Vanilla Ice Cream
Vanilla Ice Cream
I know you are probably thinking how boring, really Suzanne, vanilla ice cream, yawn. Well, you’re right, it can be boring on it’s own but just think of what you can do with vanilla ice cream. My favorite milk shake and ice cream soda’s (black and white) I always make with a chocolate base and vanilla ice cream. There is nothing better than a scoop of creamy vanilla on a warm piece of pie or cobbler or crisp. Ice cream sandwiches, I love using vanilla ice cream with a chocolate wafer. I always keep at least a pint of plain vanilla ice cream in the freezer, and the recipe I use can be changed to add whatever you want, fudge, caramel or fruit swirl, turn it into strawberry ice cream, praline or butter pecan, coffee or chocolate, the possibilities are endless. So here is is my basic vanilla ice cream recipe. Super easy and the results are fantastic.
Makes 1 quart
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups whole milk
6 egg yolks from large eggs
1/2 +2 tbs sugar
pinch of salt
1 tbs pure vanilla extract
2 tbs corn syrup or Lyles Golden syrup (optional)
Add cream and milk to heavy medium size saucepan and heat on med/high until milk scalds but should not come to a boil. While milk/cream is heating beat the egg yolks, sugar and salt with a whisk until its creamy, thick and light in color. When milk has scalded pour half into eggs whisking constantly, mix thoroughly and add back to the pan with the rest of the milk. Reduce heat to medium and cook stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until it thickens and coats the back of the spoon, you know it’s done when you can draw a line on the back of spoon and the line stays intact. Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract. Pour into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, the wrap should sit on top of the custard. Let cool to room temperature then refrigerate over night,
Add the optional corn syrup and follow manufacturers instructions for your ice cream maker. When done (should be the consistency of soft serve ice cream) place in freezer container and let sit in the coldest part of the freezer at least 4 hours but preferably overnight,
apuginthekitchen 
Simplicity is sometimes the best. And you’re right, it’s a wonderful base to get creative with. Is there any benefit to adding corn syrup?
Thanks Melissa, yes simplicity is sometimes the best. I add corn syrup, some people add vodka and it’s to keep the ice cream from getting really hard. I can take it directly from the freezer and it’s scoopable. The reason I made it optional is because instead of adding it you can simply let it sit for a little while to soften. I know corn syrup is not good for you, high fructose corn syrup and all but it’s only a couple of tbs and for me a tiny bit makes a big difference in the consistency.
I think that’s the biggest downside of my ice cream, I have to wait for it to thaw a bit. I don’t ever have corn syrup in my house, so maybe I’ll try the vodka route first. Mmm, now I want ice cream. Maybe some peaches and cream.
Oh yes peaches and cream!!! Yes a couple of tbs of vodka helps it not to freeze so hard but there are children that eat the ice cream so I keep it alcohol free.
The salted caramel sundae I had for my birthday had vanilla ice cream and it was amazing. I’ve never heard of vodka in there. Interesting.
This is so far from boring as far as I’m concerned. I love vanilla ice cream. It is the only choice for me! I have never made ice cream. Can you believe somebody has never made their own ice cream? I always thought you needed an ice cream maker. I’m going to make this. Thank you! 🙂
I do use an ice cream maker, but it can be done without I would imagine. It might be a bit of a process though. I would whip it with an electric mixer several times during the freezing process. Have done that with a sorbet and it worked great. Thanks so much.
Oooooh…I see. I was thinking this could be done without one! I just re-read and I see now how you actually put it in the fridge overnight….not the freezer! 🙂 Then you use an ice cream maker! Ok. Someday I’ll just have to break down and purchase one…
I resisted for a long time, bought a very inexpensive cuisinart and am so glad I did. It’s definitely possible without one but it just makes it so much easier to use one.
So funny. I was hanging out on Twitter and faved this awesome quote: “Without ice cream, there would be darkness and chaos. ~Don Kardong” So true. So true! And then here’s your wonderful homemade ice cream recipe. Perfect for our miserable heatwave -y NY summer.
