Creamy Vanilla Bean Ice Cream (2024)

Creamy Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

There’s nothing better than a cold, creamy scoop of ice cream on a hot summer day. We love going to our favorite ice cream shops and choosing from a long list of flavors, but have you ever tried making it at home? Be prepared for the best, most creamy ice cream you’ve ever tasted!

While we love the variety of fun flavored ice cream recipes, nothing quite replaces a classic scoop of vanilla ice cream. What’s even better is seeing those tiny, fresh vanilla bean flecks in the thick, creamy base that bring the perfect pop of vanilla flavor.

Enjoy this classic summer treat in a cone or in a cup. Use it to make the most creamy root beer float or serve it with cold brew coffee for a mouthwatering affogato. Vanilla bean ice cream is also the perfect addition to your favorite baked dessert.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

It uses simple ingredients. Most of the ingredients in this recipe are kitchen staples. Cream, milk, sugar, eggs, and vanilla are things you may already have in your kitchen.
It uses eggs for a thick, custard-like ice cream. We love the rich, creamy results that come from using bright orange egg yolks in our ice cream base.
It uses fresh vanilla beans. This subtle but powerful addition adds a burst of fresh vanilla flavor that vanilla extract alone can’t quite compete with.
The process is easy. While there is some stovetop watching required, this recipe lets the ice cream maker do most of the work.

French Vanilla vs Vanilla

In the vanilla ice cream world, there are two main camps. One is French vanilla and the other is Philadelphia-style ice cream (usually just called “vanilla”). But what exactly is the difference?

The difference of these two varieties lies in the use of egg yolks. French vanilla is made with egg yolks giving it that golden tint and thick, custardy texture. Philadelphia vanilla, on the other hand, usually does not use egg yolks resulting in a purer white ice cream with a slightly lighter texture. Both of these varieties can use either vanilla extract or fresh vanilla beans. This recipe is technically a French vanilla ice cream. If you’re wanting to try vanilla (Philadelphia-style) ice cream, try this easy, delicious vanilla ice cream recipe.

Key Ingredients

Whole Milk – Whole milk works as the base for this recipe. We like whole milk over a lower fat percentage, because it gives the ice cream that thick, luxurious texture.
Heavy Cream – Note that heavy cream and whipping cream are ever-so-slightly different. For the best results, we use heavy cream, because of it’s higher fat content that makes the ice cream creamier and easier to scoop straight out of the freezer.
Vanilla Bean – Fresh vanilla bean is the star of this recipe. It’s the perfect way to take that vanilla flavor up a notch.
Eggs/Egg Yolks – Eggs (especially egg yolks) make this ice cream thick, custardy, and add that golden color characteristic of French vanilla.
Sugar – Regular granulated sugar works just fine for this recipe. We love the simple sweetness paired with the heavy, rich cream and egg yolks.

Key Tips For Success

Vanilla bean ice cream is just about as simple as it gets with just 5 ingredients, but there are a few tips we like to use to ensure the perfect outcome. Take a look at these key tips for success for a delicious ice cream better than store-bought.

Use the vanilla bean pod. When mixing the milk and cream in your saucepan, throw in the vanilla pod along with the seeds. It’ll add even more flavor to the ice cream. Just don’t forget to remove it before adding the eggs.
Invest in a thermometer. Although it’s totally possible to make this ice cream without a thermometer, we like to have one to ensure that the cream and egg yolk mixture is reaching the proper temperature.
Use cold eggs. It will be easier to separate your egg yolks if you’re starting with cold eggs.
Don’t forget to chill. We like to chill the ice cream mixture for at least a few hours before churning it. This helps to ensure our ice cream turns out smooth and creamy without any big ice crystals.
Let it sit. We know it can be hard to wait when you have that freshly churned ice cream sitting right in front of you with the scent of vanilla calling your name, but let your ice cream set in the freezer before digging in. You won’t regret it!

Commonly Asked Questions

Do I need to buy pasteurized eggs for this recipe?

You can definitely buy pasteurized eggs for this recipe, but it’s not necessary. The process of tempering the egg and sugar mixture in the hot milk and then heating it to 170 degrees will essentially pasteurize the eggs. So, you won’t have to worry about the ice cream being unsafe to eat.

Can I use a lower fat milk for this recipe?

We don’t recommend replacing the whole milk with a lower fat percentage. The fat in the milk and heavy cream helps to create a creamy ice cream that freezes evenly without ice crystals.

