Its a classic and so good!

Serve it with caramel sauce or on a slice of apple pie!

Do you ever make homemade ice cream?

Scooping vanilla ice cream out of a container.

Ciara Kehoe

I admit that given a choice between chocolate and vanilla, I will almost always raise my hand forchocolate.

What Is French Vanilla Ice Cream?

French vanilla ice cream also often has speckles of real vanilla bean throughout.

Drizzling caramel over a bowl of best vanilla ice cream.

Ciara Kehoe

Chill the whole mixture and then process it in an ice cream maker.

Why Temper the Eggs?

Once the egg mixture has been tempered, it can be added back to the hot cream mixture.

Side view of homemade vanilla ice cream topped with caramel and with a spoon.

Ciara Kehoe

Can I Make Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker?

It just takes a bit more attention and time.

Basically, once you chill the custard base, put it into a durable container in the freezer.

Scraping a vanilla bean to make a vanilla ice cream recipe.

Ciara Kehoe

Every 45 minutes or so, kick off the freezer door to check it.

Keep checking and stirring until the ice cream is frozen in a couple hours.

Can I Make This Vanilla Ice Cream with Vanilla Extract?

Vanilla bean pods set in the custard to make vanilla ice cream recipe.

Ciara Kehoe

Real vanilla beans give you a more intense flavor, but yes, you could use vanilla extract.

It is often easier to find and more affordable than vanilla beans.

Add the vanilla extract at the end of Step 5.

Whisking the eggs to add to the custard to make a vanilla ice cream recipe

Ciara Kehoe

Throw an Ice Cream Social!

Thinking of hosting an ice cream social?

Here’severything you oughta know.

Chilling the cream in a bowl of ice with a strainer set on top to make a homemade ice cream recipe.

Ciara Kehoe

Heat until steamy, but not simmering.

Remove from heat, cover, and let stand while the vanilla infuses, about 20 to 30 minutes.

In a medium bowl, beat together the yolks and the remaining half of the sugar.

Adding custard to egg mixture for a homemade ice cream recipe.

Ciara Kehoe

it’s possible for you to use a hand mixer or beat by hand using a whisk.

Beat until velvety smooth and creamy.

Fill a large bowl half way with ice and cold water.

A spoon showing the texture of the ice cream custard to make a homemade ice cream recipe.

Ciara Kehoe

Set a smaller metal bowl inside of it, and place the remaining cup of cream inside to chill.

Place a strainer over the smaller bowl.

Reheat the milk/cream mixture until it is just barely steamy (not boiling!).

Straining the custard into a strainer set over a bowl of cream for a homemade ice cream recipe.

Ciara Kehoe

Vigorously whisk the eggs while you slowly dribble half of the milk/cream mixture into it.

Pour the egg mixture into the pot with the remaining cream and milk.

you’re able to run your finger in a line over the back of the coated spoon.

Whisking the custard base for a vanilla ice cream recipe.

Ciara Kehoe

Let the custard cool completely, stirring to help chill it quickly.

Put into the refrigerator and let chill for at least an hour, preferably several hours.

Freeze custard in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Processing the custard in an ice cream maker to make a vanilla ice cream recipe.

Ciara Kehoe

(Take care not to over churn the ice cream or it will get a grainy texture.)

If you serve the ice cream immediately, it will have the consistency of soft serve ice cream.

Freeze it for at least an hour in an airtight plastic container to have a firmer texture.

Freezing the vanilla ice cream in a freezer container.

Ciara Kehoe