Gallon Vanilla Ice Cream

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: American

Creamy vanilla ice cream with rich vanilla flavor, perfect for warm days or special gatherings, suitable for family and friends craving homemade frozen treats.

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Ingredients

  • 3 eggs
  • a pinch of salt
  • 2 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla flavoring
  • 2 quarts sweet milk
  • 1 carton whipping cream
  • 6 rennet tablets

Instructions

  1. Beat the eggs until well blended.
  2. Add a pinch of salt, sugar, vanilla flavoring, and the carton of whipping cream; mix thoroughly.
  3. Put the dasher in the ice cream can.
  4. Pour the prepared mixture into the can.
  5. Fill the container with ingredients up to 2 inches from the top.
  6. Place the container in hot water in a deep well to warm the mixture.
  7. When the mixture is warm, add the dissolved rennet tablets and turn the dasher once.
  8. Let it set in warm water for 10 minutes, then pour the mixture into your ice cream tub.
  9. Add ice and ice salt around the tub.
  10. Turn the ice cream maker until the mixture is frozen and creamy.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, make sure the sweet milk and whipping cream are very cold before mixing. If you don't have rennet tablets, you can substitute with a mixture of lemon juice and vinegar, but adjust the acidity to your taste. Ensure all ingredients are well combined to avoid any lumps in your ice cream.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the vanilla ice cream in bowls or cones and consider drizzling it with chocolate syrup or fresh fruit for an added touch. It pairs beautifully with Carrot Or Zucchini Cake or can be enjoyed alongside a slice of Rio Grande Valley Grapefruit Pie for a refreshing dessert experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer to prevent ice crystals from forming. To soften it for serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping. This will make it easier to scoop without melting too quickly.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Gallon Vanilla Ice Cream contains roughly 236 calories, with 4g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1771mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).

236 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4g 8% DV
Total Fat 9.6g 12% DV
Carbs 38.2g 14% DV
Fiber 6.6g 24% DV
Sugar 0.7g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1771.4mg 77% DV
Potassium 408.1mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 34.7mg 12% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 104.3mcg 12% DV
Vitamin C 54.6mg 61% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 59.3mg 5% DV
Iron 1mg 6% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different flavoring instead of vanilla?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different flavorings such as almond extract or mint. Just be sure to adjust the quantity to match the strength of the flavoring you choose, as some may be more potent than vanilla.

What if my ice cream doesn't freeze properly?

If your ice cream isn't freezing, check that your ice cream maker is functioning correctly and that the ice and salt mixture is adequately packed around the tub. Ensure that the mixture was warm enough before freezing, as this helps activate the rennet effectively.

How long can I keep the ice cream in the freezer?

Homemade ice cream is best consumed within 2-3 weeks for optimal flavor and texture. After that time, it may start to develop ice crystals and lose creaminess. Always keep it tightly sealed to maintain freshness.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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