Oh I love that quote!! I couldn’t agree more. Thanks so much, ice cream is perfect to stave off the oppressive heat!!
The simpler the things are, the harder the work and you did a good job with the recipe!
Thank you so much, simple for me is always the best!!
Yum! It’s always time for ice cream!
You said it, I will always say yes to ice cream. Thank you!
No way, vanilla is not boring, it’s one of my favorites. I need a ice cream maker sooooooooooooo bad! This looks wonderful.
I happen to really love vanilla ice cream too! Keep cool and thanks so much!
Suzanne, I have a new Cuisinart ice-cream maker in anticipation of embarking on ice-cream making in the warmer weather here in Australia. I love good vanilla ice-cream. Your recipe is heaven-sent. I will make this recipe the first one I make in my new machine. By the way, I have been reading your blog entries – they are delightful.
Thanks so much Karen, I love my ice cream maker and use it continuously all summer long. I am so happy that you will use my recipe to christen the new cuisinart and I am doubly thrilled you enjoy my little blog, Thank you again,
You’re right, I too always have some vanilla in my freezer…since it goes with nearly anything! Looks delicious!
Thank you, yes I love different flavors but vanilla is a freezer staple.
I wasn’t thinking boring when I saw the post title – I was thinking delicious and perfect for the weather we are having at the moment.
I see other bloggers post exciting flavors but decided vanilla is the gateway to many different and exciting variations. Thank you so much, maybe I should change the headnote. There are a lot of vanilla lovers out there and count me in too! Thanks again.
Wow! This looks so good! I would love to try this out!
Thanks so much, it is good and what I love about it is that I can scoop it right out of the freezer, no letting it sit out to soften.
Looks great! I’m a huge fan of vanilla ice cream. Sometimes simplicity is the best! Plus it is perfect to go with other dessert items! 😉
Kenley
Thanks so much Kenley, I too am a fan of Vanilla but I tend to like the basics. You are so right, it goes with just about any dessert.
Wow looks delicious! I love ice cream and vanilla is one of my favorite flavors because it goes so well a variety of food & drinks. Have you tried affogato? It’s a scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with a shot of espresso. Very common in Italy and great for hot summer days 🙂
Affogato is my favorite dessert, as a matter of fact I am so glad that you mentioned it because I’m going to make it right now. I like to add a splash of Marsala, my Father always added a little Anisette. Thanks Julian!!
Looks so creamy and smooth. I think Vanilla will always be my favorite flavor.
It is, there is always room in my freezer for vanilla. Love it. Thanks so much Laurie!
Nothing boring about vanilla ice-cream. My favourite is Haagen-Dazs vanilla. Its very creamy and egg yolk-y taste! Like the ones my grandma used to make. Yours is a very similar recipe. Love it!
I love Haagen Daz they have wonderful ice cream and you are right it’s eggy and creamy. If you make this I hope you like, its all of the above. Thanks so much.
Suzanne-my 2 very favorite ice cream flavors are chocolate and vanilla. They are THE best and classics, so this is far from boring. Vanilla is one of my favorite flavors…it’s just a wonderful sweet gourmet taste that you can’t get from sugar!
Oh and I agree…I use agave the same way you use corn syrup…definitely helps!
Me too, chocolate and vanilla are my favorites. I like simple and straightforward flavors most of the time. Although coffee is up there pretty high too. Thanks so much.
Now that is a revelation, thank you for this. I hate using corn syrup and didn’t even think of using agave. I will do that next time. Thank you so much!!
Not boring at all: vanilla icecream is the best. I love to make sundaes with chopped nuts and dark chocolate sauce and fruit so this would be perfect. I’ve beeen looking for a good vanilla icecream recipe for a while so thank you 🙂
BY the way, I love the idea of using agave syrup instead of corn syrup…
I know it’s one of those aha moments, why didn’t I think of that. I use Lyles all the time and that works too but agave is much healthier.
