This easy homemade custard ice cream is creamy and delicious! Made with simple ingredients like eggs, milk, and sugar, you’ll want to scoop this up all summer long!
Trust me, nothing beats the taste of fresh ice cream! I love making a big batch to share with friends—the smiles around the table are priceless! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: Whole milk gives a rich flavor and creamy texture to the ice cream. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use 2% milk but the ice cream won’t be as creamy.
Heavy Cream: This adds the signature creaminess. If you prefer a lower-fat option, consider evaporated milk, but it may alter the texture slightly. Use a mix of half-and-half and whole milk as another alternative.
Egg Yolks: Egg yolks are essential for that velvety custard feel. If you’re looking to skip eggs, you can use cornstarch or a commercial egg replacer, but the flavor and texture may change.
Granulated Sugar: Standard sugar works great here. You might swap in honey or maple syrup for a unique flavor, but sweetness levels vary, so adjust to taste.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile. For a different twist, consider using vanilla bean paste or even almond extract for a different taste.
How Do I Make the Custard Without Scrambling the Eggs?
Tempering the eggs is the key to making smooth custard without scrambling the eggs. Here’s how to do it right:
- Warm the milk and cream until steamy, but not boiling. This prepares them for the cold egg yolks.
- Whisk the egg yolks with sugar until thick. This creates a base that won’t curdle as easily.
- Gradually mix in a small amount of hot milk into the yolks while whisking constantly; this slowly raises the temperature of the yolks.
- Now, pour this mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk mixture for gentle cooking. Stir continuously over low heat until thickened. Keep an eye on it!
If you see small bits forming, you’re heating it too fast! Just lower the heat and stir more gently.
Following these tips will help you achieve that perfect, creamy custard without any lumps. Enjoy making your ice cream!
Easy Homemade Custard Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large egg yolks
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy homemade custard ice cream will take about 20 minutes of active preparation time, plus 4 hours for chilling in the refrigerator, and an additional 2-4 hours in the freezer for firming up. So, a little patience is required, but it’s totally worth it when you taste that creamy goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base
In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is warm and just beginning to steam, but be sure it doesn’t boil. Once it’s warmed up nicely, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
2. Whisk the Egg Yolks
In a medium bowl, take the 4 large egg yolks, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt, and whisk them together until the mixture is pale and thick. This is where you’ll create the lovely custard flavor!
3. Temper the Eggs
Now, gradually pour about 1 cup of the warm milk mixture into your egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly. This step is important because it raises the temperature of the yolks gently, preventing them from scrambling. Once combined, pour this tempered mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk.
4. Cook the Custard
Return the saucepan to low heat. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula until the custard thickens and can coat the back of the spoon, which takes about 10-15 minutes. Just be careful not to let it boil!
5. Cool and Flavor
Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract. This is when the delightful flavor will come through! Pour the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to catch any cooked bits.
6. Chill the Custard
Let the custard cool to room temperature. After that, cover it and put it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you have the time. Chilling it well ensures a smooth ice cream texture.
7. Churn the Ice Cream
Once chilled, pour the custard into an ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which usually takes about 20-25 minutes. You’ll start to see it transform into lovely soft-serve ice cream!
8. Freeze for Firmness
Transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Cover it tightly and freeze for an additional 2-4 hours until it’s nice and firm. This step is crucial to get that perfect texture!
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Finally, scoop out your delicious homemade custard ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy the rich, creamy flavor. Share with friends or keep it all to yourself—no judgment here!
This homemade custard ice cream is creamy, rich, and just melts in your mouth. It’s a classic favorite with vanilla and egg yolks creating the smooth custard flavor we all love. Enjoy this easy-to-make treat!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Low-Fat Milk Instead of Whole Milk?
You can use low-fat milk, but keep in mind that it will result in a less creamy and rich ice cream. Whole milk helps to achieve that luxurious texture, so for the best results, it’s recommended to stick with it.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Your homemade custard ice cream can be stored in a covered, freezer-safe container for up to 2 weeks. After that, it may start to lose its texture and flavor. For best results, consume it sooner rather than later!
Really Important: Can I Make this Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker?
Yes, you can! Pour the chilled custard into a freezer-safe container and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork for the first few hours to break up any ice crystals. Repeat for about 3-4 hours until it reaches a creamy consistency.
What Other Flavors Can I Try?
The base recipe is versatile! You can add mix-ins like crushed cookies, chocolate chips, or fruit puree to create different flavors. Just fold in your desired ingredients during the last few minutes of churning in the ice cream maker for delightful variations!