How long can I keep vanilla bean ice cream in the freezer?

Homemade vanilla ice cream will keep well in the freezer for about 2 weeks. Any longer could result in freezer burn, but it’s so delicious it won’t be a problem finishing it before then.

Desserts To Serve With Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

We love creamy vanilla bean ice cream on it’s own, but if you’re looking for a real showstopper dessert, try whipping up these Fudgy Brownies or this Chocolate Zucchini Cake as the perfect chocolate and vanilla combo.
There’s not a more dynamic duo than cake and ice cream. Try pairing this vanilla ice cream with bright, and sweet Carrot Cake or a classic, rich Chocolate Cake.
Have you just stumbled upon this recipe in the fall? Try serving this with your favorite pie. We love this sweet, flaky, and buttery Apple Pie and this perfect Pumpkin Pie.

More To make And Eat

Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream – Why not make your own ice cream when those mint, chocolate cravings hit? With just 5 simple ingredients and the help of an ice cream maker, you’ll have the most delicious mint ice cream right at home.
Easy Chocolate Ice Cream – This summer classic brings back nostalgic memories and tastes amazing. It’s the perfect ice cream recipe for chocolate- lovers.
Cookies and Cream Ice Cream – What better way to elevate ice cream than to add Oreo cookies to it? This recipe proves how easy it is to make this tried and true classic.
Creamy Vegan Ice Cream – Whether you’re choosing veganism for health reasons, ethical concerns, or just can’t tolerate dairy, one thing that can be hard to give up are our favorite desserts. This creamy vegan ice cream offers the perfect solution. It’s made with a coconut milk base that makes it just as creamy as classic ice cream.
Easy Vanilla Ice Cream (No Eggs) – If you want a super simple yet still delicious version without tempering eggs, try this!

Did you make this?

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Creamy Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

4.98 from 39 ratings

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This vanilla bean ice cream is pure, rich, and creamy. Only the good stuff, nothing artificial about it. It's 5-ingredient bliss!

Prep Time: 40 minutes mins

Ingredients

1 ½ cups whole milk
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 whole vanilla bean
2 large eggs
3 large egg yolks
½ cups white sugar

Instructions

Combine milk and cream in medium saucepan.Using sharp knife, split vanilla bean in half, lengthwise. Scrape out all the seeds into the saucepan.Put bean pod in saucepan; there is plenty of flavor left in pod.Bring mixture to slow boil. Reduce heat to simmer 30 minutes. Stir frequently. If you get a little milky film on top, just keep stirring.
Combine 2 eggs, 3 yolks, and sugar in a medium bowl.Lightly beat until mixture is thick, smooth, and pale yellow.Remove bean pod from milk mixture. Measure out 1 cup of the hot mixture. Gradually pour the cup of milk mixture into the egg mixture in a slow, steady stream while whisking – you can also use a mixer on low speed.When combined, pour egg/milk mixture back into saucepan.
Stir constantly over low heat until mixture is thick enough to coat spoon.Do not let it boil.If using thermometer, it should be around 170F.
Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly over custard, and chill completely.Takes at least a few hours chill, so do this overnight if you like.
Pour chilled custard into ice cream maker and churn until thickened, about 25 min.Transfer to airtight container and place in freezer to set.

Equipment

1 Ice Cream Maker

Notes

We’ve been using our Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker for many years, with great results.
If you prefer a simple, egg-free vanilla ice cream, here’s a recipe for that.
See original article for more serving ideas and flavor variations.
If you enjoyed this recipe, come back and give it a rating ❤️

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Nutrition (per serving)

Course: Dessert, treats

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free, Low Salt

Method: Freezer, ice cream maker, Stovetop

As an AI language model, I have access to a vast amount of information on various topics, including the concepts mentioned in the article you provided. I can provide information and insights related to creamy vanilla bean ice cream, French vanilla vs. vanilla, key ingredients, key tips for success, commonly asked questions, and desserts to serve with vanilla bean ice cream. Let's dive into each of these topics.

Creamy Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Creamy vanilla bean ice cream is a classic and beloved dessert. It is made with simple ingredients such as cream, milk, sugar, eggs, and vanilla bean. The use of fresh vanilla beans adds a burst of fresh vanilla flavor that vanilla extract alone cannot compete with. The process of making creamy vanilla bean ice cream involves heating the milk and cream with the vanilla bean, creating a custard-like base by adding eggs and sugar, and then churning the mixture in an ice cream maker until thickened. The ice cream is then transferred to an airtight container and placed in the freezer to set.

