Old-Fashioned Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Learn how to make ice cream, the creamy, old-fashioned way! My easy, no-fuss recipe needs no machine & tastes just like Grandma's! Get the secret now!

Alright, let's dive in! ever wondered how to make ice cream that actually tastes better than shop-bought? trust me, once you taste this vanilla bean ice cream, you'll never go back to the supermarket stuff.
The key is the real vanilla bean.
Get Ready for the Best Vanilla Ice Cream Ever!
This old-fashioned vanilla bean ice cream is seriously creamy. it's the type of ice cream easy recipe you find passed down for generations.
It's got a rich vanilla taste, that reminds me of my nan's summer garden parties. it's a taste of childhood.
This recipe is inspired by classic methods. it's a touch of nostalgia in every bite. while not a 5-minute wonder, it is medium difficulty.
Allow at least 4 hours, but overnight chilling is best. this batch makes about 6 servings.
Why Make Your Own? (It's Worth It!)
Homemade ice cream is healthier than the commercial variety. you control the ingredients. this recipe for ice cream is perfect for a special occasion.
Think birthdays, bbqs, or "i deserve this" moments. this at home ice cream recipe is simple. no strange additives or preservatives! what makes this recipe special is real vanilla bean.
You can use ice cream recipes vanilla too if you don't have the bean. it adds such a delicious flavour.
Ready to ditch the store-bought stuff? Grab your ingredients! Next up, we'll tackle the custard base. Let's do some diy cooking recipes !
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this ridiculously good ice cream. honestly, it's all about the ingredients and having the right gear.
Don't worry; it's not rocket science! knowing how to make ice cream at home, especially when you are looking for some ice cream recipes no machine is about to be a walk in the park.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients for the Best Ice Cream Recipe
Okay, first up, the stars of the show! The stuff that makes this ice cream easy recipe . You are going to make this At Home Ice Cream dream possible!
- Heavy Cream: 2 cups (475 ml) . Go for the good stuff. It makes a difference. The higher the fat content, the creamier your ice cream will be. Trust me.
- Whole Milk: 1 cup (235 ml) . Full fat is the way to go. Skimmed milk? Forget about it.
- Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup (150 g) . Just regular white sugar does the trick.
- Vanilla Bean: 1 , split and scraped. Or, if you're feeling lazy (no judgement!), 1 tbsp vanilla extract. But seriously, the bean is worth it. Quality here is key. You can really taste the difference.
- Egg Yolks: 6 large . Don't throw away the whites! Make an omelette!
- Sea Salt: Just a pinch. Like, 1/4 teaspoon. Balances the sweetness.
Seasoning Notes: Elevating Your Homemade Ice Cream
Let's talk flavor. These are the bits that take you from "meh" to "OMG!". Think of these quick easy treats to make at home , as your secret weapons.
- Vanilla Bean & Salt: The base. It's simple, but perfect.
- Enhancers: A splash of rum or bourbon (optional). Adds warmth. Not for the kids. Unless...? Kidding!
- Spice Combos: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Especially nice in winter.
- Substitutions: Almond extract instead of vanilla. Adds a nutty twist.
You know? It is really amazing Ice Cream Recipes Vanilla , it's so versatile.
Equipment Needed: Your Ice Cream Arsenal
Right, onto the gear. this is diy cooking recipes , so you don't need a ton of fancy stuff. let's keep it simple.
Forget the no machine ice cream , and get an ice cream maker! you could try the no machine ice cream , but i am not a fan personally.
- Saucepan: Heavy-bottomed. Prevents scorching.
- Whisk: For whisking. Obvs.
- Bowl: Heatproof. For the custard.
- Ice Bath: A bowl with ice and water. To chill the custard quickly.
- Sieve: Fine-mesh. To strain the custard. Gets rid of any lumps.
- Ice Cream Maker: Essential, unless you want to be stirring ice cream every 20 mins for hours. Trust me, just get one.
- Freezer Container: Airtight. Keeps the ice cream fresh.
