Old-fashioned ice cream is a timeless treat that brings back memories of summer days and family gatherings. Making it at home is easier than you might think, and the results are rich, creamy, and far superior to store-bought versions. If you’re wondering how to make old-fashioned ice cream, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step with simple ingredients and easy techniques.
What Makes Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Special?
Old-fashioned ice cream is all about using real, quality ingredients and a custard base made from eggs, cream, sugar, and vanilla. Unlike quick freezer recipes, it involves cooking a custard, chilling it thoroughly, and then churning it to create that smooth, creamy texture that melts in your mouth. The process takes some time and patience but is well worth the effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make classic old-fashioned vanilla ice cream, gather these ingredients:
– 1½ cups whole milk
– 1½ cups heavy cream (at least 36% butterfat for richness)
– ¾ cup granulated sugar
– 4 large egg yolks (room temperature)
– 2 vanilla beans or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– A pinch of salt
These simple ingredients are the foundation of a delicious ice cream. Using fresh eggs, high-quality cream, and real vanilla will make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Old-Fashioned Ice Cream
1. Heat the Milk and Cream
In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and half of the sugar. Warm the mixture over medium heat until it is steaming but not boiling, around 170°F. This step helps dissolve the sugar and prepares the base for the custard.
2. Beat the Egg Yolks and Sugar
While the milk mixture heats, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar in a separate bowl until the mixture becomes pale yellow and slightly thickened. This aerates the yolks and helps create a smooth custard.
3. Temper the Eggs
To prevent the eggs from scrambling, slowly add a small amount of the warm milk mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly. This gradually raises the temperature of the eggs. Then pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk and cream.
4. Cook the Custard
Return the saucepan to medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon and reaches about 175-185°F. Be careful not to let it boil, or the eggs will curdle. This step transforms the mixture into a rich custard.
5. Strain and Add Vanilla
Pour the custard through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl to remove any cooked egg bits. Add the vanilla bean seeds or vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, stirring to combine. The vanilla adds that classic flavor, while the salt enhances the sweetness.
6. Chill the Custard
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the custard for at least 4 hours, or overnight. Chilling is crucial for developing flavor and ensuring the ice cream churns properly.
7. Churn the Ice Cream
Once chilled, pour the custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. The churning incorporates air and prevents ice crystals from forming, giving you that creamy texture.
8. Freeze Until Firm
Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container, cover with plastic wrap or a lid, and freeze for several hours until firm. This final freeze sets the ice cream for perfect scooping.
Tips for Perfect Old-Fashioned Ice Cream
– Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The flavor depends heavily on the quality of milk, cream, eggs, and vanilla you use.
– Don’t rush the chilling: The custard needs to be very cold before churning to get the best texture.
– Avoid boiling the custard: Keep the heat moderate and stir constantly to prevent curdling.
– Churn thoroughly: Proper churning is key to creamy ice cream without ice crystals.
– Store properly: Keep the ice cream covered in the freezer to avoid freezer burn and maintain texture.
Variations to Try
While vanilla is the classic, once you master the base, you can experiment by adding:
– Fresh fruit purees
– Chocolate chips or chunks
– Nuts or caramel swirls
– Coffee or spices like cinnamon
The possibilities are endless and perfect for customizing your old-fashioned ice cream to your taste.
Old-fashioned ice cream is a delightful project that rewards your patience with a luscious, creamy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process and savor every scoop!