So glad to see vanilla lovers here. I love it too and just like you describe. So delicious. Thank you so much
I love vanilla. And would love to make this sometime. R
Thank you, I hope you do give it a try. Please let me know if you do.
The perfect time and weather to make (and especially have!!!) some refreshing vanilla ice cream… maybe with some Pedro Ximenez Sherry on top! 🙂
Thank you, Suzanne!
Now that would be wonderful a great idea. Now do get some of that Sherry and give it try!! Thanks so much Stefano.
I have hunch you are going to like it, Suzanne!
I love it! 🙂
I have a feeling you are right!
Yummm vanilla ice cream is my favourite! I love it on apple crisp or just on its own.
Oh yes, apple crisp and vanilla ice cream. The most heavenly combination thanks so much Leslie!
It’s always the simplest thing that is the hardest to get it right. Vanilla ice cream is one of my favourite but it’s so hard to find a good-quality one without spending a bomb! Thanks for sharing with us your recipe! 🙂
I was in the grocery store the other day and saw a pint of Jenni’s ice cream and it was 11.99 a pint. I immediately went home and made my own. Thanks Jasline!
Oh my gosh, NO – vanilla ice cream is not boring! Well ok, store-bought vanilla ice cream = boring. But homemade vanilla ice cream? A revelation. Seriously, it’s not even in the same food group as the store bought stuff. I’ve been making it for years, but I never knew about the corn syrup trick to keep it from freezing too hard. I’ll try it next time, because I hate when you just get an ice cream BRICK! haha.
Thanks Lori. yea the ice cream brick. I want to be able to scoop right out of the freezer. Corn syrup or vodka or agave all do the trick. Homemade is so much better, almost always!!
This looks delicious Suzanne! Vanilla is my go-to flavor as well – sometimes the simpler things are the most extraordinary! Love it! xoxo
Thanks so much, totally agree. Simple can truly be extraordinary!! Thanks again,
You cannot go wrong with the classics – they are classics for a reason! And this would be perfect for Affogato. I have a question re the comments – I thought Lyle’s Golden Syrup was pure cane – and not high fructose corn syrup? I use Lyle’s all the time – it’s beautiful in both flavour and consistency. Also in your list of ingredients I’m not sure what you mean by the sugar – you have 1/2 plus 2 tbsp. I assume you mean 1/2 cup? I’m going to try making a half batch without an ice cream maker. I’ll let you know how I go!
I agree the classics are that for a reason and vanilla is a true classic. Yes, Lyles is pure cane and no high fructose stuff and I love to use it. I ran out so had to use corn syrup in this batch but I wanted include it as an option, I love the flavor of Lyles, I can eat it by the spoonful it’s so good. I usually make a smaller batch but wanted a quart so I added the extra 2 tbs of sugar. My regular recipe calls for 5 egg yolks, 1 1/2 cups of cream and 1 1/2 cups of milk and 1/2 cup of sugar. I added an extra 2 tbs of sugar because I made a larger batch. The recipe I normally use makes less than a quart but more than a pint. This made exactly a quart so was perfect for my needs. I usually use Lyles, it actually make the ice cream taste even better so if you are making a scaled down recipe only use a tbs of the syrup. Thanks so much, hope this made sense
I can hardly believe that that image is of home made ice cream! It looks almost shop bought in its perfection! I’ve never made ice cream before but I’ve always wanted to. Your method looks reasonably straightforward. I love the fact that there’s golden syrup in there. Yum! Thanks lovely xx
Thanks Laura, it is pretty straightforward, the trickiest part is making the custard and cooking it so that the eggs don’t scramble, I’m sure you have done that many times making pastry cream. Other than that, it’s super easy and comes together in minutes. Yes, Lyles gives the custard a lovely buttery taste that corn syrup doesn’t. Highly recommend it!
A perfect summer treat! I’m inspired!
Ice cream is perfect and I always have it on hand. Thanks so much!