French Vanilla vs. Vanilla

In the world of vanilla ice cream, there are two main varieties: French vanilla and Philadelphia-style ice cream (usually just called "vanilla"). The main difference between these two varieties lies in the use of egg yolks. French vanilla is made with egg yolks, giving it a golden tint and a thick, custardy texture. Philadelphia vanilla, on the other hand, usually does not use egg yolks, resulting in a purer white ice cream with a slightly lighter texture. Both French vanilla and Philadelphia vanilla can use either vanilla extract or fresh vanilla beans for flavoring.

Key Ingredients

The key ingredients for making creamy vanilla bean ice cream are as follows:

Whole Milk: Whole milk serves as the base for the ice cream, providing a thick and luxurious texture.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream, with its higher fat content, makes the ice cream creamier and easier to scoop straight out of the freezer.
Vanilla Bean: Fresh vanilla bean is the star of the recipe, adding a burst of fresh vanilla flavor. The seeds inside the vanilla bean are scraped out and added to the ice cream base.
Eggs/Egg Yolks: Eggs, especially egg yolks, make the ice cream thick, custardy, and give it a golden color characteristic of French vanilla.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is used to sweeten the ice cream.

Key Tips For Success

To ensure the perfect outcome when making vanilla bean ice cream, here are some key tips for success:

Use the vanilla bean pod: When heating the milk and cream, throw in the vanilla bean pod along with the seeds. This will add even more flavor to the ice cream. Remember to remove the pod before adding the eggs.
Invest in a thermometer: While not necessary, using a thermometer can help ensure that the cream and egg yolk mixture reaches the proper temperature.
Use cold eggs: It will be easier to separate the egg yolks if you start with cold eggs.
Chill the ice cream mixture: Chill the ice cream mixture for at least a few hours before churning it. This helps ensure a smooth and creamy texture without any large ice crystals.
Let it sit: Allow the freshly churned ice cream to set in the freezer before serving. This will help it firm up and develop its full flavor.

Commonly Asked Questions

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about making vanilla bean ice cream:

Do I need to buy pasteurized eggs for this recipe?
- It is not necessary to buy pasteurized eggs for this recipe. The process of tempering the egg and sugar mixture in the hot milk and then heating it to 170 degrees Fahrenheit will essentially pasteurize the eggs, making the ice cream safe to eat.
Can I use a lower fat milk for this recipe?
- It is not recommended to replace whole milk with a lower fat percentage. The fat in the milk and heavy cream helps create a creamy ice cream that freezes evenly without forming ice crystals.
How long can I keep vanilla bean ice cream in the freezer?
- Homemade vanilla bean ice cream will keep well in the freezer for about 2 weeks. After that, it may develop freezer burn. However, it is so delicious that it is unlikely to last that long!
Where can I find vanilla beans?
- Vanilla beans are sold at most grocery stores in the spices section. They can also be found online on platforms like Amazon.

Desserts To Serve With Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Vanilla bean ice cream pairs well with a variety of desserts. Here are some suggestions:

Fudgy Brownies: The combination of rich, fudgy brownies and creamy vanilla bean ice cream creates a perfect chocolate and vanilla combo.
Chocolate Zucchini Cake: Serve vanilla bean ice cream alongside a slice of chocolate zucchini cake for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Carrot Cake: The creamy vanilla bean ice cream complements the bright and sweet flavors of carrot cake.
Chocolate Cake: Pair vanilla bean ice cream with a classic, rich chocolate cake for a timeless dessert combination.
Apple Pie: The sweet, flaky, and buttery apple pie pairs beautifully with the creamy vanilla bean ice cream.
Pumpkin Pie: Serve a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside a slice of perfect pumpkin pie for a delicious fall dessert.

I hope this information helps you in understanding the concepts mentioned in the article. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!

Creamy Vanilla Bean Ice Cream (2024)

In This Article

Creamy Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Why This Recipe Stands Out

French Vanilla vs Vanilla

Key Ingredients

Key Tips For Success

Commonly Asked Questions

Desserts To Serve With Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

More To make And Eat

Did you make this?

Creamy Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Ingredients

Instructions

Equipment

Notes

Nutrition (per serving)

Creamy Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

French Vanilla vs. Vanilla

Key Ingredients

Key Tips For Success

Commonly Asked Questions

Desserts To Serve With Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

References