Are you tired of rock-hard, impossible-to-scoop ice cream that breaks your favorite spoon? Get ready to revolutionize your dessert game with the ultimate guide to making perfectly scoopable, restaurant-quality ice cream right in your own kitchen! This foolproof recipe will transform you from an amateur cook to an ice cream maestro, delivering a luxuriously smooth treat that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional mix-ins (chocolate chips, fruit, etc.)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine whole milk, sugar, and salt. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves. Do not let the mixture boil.
- Remove the milk mixture from heat and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the flavor.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk the heavy cream until it becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
- Gradually pour the warm milk mixture into the heavy cream, whisking continuously to create a smooth custard base.
- Cover the mixture with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap directly touches the surface to prevent skin formation. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to chill completely.
- Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically 20-25 minutes.
- If using mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit, add them during the last 5 minutes of churning to distribute evenly.
- Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight to achieve the perfect scoopable consistency.
- Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 3-5 minutes to soften slightly for easy scooping.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always chill your base thoroughly before churning to ensure a smoother texture.
- Fat Matters: Using full-fat heavy cream and whole milk creates a richer, creamier consistency.
- Don't Rush the Churning: Follow the ice cream maker's instructions precisely to incorporate the right amount of air.
- Mix-In Timing: Add chocolate chips, fruits, or nuts during the last 5 minutes of churning to prevent them from sinking.
- Storage Hack: Press plastic wrap directly onto the ice cream's surface to prevent ice crystal formation.
- Softening Trick: Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 3-5 minutes before serving for the perfect scoopable texture.
- Experiment Boldly: Try different extracts, spices, or mix-ins to create your signature flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 394kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 84mg
