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That Sunday Morning Bake Show - The Ultimate Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe

The Ultimate Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

This egg-free vanilla bean ice cream is ultra-creamy, deeply flavorful, and proof that vanilla is anything but basic.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 8 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 1 Pint
Course: Dessert, Frozen Dessert, Ice Cream
Calories: 2338

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g heavy cream
  • 250 g whole milk
  • 120 g granulated sugar
  • 1 whole vanilla bean (or 10g vanilla bean paste, ~2 tsp)
  • 1 tsp vanilla paste (if using vanilla paste instead of 1 whole vanilla bean use 1 tsp of vanilla extract instead of more vanilla paste)
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp corn starch

Method
 

  1. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds.
    1 whole vanilla bean
  2. In a saucepan, combine milk, cream, sugar, vanilla seeds, and scraped pod.
    500 g heavy cream, 250 g whole milk, 120 g granulated sugar
  3. Heat over low until it reaches 70°C (158°F), stirring often.
  4. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep 1–2 hours for max vanilla flavor.
  5. Remove the vanilla pod, squeezing out any extra flavor.
  6. Whisk cornstarch with 2 tbsp of the warm mixture until smooth.
    1/2 tsp corn starch
  7. Return slurry to the pot. Heat gently to 75–80°C (167°F), whisking constantly until slightly thickened. Don’t boil.
  8. Stir in salt and vanilla extract.
    1 tsp vanilla paste, 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  9. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve.
  10. Chill completely—at least 6 hours or overnight.
  11. Pour chilled base into your ice cream maker; churn 15–20 min or per instructions.
  12. Transfer to a pre-chilled container.
  13. Press parchment directly onto the surface.
  14. Freeze at least 4 hours or until scoopable.

Notes

  • Drizzle with caramel for a rich, golden pairing
  • Add roasted macadamia nuts for crunch
  • Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a gourmet finish
  • Serve affogato-style with hot espresso