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Vanilla beans start their journey from a unique type of orchid that thrives in sunny, tropical places.

The long, greenish-white bean pod contains hundreds of tiny black seeds.

The bean pod makes vanilla extract, while the seeds are used to flavor ice cream, custards, and other desserts.

Vanilla bean has a rich, sweet flavor with hints of floral and woodsy aromas.

Vanilla beans are used either in sweet or both savory dishes.

Split the bean pod open lengthwise and scrape out the seeds.

The seeds can be added to recipes as is or steeped in milk or cream to infuse them with flavor.

We are looking for a classic ice cream recipe that everyone will love?

This vanilla bean ice cream is perfect! It will become a family favorite made with just a few simple ingredients.

What are some tips for making Vanilla Bean Ice Cream?

Use high-quality vanilla beans—the better the beans, the better the flavor of the ice cream.
If you can’t find vanilla bean, you can use vanilla extract. However, the flavor will not be as intense.
Stepping the seeds in milk or cream before adding them to the ice cream base will help infuse them with flavor.
Be sure to add the seeds to the ice cream base while it is still cold. They will cook and lose their flavor if added when the base is hot.

You can make a rich and creamy vanilla bean ice cream that everyone will love with just a few simple ingredients.

What are some Vanilla Bean Ice Cream recipes?

Classic Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: This recipe uses five ingredients and is simple to make. The key to success is using high-quality vanilla beans.
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream with Chocolate Sauce: This recipe adds a decadent chocolate sauce to classic vanilla bean ice cream.
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream with Fresh Berries: This recipe bursts with summer flavor. Use any fresh berries you like in this recipe.

Ingredients

1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
4 large egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

What is heavy cream?

Heavy cream is a thick, rich cream that contains at least 36% milk fat.

It is used to make ice cream, custards, and other desserts.

What is whole milk?

Whole milk is a type of milk that contains all of cow’s milk fat.

This can be used in place of heavy cream in many recipes.

What is granulated sugar?

Granulated sugar is a type of sugar that contains tiny crystals.

It is often used in baking and can be replaced with other types of sugar, like brown sugar or powdered sugar.

What are egg yolks?

Egg yolks are the yellow part of an egg.

They are a source of fat and protein.

Egg yolks make ice cream, custards, and other desserts.

What is a vanilla extract?

Vanilla extract is a flavoring made from vanilla beans.

It flavors many desserts, like ice cream, cakes, and cookies.

Step By Step Instructions

1. Combine the cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla bean in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook the mixture until it comes to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks. Slowly pour the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly.

3. Pour the mixture into the saucepan and cook over low heat until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

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

5. Pour the mixture into a container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

6. When ready to serve, churn the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Serve immediately or store in the freezer for later. Enjoy!

Notes

If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make this recipe! Pour the mixture into a container and freeze for several hours.
When it’s time to serve, scoop the ice cream into bowls and let it thaw for a few minutes. The ice cream will be softer than if you had used an ice cream maker, but it will still be delicious!
You can use heavy cream instead of whole milk if you want more decadent ice cream.
This recipe can also be made with other milk types, like almond or soy milk. However, the texture and flavor will be different.
If you want lower-fat ice cream, you can use skim milk instead of whole milk. The ice cream will be less creamy, but it will still be delicious!
If you are lactose intolerant or have another dairy allergy, you can use non-dairy milk in this recipe. However, the texture and flavor will be different.
This recipe can use plant-based milk if you want vegan ice cream. However, the texture and flavor will be different.
This recipe can also be made with other types of sugar, like brown sugar or powdered sugar.
If you want less sweet ice cream, you can reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe. Start with 1/4 cup and add more to taste.
You can also use other types of vanilla extract, like Madagascar vanilla or Tahitian vanilla.
If you don’t have a vanilla bean, you can use 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in this recipe.
If you want a more intense vanilla flavor, you can use 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract in this recipe.
If you want to add other flavors to this ice cream, stir in 1/2 cup chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit after churning. Or, you can top the ice cream with your favorite toppings, like whipped cream, caramel sauce, or chocolate syrup.
This recipe makes about 1 quart of ice cream. It can be doubled or tripled to make more.

Nutritional Facts

This recipe is low in fat and calories. Each serving has about 100 calories and 5 grams of fat. This recipe is also high in protein and calcium.
This recipe is suitable for lactose intolerant people who have a dairy allergy. This recipe is also vegan and vegetarian.
This recipe is a good option if you want a lower-fat ice cream recipe. However, if you are looking for a completely fat-free recipe, this recipe is not for you.
This recipe is a good source of protein and calcium. Each serving has about 8 grams of protein and 20% of the daily value for calcium.
If you are looking for a more nutritious ice cream recipe, this recipe is not for you. This recipe is high in sugar and fat.