Ingredients
Dairy and Eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream, divided
- 6 large egg yolks
Other Ingredients
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 vanilla bean, cut lengthwise
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prep milk, cream, and vanilla bean: Place a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and whisk together the milk, sugar, and 1 cup of heavy cream. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the pot using a spoon or the back of a butter knife, then add the vanilla bean pod itself to the mixture.
- Heat milk mixture: Heat the mixture while stirring frequently until it reaches 110°F. Once heated, cover the pot and let it cool for about 25 minutes until reaching 80°F.
- Mix custard mixture: Remove the vanilla bean pod from the pot. Add the egg yolks and whisk them thoroughly into the warm milk and cream mixture until fully combined.
- Cook custard mixture: Return the pot to medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom and edges of the pan, until it thickens and reaches 170-175°F on an instant-read thermometer. The custard should coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat immediately to avoid curdling.
- Strain: Pour the custard through a fine-mesh strainer into a medium bowl to remove any cooked egg bits or vanilla pod residue for a smooth texture.
- Mix and chill: Whisk in the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream and the vanilla extract. Cool the mixture for 10 minutes at room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to ensure thorough chilling.
- Churn and freeze: Pour the chilled custard mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. Transfer the churned custard into an airtight container and freeze for 3 hours to firm up.
- Serve: Scoop the frozen custard into bowls or cones and serve immediately for a creamy, rich treat.
Notes
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure precise cooking temperatures for safety and texture.
- Scrape the vanilla seeds thoroughly to maximize flavor.
- Do not overcook the custard to prevent curdling; remove from heat once it coats the back of a spoon.
- Chill the custard mixture well before churning to achieve the best texture.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, place the custard in a shallow container, freeze, and stir every 30 minutes until firm.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American