40 mg
Sodium: 180 mg
Carbohydrates: 21 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 18 g
Protein: 3 g

Thus, the Cuisinart Vanilla Ice Cream recipe is classic and easy to follow.

It requires a few ingredients, which you might already have in your kitchen.

The finished product is delicious and perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth.

How long do you churn ice cream in a Cuisinart?

If you are using a Cuisinart ice cream maker, the churning process will take about 20 minutes.

After that, you can either enjoy your ice cream immediately or transfer it to an airtight container and later store it in the freezer.

How much liquid do you put in a Cuisinart ice cream maker?

The capacity of most Cuisinart ice cream makers is 1 quart, which is the perfect amount for this recipe.

If your ice cream maker is a different size, adjust the ingredients accordingly.

What are some other flavor variations I can try?

There are endless possibilities when it comes to flavoring your vanilla ice cream.

Some other flavors you might want to try to include chocolate, strawberry, mint, cookies, cream, or even pumpkin spice.

Simply add your desired flavorings to the mixture before churning.

Happy churning!