There’s nothing quite like that moment when you take your first bite of homemade ice cream, and just like that, you’re transported back to sun-drenched afternoons at grandma’s house. My Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream recipe captures that nostalgia perfectly, offering a delightful treat that’s rich, creamy, and oh-so customizable. As summer heats up, this easy-to-make dessert provides a refreshing escape—perfect for cooling down or jazzing up any gathering with your favorite additions like chocolate chips or berries. Plus, with its velvety texture and pure vanilla essence, it far surpasses anything from the store. Are you ready to dive into the world of homemade indulgence?
Why Make Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream?
Comforting Nostalgia: Reminiscent of sunny days at grandma’s house, this recipe brings incredible comfort with each creamy scoop.
Customizable Delights: Whether you fancy chocolate chips or a berry swirl, make this ice cream your own!
Simple Process: With just a few easy steps, you can swear off store-bought ice cream forever.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for summer picnics or cozy family dinners, it pairs beautifully with warm desserts like pie or cake. Check out my Go-To Warm Pie Recipe for a blissful pairing!
Impressive Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone will be begging for seconds—they won’t believe it’s homemade! Satisfy your sweet cravings, or try it alongside my Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta for a delightful dinner and dessert surprise.
Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream Ingredients
For the Ice Cream Base
- Heavy Cream – Delivers a rich texture and creaminess; opt for high-quality brands for the best flavor.
- Whole Milk – Balances the richness of the heavy cream, ensuring a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the ice cream and brings out the rich flavors; feel free to adjust based on your taste.
- Egg Yolks – Create a custard base, enriching the ice cream and helping achieve that classic velvety texture.
- Pure Vanilla Extract – Adds deep, aromatic vanilla flavor; using a vanilla bean provides an even bolder taste.
- Fine Sea Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavors; it’s essential for rounding out the overall taste.
For Traditional Churning
- Ice & Rock Salt (Optional) – Necessary for those using a traditional ice cream maker to help maintain low temperatures while churning.
This Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream recipe is the perfect canvas for your culinary creativity, allowing you to savor nostalgic flavors with a personal touch!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Base
In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar. Heat this mixture over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until steaming, and you see tiny bubbles forming around the edges. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar completely, creating a luxurious base for your Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream.
Step 2: Temper the Egg Yolks
While the milk mixture is heating, whisk together 5 large egg yolks, the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar, and a pinch of fine sea salt in a bowl until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened. Gradually add about a cup of the hot milk mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. This step is crucial to creating a smooth custard for your ice cream.
Step 3: Cook the Custard
Return the tempered egg mixture back to the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula for 5-8 minutes, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon. The temperature should reach around 170°F-175°F, but avoid boiling as it can ruin the texture of your Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream.
Step 4: Strain and Cool
Once thickened, remove the custard from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract for that rich flavor. Pour the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any cooked egg bits, ensuring a silky texture. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, allowing the flavors to deepen.
Step 5: Churn and Freeze
After chilling, pour the custard into your ice cream maker, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Churn for about 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. Then, transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours to firm up. This step is vital for achieving that perfect scoopable texture of homemade Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream.
How to Store and Freeze Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream
Fridge: Store your ice cream in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. This helps if you plan to enjoy it soon, though it’s best enjoyed cold from the freezer.
Freezer: For longer storage, keep your Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream in the freezer. Make sure it’s in a tightly sealed airtight container to avoid freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 weeks for optimal texture.
Reheating: If your ice cream becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before scooping to achieve that creamy consistency again.
Serving Tip: Always scoop out the amount you want and return the rest promptly to the freezer to maintain its creamy quality.
What to Serve with Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream?
There’s nothing better than complementing a delectable dessert with the perfect side dishes and drinks, creating a delightful symphony of flavors.
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Warm Chocolate Lava Cake: The molten chocolate centers provide a rich contrast to the cold creaminess, enhancing each bite. These cakes are not just delicious; they also create a beautiful dessert moment when the chocolate meets the ice cream.
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Homemade Berry Compote: A vibrant mix of fresh or frozen berries cooked gently with a hint of sugar brings brightness. This sweet-tart topping enhances the rich flavor of your Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream.
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Crispy Waffle Cones: Lightly toasted, homemade waffle cones are the classic vessel for your ice cream. Their crunchy texture and buttery flavor make each scoop more enjoyable.
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Nutty Brownies: These fudgy treats with a hint of nuts complement the creamy texture beautifully, adding a chewy richness that pairs wonderfully with vanilla.
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Coffee or Espresso: A smooth cup of coffee cuts through the sweetness of the ice cream, offering a pleasant contrast that many will love. Serve your favorite brew alongside for a sophisticated touch.
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Grilled Peaches: Sweet, caramelized grilled peaches add a tantalizing fruity twist to your dessert. Their warm, juicy texture pairs beautifully with the cold vanilla.
