Prepare the ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the machine uses a freezer bowl, freeze it ahead of time.
Combine the heavy cream, milk, egg yolks, sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Cook over low-medium heat, stirring constantly. Do not let the mixture boil.
2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, 5 large egg yolks, 1 cup granulated sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt
Continue cooking for 8 to 10 minutes, until the custard thickens slightly and lightly coats the back of a spoon. Run your finger across the spoon. If the line holds without immediately filling back in, the custard is ready.
Remove the pan from the heat, and stir in the vanilla extract.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Pour the custard through a fine mesh strainer into a heat-safe bowl. Place the bowl into a larger bowl filled with ice, and let the custard cool for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Press plastic wrap directly against the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours, or until completely cold. The chilled custard should have a thin, pudding-like consistency.
Pour the custard into the prepared ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, until the ice cream is slightly firmer than soft serve.
Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 8 to 10 hours, or until completely firm.
Notes
Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for 2 to 3 weeks. Press plastic wrap directly against the surface before adding the lid to help prevent ice crystals from forming.
The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card and a serving size of ½ cup. Actual calories will vary.
Nutrition Facts
Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Serving Size
0.5 cup
Amount per Serving
Calories
358
% Daily Value*
Fat
26
g
40
%
Saturated Fat
15
g
75
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
7
g
Cholesterol
192
mg
64
%
Sodium
106
mg
4
%
Potassium
117
mg
3
%
Carbohydrates
29
g
10
%
Sugar
28
g
31
%
Protein
4
g
8
%
Vitamin A
1086
IU
22
%
Vitamin C
0.4
mg
0
%
Calcium
92
mg
9
%
Iron
0.4
mg
2
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.