French Style Custard Vanilla Ice Cream
Ultra-creamy, custard-based vanilla ice cream packed with real vanilla bean flavor—just like the kind you'd find in a fancy Parisian ice cream shop.
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 337Calories
Equipment
- Ice Cream Maker
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream cold
- 1 cup whole milk
- 5 large egg yolks
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 whole vanilla bean split and scraped
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, salt, split vanilla bean, and scraped seeds. Heat over medium just until it starts to steam (do not boil). Remove from the heat.2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, 1 whole vanilla bean, Pinch of sea salt
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and salt until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened (while you are heating up the milk mixture)¾ cup granulated sugar, 5 large egg yolks
- Slowly pour a little of the warm vanilla-infused milk into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Gradually add the rest of the milk, continuing to whisk.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a spatula or wooden spoon, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of the spoon (about 170–175°F / 77–80°C).
- Strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to catch any curdled bits and remove the vanilla pod. Stir in the vanilla bean paste. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- Once fully chilled, churn the custard in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Transfer to an airtight container, press a piece of parchment paper on the surface, and freeze for 4+ hours or until firm. Let it sit for a few minutes before scooping for that perfect creamy texture.
Notes
Steep longer = more flavor: Letting the vanilla bean steep fully brings out its full floral, creamy aroma.
Don’t skip the overnight chill: It helps the flavors meld and ensures a smoother churn.
Add-ins? Swirl in raspberry compote, caramel ribbons, or crushed macarons after churning for a gourmet twist.
Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks for best texture and flavor. The vodka helps keep it scoopable if you’re storing it longer!
Nutrition
Calories: 337Calories | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 192mg | Sodium: 33mg | Potassium: 115mg | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 1086IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 0.4mg