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Sea Salt Caramel Sauce: Drizzle this sweet and salty sauce over your scoops to elevate the flavor profile. The combination of sweet ice cream with caramel creates a comforting classic.
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An Afternoon Sipper: Consider a chilled lemonade or light sparkling wine for a refreshing beverage option. The zestiness will cleanse the palate and balance the richness of the ice cream, making for an enjoyable treat.
Expert Tips for Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream
• Quality Counts: Using high-quality heavy cream and pure vanilla extract makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
• Chill First: Allow the custard to chill completely before churning; this ensures a smoother and creamier Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream.
• Avoid Curdling: When tempering the egg yolks, gradually add hot milk to prevent cooking the eggs too quickly and creating a grainy texture.
• Mix it Up: Don’t hesitate to experiment with add-ins like chocolate chips or berries; just fold them in gently after churning for a delightful twist.
• Storage Matters: Keep your ice cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn, and enjoy it within two weeks for the best texture and taste.
Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream Variations
Feel free to explore exciting twists on your Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream, making it uniquely yours with various delectable add-ins!
- Chocolate Chip: Fold in mini chocolate chips after churning for delightful bursts of chocolate in every scoop. It’s a classic combination that’s always a hit!
- Berries and Cream: Swirl in pureed strawberries or blueberries before freezing for a fruity, refreshing treat. The sweetness of the berries perfectly complements the creamy base.
- Bourbon Vanilla: Enhance flavor with a tablespoon of bourbon—it adds sophistication and a creamy richness. This twist is perfect for adults looking for something a bit indulgent.
- Nutty Crunch: Add crushed nuts like pecans or almonds right after churning for a delightful crunch. Their roasted flavor adds texture and depth to your ice cream!
- Salted Caramel Swirl: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce during the last minutes of churning for a sweet and salty delight. The contrast is simply divine!
- Mint Chocolate Chip: Infuse the custard with a few drops of peppermint extract and add in chocolate chips for a refreshing spin. It’s like a breath of fresh air on a hot day!
- Coconut Cream: Substitute coconut cream for half the heavy cream for a tropical flavor and texture. Pair it with toasted coconut flakes for the ultimate coconut experience!
- Coffee Bean Bliss: Mix in brewed espresso or finely ground coffee beans for a delightful coffee-infused ice cream. Pair it with a scoop of your favorite pie for a heavenly dessert combination!
Ready for something different? Check out my Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi for a hearty dinner that pairs wonderfully with this ice cream, or enjoy it alongside a slice of warm pie for a classic experience!
Make Ahead Options
Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream is perfect for preparing ahead of time, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or gatherings! You can prepare the custard base up to 24 hours in advance by following the initial steps and refrigerating it overnight to enhance the flavors. Just remember to cover it tightly to prevent any odor absorption. When you’re ready to serve, simply churn the chilled custard in your ice cream maker as directed (20-25 minutes) and then freeze for a minimum of 4 hours. This prep allows you to enjoy the deliciousness of homemade ice cream with the convenience of a head start!
Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe FAQs
What kind of cream should I use for Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream?
I recommend using heavy cream for the richest texture and creaminess. Opt for high-quality brands to really elevate the flavors in your ice cream. Whole milk also plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance, so don’t skip on that either!
How should I store my Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream?
For optimal freshness, keep your ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It can be enjoyed for up to 2 weeks while maintaining its creamy texture. If you’ve got some leftover, simply scoop what you want and seal it up quickly to prevent freezer burn—ideal for keeping it as luscious as possible!
Can I freeze Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream? How long does it last?
Absolutely! You can keep your homemade ice cream in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure to use a tightly sealed container. For the best scoopable experience, let it sit out for about 5-10 minutes at room temperature if it’s become too hard.
What if my custard doesn’t thicken properly?
If your custard doesn’t thicken, it might be that it didn’t reach the right temperature (170°F-175°F).Continue to cook it over low heat, stirring constantly, and check the temperature with a food thermometer. This step is essential for achieving the classic creamy texture of Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream.
How can I customize my Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream?
The more the merrier! Feel free to add in chocolate chips, fresh berries, or a splash of bourbon for fancy flavor twists. After churning, simply fold in your favorite ingredients gently to ensure an even distribution without affecting the ice cream’s texture.
Is Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream safe for my pet?
While it’s best to keep ice cream away from pets, especially due to the high sugar and dairy content, a small spoonful of plain vanilla ice cream might not hurt. Just be mindful, as some dogs can be lactose intolerant. Always consult your veterinarian before giving them any human food!
Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream That Sparks Sweet Nostalgia
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Heat over medium for 5-7 minutes until steaming.
- Whisk egg yolks, remaining sugar, and a pinch of salt until pale. Gradually add hot milk mixture to egg yolks, whisking constantly.
- Return egg mixture to saucepan with remaining milk mixture. Cook over low, stirring constantly for 5-8 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and strain through a sieve. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Pour custard into ice cream maker and churn for 20-25 minutes. Freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
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