Creamy & Classic French Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe – Easy

French Vanilla ice cream is a timeless, rich, and creamy dessert that stands apart due to its custard base made with egg yolks. Unlike regular vanilla ice cream, French vanilla has a deep, luxurious texture and a more pronounced vanilla flavor. This homemade French Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe allows you to enjoy a scoop of gourmet-quality ice cream right from your kitchen. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with warm desserts like brownies and pies, this recipe will be your go-to for indulgence.

• Save

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 130mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Sugar: 20g

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 6 large egg yolks
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 vanilla bean (or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract)
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Fine-mesh sieve
• Ice cream maker
• Airtight container

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Active Time: 20 minutes
• Resting Time: 4 hours (chilling & freezing)
• Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Custard Base

1. Heat the Dairy: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and split vanilla bean (if using). Heat over medium heat until the mixture is warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and let it steep for 10 minutes to enhance the vanilla flavor.
2. Whisk the Egg Yolks & Sugar: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thick.
3. Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.

Step 2: Cook the Custard

4. Thicken the Custard: Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. The custard is ready when it thickens and coats the back of the spoon (170-175°F or 77-80°C).
5. Strain & Cool: Remove from heat and strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any curdled bits. Stir in the vanilla extract if using instead of the vanilla bean.

Step 3: Chill & Churn

6. Chill the Mixture: Cover the custard and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until thoroughly chilled.
7. Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until thick and creamy.

Step 4: Freeze & Serve

8. Freeze for a Firmer Texture: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving for a firmer consistency.
9. Serve & Enjoy: Scoop and serve your homemade French vanilla ice cream on its own or with your favorite dessert.

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: French, American
• Course: Dessert
• Servings: 6

Tips for the Best French Vanilla Ice Cream

• Use high-quality vanilla beans for an authentic taste.
• Avoid overheating the custard to prevent curdling.
• Let the custard chill completely before churning for the best texture.
• Store in an airtight container to prevent ice crystal formation.

Enjoy this classic French Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe for a rich, creamy, and luxurious dessert experience!

• Save

Ashley Doyle

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.