Recently, I have been experimenting with a variety of different ice cream recipes. This is hands down my favorite. It is incredibly creamy and has a unique caramel flavor that makes this homemade ice cream like no other.
This recipe uses half and half instead of heavy cream for a healthier version of ice cream. But thanks to a secret yet simple ingredient, "healthy" does not at all have to mean a compromise to creaminess or spectacular flavor. Scroll down to find out!
The Best Vanilla Ice Cream Ever
4 Simple Ingredients:
3 cups half and half
1/2 cup granulated white sugar
1 TBSP vanilla extract
2 TBSP cornstarch
Directions
1. Combine sugar and 2 1/2 cups half and half in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring mixture to a steaming simmer, stirring frequently.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk cornstarch into remaining 1/2 cup of half and half. When completely dissolved, stir into mixture in saucepan.
3. Keep the mixture over medium low heat, just below a boil, and continue to stir until mixture has thickened to an almost pudding-like consistency, about 10 minutes. (The longer you continue heating the mixture, the more creamy and caramelized your ice cream will be).
4. Once mixture reaches desired consistency, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Allow it to cool in the saucepan for a few minutes, then transfer mixture to a heatproof bowl. Cool the mixture by placing the bowl into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
5. After 2 hours, set up ice cream maker (ice cream bowl must be completely frozen prior to using). Remove ice cream mixture from refrigerator and give it a stir (if a skim has formed on top, that is completely fine, it will go away after the ice cream freezes). Pour mixture into the ice cream maker and churn for approximately 15 minutes, until ice cream is has reached desired consistency. Enjoy immediately, or transfer to a container and store it in the freezer.