Smart woman! Vanilla is one of my top two favorite ice cream flavors so I was very excited to see this post! 🙂
Yes me too! I love playing around with the vanilla base also to make different flavors. Thank you so much.
I agree with you. Start with something simple but, oh the things you can do with vanilla ice cream are endless! My blackberries should be done in a couple weeks, I’m thinking vanilla ice cream with blackberry sauce….yum!!
Yes blackberry sauce sounds great, jealous of your blackberry bushes. You are so right, the possibilities and almost endless. Thanks so much Suzie!
Not boring at all! It’s by far my favorite flavor of ice cream (especially when homemade) because of all the things that you can add to it, top it with, mix it with. Mmm!
Thanks so much, I can’t tell you how thrilled I am that there are so many vanilla fans out there. Glad to know I am not alone in my love for simple vanilla ice cream.
Vanilla ice cream is the best, Suzanne! Especially one like yours that is so rich and beautiful with egg yolks and cream…I’m craving a scoop right now.
This batch was particularly yellow, the egg yolks were a bright marigold color, so rich and beautiful it made the ice cream a pale yellow. Thanks Hannah, I love ice cream!
Mmmm…I’m never disappointed when someone offers me vanilla ice cream! This looks like a really good recipe. I need to find my ice cream maker in one of the boxes that I haven’t unpacked from moving, LOL.
I really put some serious mileage on mine every summer. Thanks so much love vanilla!
I wish I knew you five years ago when I move my first steps in the cooking world!!! 🙂 Everybody was talking about super complicated and sophisticated recipes and no one was teaching the basics. I honestly think that if your basics are not “strong” you cannot go to the next level.
Your recipes sounds wonderful, easy to make for someone who has never made ice cream. Just perfect in its simplicity! 🙂
Francesca, that is probably the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. I so appreciate it. Thank you, I like simple food, to me it’s the best, cooking shouldn’t be so complicated IMHO. I do hope you like the ice cream if you give it a try. Thank you again.
Ooh, I love Lyle’s Golden Syrup! I don’t think vanilla ice-cream is boring, even if it’s on it’s own, but especially when it’s homemade! Lovely, Suzanne!
I am a Lyles fanatic, I can eat by the spoonful. Thanks so much.
I like the Lyle’s Golden Syrup idea!
Me too, love Lyles and it actually adds a lovely flavor to the ice cream. Thank you.
Golden syrup is a mandatory ingredient in my kitchen, and in my ice-cream! Love this recipe, it looks like a textbook, gorgeous vanilla ice cream. Perfect on it’s own or with just about anything else.
Mine too, use it instead of corn syrup. Makes the best pecan pie ever!! Thanks so much.
I have an ice cream maker mouldering in the top cupboard. Thanks for encouraging me to get it out!
Ice cream is so easy to make and the results are just so good when it’s home made. I make it so often I am afraid my little ice cream maker will give out soon. Thanks so much.
No, no not boring at all! A good vanilla ice cream is sensational, unbeatable – I have never tried it with the addition of syrup but am curious to try this now.
Thanks Anna, the syrup keeps the ice cream from getting rock hard in the freezer, vodka or some sort of alcohol would do the same thing but I am such a fan of Lyles, I love to use that.
ciao! the pleasure of simple and delicious. just the best recipe.
thebestdressup
ciao!!! yes totally agree simple is the best. Thanks so much.
This is weird. I’ve missed several of your posts, including this one. Yet, when I click on email it’s taking me to homepages, not the actual post. Grief, how many posts have I missed out on?? I know I’ve missed several of Fig & Quince as well. Oh well, seems I’ve some catching up to do!
Are you not getting them, never quite trust that WP, is doing what it’s supposed to do
I’m getting emails. But, those emails are then directing me to your homepage (last post), not the post itself. Which is why I keep missing out on particular posts. Just as well I noticed that last night as all I have to do is check ‘previous’ to catch up on all of them 🙂
Sometimes I can’t figure out WP, there are quite a few glitches in their system. Glad you somehow make you way here!