So there you have it. The ingredients and the kit. It sounds like a lot, but it really isn't. I hope you like our take on Ice Cream Homemade Easy ! Now, let's get cooking!
Okay, let's dive into how to make ice cream ! Honestly, who doesn't love a good scoop? Forget the shop-bought stuff. We're talking proper, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth at home ice cream .
Old-Fashioned Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Prep Like a Pro: Your Ice Cream Mise en Place
First things first. get your ducks in a row. this is what chefs call mise en place . basically, get everything ready.
Measure out your 2 cups heavy cream , 1 cup whole milk , ¾ cup sugar , get that vanilla bean ready, and separate 6 egg yolks .
Organization is key to avoid a custard catastrophe! a quick reminder: always wash your hands before you get started. safety first.
This is essential in diy cooking recipes .

From Simmer to Swirl: Making Ice Cream, Step-by-Step
Ready to get cooking? Here's the lowdown on this Ice Cream Homemade Easy . It really is easier than you think.
- Infuse the flavour. Gently warm your cream, milk, sugar, vanilla bean (pod and seeds!), and a pinch of salt in a pan. Stir gently until it simmers. Don't let it boil , alright? Take it off the heat.
- Temper those yolks. Whisk your yolks. Then, slowly, really slowly , drizzle about half a cup of the hot cream into the yolks. Whisk like your life depends on it! This prevents scrambled egg ice cream.
- Combine and cook. Tip the yolk mixture back into the pan with the rest of the cream. Cook on low heat, stirring all the time. The custard will thicken. Use a thermometer to know when the custard is ready, 170- 175° F (77- 79° C) is where you want to be.
- Strain and chill. Strain the custard through a sieve into a bowl. Bin the vanilla pod. Chill it in an ice bath. Stir until cool. Cover and chill for at least 2- 4 hours , but overnight is better.
- Churn baby, churn! Pour the chilled custard into your ice cream maker. Follow your maker's instructions. This part's the best!
- Freeze solid. Scoop the churned ice cream into an airtight container. Press parchment paper on the surface. Freeze for at least 2- 4 hours to harden.
Pro Tips for Ice Cream Perfection
Here's the insider info on this ice cream recipes no machine . don't overcook the custard! trust me, scrambled eggs in ice cream is not ideal.
And the colder the custard, the smoother the ice cream will be. it’s one of the quick easy treats to make at home .
Also try these ice cream recipes vanilla at your next family meeting.
Ever tried adding a splash of vodka? sounds bonkers, but a tablespoon or two keeps the ice cream softer. it is like a recipe for ice cream .
Don't say i didn't tell you! you can make the custard base a day ahead. no machine ice cream isn't as daunting as it seems! honestly, this ice cream easy recipe is a game changer.
Once you get the hang of it, you'll never buy shop-bought again.
Alright, here's a section of the ice cream article, complete with all the bits and bobs you asked for! i've tried to make it sound like i'm actually chatting to you.
Hope you like it!
Recipe Notes That'll Make You a Pro
So, you're diving into the world of at home ice cream ? fantastic! but before you grab your spoon, here are a few extra thoughts for ya.
These are the bits i always wish were included in recipes i find online, so thought i would include them here! it is going to show you how to make ice cream with some very useful tips.
Serving Suggestions That'll Impress
Want to plate like a pro? think colour and texture! scoops of this creamy vanilla ice cream easy recipe look amazing in crisp waffle cones.
Or, pile it high in a bowl and drizzle with warm chocolate sauce. honestly, a few fresh raspberries or a scattering of chopped nuts adds that extra oomph .
A fun idea for presentation, is using a piping bag for a perfect aesthetic.
For a proper treat, why not pair this ice cream homemade easy with a slice of warm apple pie? Or even a gooey brownie? A little splash of Amaretto or your favourite liqueur on top? Oh my gosh, absolute heaven! And don't forget drinks, what's better than a tall glass of coke to finish your quick easy treats to make at home !
Storage Tips: Keep It Creamy
Right, let's talk storage. freshly churned ice cream is soft so you'll want to firm it up. if you have leftover no machine ice cream (highly unlikely, i know!), pop it into an airtight container, stat! then, press a piece of parchment paper onto the surface.
