Vanilla Ice Cream(Custard Base)

Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 14 Cuisine: American

Creamy vanilla ice cream with a rich custard base, perfect for hot days or special desserts, suitable for ice cream lovers seeking classic, indulgent flavor.

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Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups sugar
  • 6 tablespoons flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 5 cups milk, scalded
  • 6 eggs
  • 4 cups heavy cream
  • 4 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

Instructions

  1. Combine sugar, flour, and salt in a saucepan.
  2. Slowly stir in hot milk and cook over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until mixture is thickened.
  3. Mix a small amount of hot mixture into beaten eggs.
  4. Add the egg mixture back into the hot mixture and cook for 1 minute longer.
  5. Chill the custard in the refrigerator.
  6. Add heavy cream and vanilla to the chilled custard.
  7. Pour the mixture into a gallon electric freezer.
  8. Fill the freezer about 2/3 full.
  9. Freeze until firm and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother texture, ensure the milk is scalded but not boiling when adding to the dry ingredients. If you prefer a lighter custard, consider substituting half of the heavy cream with whole milk. You can also infuse the milk with flavors like cinnamon or nutmeg for a twist. This recipe can be adapted for other flavors by adding pureed fruits or extracts.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this vanilla ice cream alongside warm desserts like Tasty Apple Pudding or a slice of Mondo Banana Nut Bread for a delightful contrast. Garnish with fresh fruit or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added flavor. It also pairs beautifully with brownies or cake for an indulgent treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It can last for up to two weeks. To soften the ice cream for easier scooping, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. Avoid refreezing melted ice cream to maintain the best texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Vanilla Ice Cream(Custard Base) contains roughly 768 calories, with 13g protein, 147g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (39% of the Daily Value), calcium (38% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 962mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).

768 kcal 38% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 13.4g 27% DV
Total Fat 13.4g 17% DV
Carbs 146.7g 53% DV
Fiber 2.6g 9% DV
Sugar 32.4g 65% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 962.4mg 42% DV
Potassium 765mg 16% DV
Cholesterol 225.5mg 75% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 183.7mcg 20% DV
Vitamin C 24.9mg 28% DV
Vitamin D 1.2mcg 6% DV
Calcium 490.2mg 38% DV
Iron 7mg 39% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 type of milk for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk with almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. However, the texture may vary slightly, so use a full-fat alternative for the best results.

How can I prevent ice crystals from forming in my ice cream?

To minimize ice crystals, ensure the custard is fully chilled before churning, and churn in an ice cream maker that is properly prepped. Additionally, storing the ice cream in a shallow container can help it freeze more evenly.

What can I do if my ice cream is too hard after freezing?

If your ice cream is too hard, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before scooping. This will soften it for easier serving. You can also try mixing in a bit of milk to improve the texture.

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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