Classic Vanilla Ice Cream (Printable Version)

Ultra-creamy, decadent vanilla ice cream with pure flavor and silky texture, inspired by Haagen-Dazs.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 480 ml heavy cream (35% fat), divided
02 - 240 ml whole milk

→ Sweetener

03 - 150 g granulated sugar

→ Eggs

04 - 4 large egg yolks

→ Flavoring

05 - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract or seeds from 1 vanilla bean

# Steps To Follow:

01 - In a saucepan, heat whole milk and 240 ml of the heavy cream over medium heat until warm, avoiding boiling.
02 - Whisk egg yolks with granulated sugar in a separate bowl until the mixture is pale and thick.
03 - Gradually pour the warm milk and cream into the yolk mixture, whisking constantly to combine without curdling.
04 - Return the blend to the saucepan and cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (77–80°C).
05 - Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Stir in the remaining 240 ml heavy cream and vanilla extract or seeds.
06 - Allow the custard to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight.
07 - Pour the thoroughly chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer's guidelines, typically 20–25 minutes.
08 - Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for 2–4 hours to achieve optimal firmness before serving.

# Notes and Tips:

01 - For enriched chocolate, whisk ¾ cup melted dark chocolate into the chilled base before churning.
02 - To make strawberry variation, blend in 240 g puréed fresh strawberries after cooling and before churning.
03 - For a coffee version, dissolve 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder when heating milk and cream.
04 - Store in the freezer up to 2 weeks; press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals.
05 - Serve in a bowl or cone with optional toppings such as caramel, nuts, or fresh fruit.