Homemade Vanilla Bean Ice Cream takes the traditional ice cream recipe to new heights by incorporating real vanilla beans. By using the seeds from these beans, you can achieve a rich and intense vanilla flavor that will make your homemade ice cream stand out. Let’s dive into the world of vanilla and discover how to make this delectable treat!
An Irresistible Flavor: Ice Cream with Vanilla Bean
While there are countless ice cream flavors to choose from, plain vanilla remains a timeless favorite. But why settle for ordinary when you can go extraordinary? By adding real vanilla beans to your ice cream, you’ll experience an explosion of flavor like never before. Don’t skimp on quality; go for the real thing and taste the difference it makes!
Unveiling the Mystery: What is Vanilla Bean?
Vanilla beans come from the fruit of an orchid plant and are slender, dark brown pods. The majority of the world’s vanilla supply is sourced from Madagascar, and these beans are highly sought after for their incredible flavor. Vanilla is used in various forms to enhance the taste of frostings, desserts, and, of course, ice cream.
The Key Ingredients: Vanilla Beans, Dairy, Eggs, Sugar, and Salt
To create the perfect vanilla bean ice cream, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- Dairy: A combination of heavy cream and whole milk.
- Eggs: The recipe calls for five egg yolks.
- Sugar: Just one cup of granulated sugar.
- Vanilla Beans: Two vanilla beans, the star of the show!
- Salt: A pinch of kosher salt to enhance the flavor.
Harnessing the Flavor: Preparing Vanilla Beans
Preparing vanilla beans is a simple process. Start by splitting the bean in half lengthwise with a sharp knife while keeping the underside intact. Scrape out the seeds and combine them with the other ingredients. You can even use the outer pod to infuse the vanilla flavor further, creating a truly indulgent ice cream experience. Feel free to get creative with your homemade vanilla extract or vanilla paste too!
Safeguarding Your Eggs: The Importance of Tempering
Ensuring the safety of the eggs in your ice cream is essential. To achieve this, you can temper your eggs or opt for pasteurized eggs if available. Tempering involves heating the milk and vanilla beans in a saucepan, whisking together the egg yolks and sugar in a separate bowl, and gradually combining the two mixtures while whisking continuously. This process guarantees that your ice cream is both delicious and safe to enjoy.
The Art of Churning: Crafting Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your very own creamy vanilla bean ice cream:
- Prep: If you’re using a KitchenAid attachment, remember to place the bowl in the freezer a day in advance (or a minimum of 15 hours) to ensure frozen perfection.
- Temper the eggs: Follow the instructions mentioned earlier to temper your eggs and create a smooth custard base.
- Prepare vanilla beans: Refer to the previous section on preparing vanilla beans to extract their maximum flavor.
- Combine ice cream ingredients: In a large measuring bowl, mix together the cooled tempered egg mixture (milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla bean seeds), the remaining sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Make sure everything is well incorporated.
- Churn: If you’re using a KitchenAid attachment, start the mixer with the attachment running before pouring in the liquid mixture. Allow it to churn until the ice cream reaches the desired consistency, usually around 25-30 minutes.
- Remove and freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream into a pan or container using a rubber scraper. Place it in the freezer to firm up for a couple of hours before serving.
Tips for Using a KitchenAid Attachment
If you’re using a KitchenAid attachment, here are a few tips to ensure the best results:
- Place bowl attachment in the freezer: Store the bowl in the freezer for a minimum of 15 hours before using it. This guarantees that it’s properly chilled and ready for ice cream making whenever you crave it!
- Run the mixer in advance: Attach the bowl to the KitchenAid mixer and add the necessary attachments. Start the mixer on the lowest setting before adding the ice cream mixture to prevent the bowl from freezing up.
- Add liquid while the mixer is running: Carefully pour the liquid mixture into the bowl attachment while it’s running to achieve a smooth and consistent texture.
- Let it slow down slightly: The ice cream is ready when it expands to the top of the bowl, and the mixer starts to slow down. This indicates that it has reached the perfect consistency.
Pairing Suggestions: What Goes Well with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream?
Vanilla bean ice cream is incredibly versatile and pairs well with various desserts. Here are some mouthwatering options to consider:
- Texas Sheet Cake Brownies
- Skillet Peach Cobbler
- S’mores Cookie Bars
- Triple Chocolate Brownies
- Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Sauce
Kitchen Tools Used for Making the Perfect Ice Cream
To create your homemade vanilla bean ice cream, make sure you have these kitchen tools on hand:
- KitchenAid 2 Quart Ice Cream Maker
- Tovolo Insulated Ice Cream Tub, 2.5 Quart
- Tovolo Ice Cream Scoop
For the finest quality, consider using Native Vanilla Beans in your ice cream recipe.
Please let me know if you try this recipe. I would love to hear your feedback! Leave a comment and review on the blog or connect with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. Remember, the world of ice cream is just a spoonful away!
xoxo,
Sue
