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French Vanilla Ice Cream

Featured in Sweet Treats for Every Occasion.

French Vanilla Ice Cream combines custard elegance with creamy sweetness, featuring a rich blend of whole milk, cream, and egg yolks. Infused with real vanilla bean, this homemade dessert is churned to silky perfection. Using a balanced technique, the custard thickens smoothly before churning, ensuring a texture that's both light and luxurious. Perfect for any occasion, it's a treat that highlights the essence of classic flavors.

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Updated on Thu, 03 Apr 2025 23:25:30 GMT
How to Make Ice Cream Pin it
How to Make Ice Cream | lottirecipes.com

This luscious French vanilla ice cream is the epitome of homemade dessert perfection with its velvety smooth texture and pure vanilla flavor that store-bought varieties simply cannot match. The secret lies in the custard base, which creates an incredibly rich mouthfeel that melts beautifully on your tongue.

I developed this recipe after years of disappointment with commercial ice creams that left an artificial aftertaste. Now my family requests this for every birthday celebration and summer gathering on our patio.

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Vanilla beans have become my baking obsession over the years. I remember the first time I split one open and scraped out those tiny seeds my daughter called them "vanilla freckles" and now she helps me prepare this ice cream by scraping the beans herself while telling me stories about her day.

The Role of Egg Yolks

Choosing Your Vanilla

Storage Wisdom

Serving Suggestions

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes French Vanilla Ice Cream unique?

French Vanilla Ice Cream is custard-based, made with egg yolks for a rich, creamy texture and deep vanilla flavor.

→ How do I temper the eggs?

Slowly whisk warm milk mixture into the egg yolks while stirring constantly to avoid curdling, then combine with the rest of the custard.

→ Can I use vanilla extract instead of a vanilla bean?

Yes, but vanilla bean provides a more authentic and intense flavor. Use high-quality extract if substituting.

→ How long should I chill the custard before churning?

Chill the custard in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight to ensure the mixture is cold enough for churning.

→ How do I store homemade ice cream?

Store in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed against the surface to prevent ice crystals from forming.

French Vanilla Ice Cream

Rich, creamy French Vanilla Ice Cream with a custard base and true vanilla flavor.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French

Yield: 1 quart

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Base Ingredients

01 1 1/2 cups whole milk
02 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
03 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar, divided
04 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 1 vanilla bean, split in half lengthwise and seeded
06 4 large egg yolks

Instructions

Step 01

Fill a large bowl with ice cubes and a cup or two of water. Place a medium bowl fitted with a fine strainer inside the ice bath. Set aside.

Step 02

In a medium saucepan combine the milk, cream, 1/2 cup (100 grams) of the sugar, salt, vanilla seeds, and vanilla pod. Set over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is warm and begins to steam, about 5 minutes.

Step 03

In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and the remaining 1/4 cup (50 grams) of sugar until very well combined and lightened in color. Carefully and slowly ladle half of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly, until the egg mixture is gently warmed. Slowly whisk the egg-milk mixture back into the saucepan.

Step 04

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until thick enough to coat the back of the spoon and reaches around 175°F (80°C) on an instant-read thermometer, about 5 to 7 minutes. Do not let the mixture boil.

Step 05

Immediately strain the mixture through the fine strainer into the prepared ice bath. Discard the vanilla bean pod. Cool the custard in the ice bath until it reaches room temperature, stirring often. Press plastic wrap against the surface of the custard and refrigerate until chilled, about 4 hours or up to 1 day.

Step 06

Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer’s directions. Transfer to an airtight container, pressing plastic wrap against the surface. Cover and freeze until firm and flavor ripened, at least 2 hours.

Step 07

If the ice cream has been in the freezer for more than a couple of days, allow it to soften in the fridge for 30 minutes before scooping for best results.

Tools You'll Need

  • Ice cream maker
  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Fine strainer
  • Mixing bowls

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 290
  • Total Fat: 19.2 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 25.5 g
  • Protein: 3.8 g