This trick stops ice crystals from forming.
In the fridge, it'll stay good for a day or two (if it lasts that long!). for longer storage, freeze it.
It should be good for about a month or so. when reheating, give it a few minutes at room temp before scooping.
This helps it soften a bit.
Variations: Get Creative
Fancy a twist on the classic? you know, a little diy cooking recipes magic? for a dairy-free version, try using coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
It does give it a slightly coconutty taste, but hey, some people love that! looking for ice cream recipes no machine with dietary twists? try swapping out the normal sugar for honey if you want a more healthy twist.
Seasonal fruit swaps are always a winner. Think fresh strawberries in summer, or roasted apples and cinnamon in autumn. Honestly, just experiment and see what you come up with!
Nutrition Basics: A Little Treat
Okay, let's be real. ice cream isn't exactly a health food. but it's a treat! this recipe provides energy from fats and carbs, and a tiny bit of protein.
Just enjoy it in moderation, and savour every spoonful.
You are able to use sugar alternatives to lower the amount of sugar, and fat free cream for less fats if you wish.
Making recipe for ice cream at home is easy! so don't be scared to give it a go. you will be making ice cream recipes vanilla in no time at all.
Have fun, get creative, and enjoy the fruits (or ice cream) of your labour. you got this!

Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my homemade ice cream icy instead of creamy?
Icy ice cream is a common woe, a bit like a soggy bottom on a Victoria Sponge! It usually means that ice crystals have formed during freezing. To prevent this, make sure your custard base is completely chilled before churning, and harden the ice cream quickly in the freezer. Adding a tablespoon of vodka (the baker's secret weapon!) or other neutral alcohol after churning can also help reduce ice crystal formation, keeping it smoother.
Help! My custard base curdled. Can I still make ice cream?
Oh dear, curdled custard is a bit of a kitchen catastrophe, akin to burning the Yorkshire puddings! But don't despair entirely. If it's only slightly curdled, you can try blending the custard with an immersion blender to smooth it out before chilling. Strain it well. If it's badly curdled, it's best to start over; otherwise, you may end up with a grainy ice cream. Remember to temper the egg yolks very slowly next time.
Can I make ice cream without an ice cream maker? Is it possible to learn how to make ice cream without fancy equipment?
While an ice cream maker definitely makes the process easier and creates a smoother texture, you can make ice cream without one – it's a bit more labour intensive, mind you! Try the "no-churn" method, which involves whipping heavy cream to stiff peaks and then folding in sweetened condensed milk and your flavorings. Freeze in an airtight container, whisking every 30 minutes for the first few hours to break up ice crystals. It's not quite the same as churned ice cream, but it's a decent alternative.
How long does homemade ice cream last in the freezer?
Homemade ice cream, unlike shop-bought versions with all their stabilizers, has a shorter freezer life. For the best quality and texture, aim to eat it within 1-2 weeks. After that, it tends to become icy and lose some of its creamy texture. Storing it in an airtight container and pressing a sheet of parchment paper against the surface will help prolong its freezer life.
I'm trying to cut down on sugar. Can I use sugar substitutes when learning how to make ice cream?
Using sugar substitutes in ice cream can be tricky, a bit like trying to bake a cake with self-raising flour instead of plain! Some sugar substitutes can alter the texture and freezing properties of the ice cream. Erythritol or a blend of erythritol and stevia tend to work best, but you may need to experiment to find the right sweetness level. Be aware that some substitutes don't provide the same bulking effect as sugar, which can affect the final texture. You might get a softer or icier outcome.
What are some interesting flavour variations to try when learning how to make ice cream?
Once you've mastered the basic vanilla, the flavour possibilities are endless! Think like a proper chef and explore. Consider adding salted caramel swirls for a decadent treat, or infuse the cream with Earl Grey tea for a sophisticated twist. You could also fold in crushed honeycomb for a bit of crunch, or add a splash of your favourite liqueur for a boozy kick. Get creative and have some fun – just like a Bake Off technical challenge!