Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream (frozen custard) - The Recipe Rebel (2024)

The Recipe Rebel / Desserts

written by Ashley Fehr

5 from 18 votes

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 6 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings 6 servings

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Last updated on January 30, 2024

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This Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream (frozen custard) is simple recipe made with a custard base for an even richer and creamier result! Just 20 minutes of hands-on time needed!

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream (frozen custard) - The Recipe Rebel (2)

Table of Contents

  • Ingredients Needed:
  • How to Make Frozen Custard
  • Ice Cream FAQs
  • Tips and Notes for Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
  • Ice Cream Add-In Ideas
  • More Ice Cream Recipes You’ll Love
  • Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

This Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream, also know as Frozen Custard, is a slightly richer version of my Easy Homemade Ice Cream.

Like the easy ice cream, it’s made with a base of cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla. It does include one secret ingredient, though: egg yolks!

The egg yolks in this recipe help stabilize the ice cream, which results in an even richer flavor! The fat in the egg yolks also helps prevent the formation of ice crystals, so it lasts longer too and won’t melt as quickly.

However, it does take slightly longer to make. Don’t worry though — it’s still pretty simple!

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream (frozen custard) - The Recipe Rebel (3)

Now, both versions are delicious, so if you’re not sure which one you’ll like better, make both! It’s a fun way to know which one to make for next time…and you get to have more ice cream. WIN!

Interestingly enough, my kids prefer the other method while my husband and I prefer the custard method. Both are delicious, but it just depends on your preferences!

We love to serve them with this Strawberry Sauce, this Rhubarb Sauce or this Dulce De Leche.

Ready to move on from vanilla? Try this Butter Pecan Ice Cream or this Rocky Road Ice Cream next!

Ingredients Needed:

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream (frozen custard) - The Recipe Rebel (4)
  • Cream: heavy whipping cream is a definite must for homemade ice cream.
  • Milk: whole milk will give a creamy texture. I don’t recommend using low fat milk because your ice cream will be more watery and icy.
  • Granulated Sugar: you can use anywhere from ¾ cup-1 cup of sugar depending on how sweet you want your ice cream. If you prefer things less sweet, stick with the lower amount.
  • Egg Yolks: using just egg yolk in homemade ice cream creates an extra rich flavor, creamier texture and a more stable ice cream.
  • Vanilla Extract: use pure vanilla extract for that big flavor we all love! You can also use vanilla bean paste or real vanilla bean seeds.

How to Make Frozen Custard

  1. Chill the bowl: Stick the bowl of your ice cream maker into the freezer as instructed in the manual. This usually requires 24 hours so plan ahead.
  2. Combine and cook: Whisk the egg, milk, cream, and sugar together in a large saucepan until smooth. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook until thickened. Stir in the vanilla, then taste and adjust as needed.
  3. Refrigerate: Transfer the mixture to a glass dish and cover with plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator until completely cold. Give yourself a few hours for this!
  4. Churn, then freeze: Place the chilled cream mixture into the ice cream maker and churn for 20-30 minutes until it reaches soft serve consistency. Transfer to a baking dish and freeze until firm.
Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream (frozen custard) - The Recipe Rebel (5)
Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream (frozen custard) - The Recipe Rebel (6)
Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream (frozen custard) - The Recipe Rebel (7)
Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream (frozen custard) - The Recipe Rebel (8)

Ice Cream FAQs

How is frozen custard different from ice cream?

While frozen custard and ice cream are similar in many ways, they are slightly different. No cook ice cream is made with just cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla and prepared cold, then frozen.
Frozen custard is made using all of those same ingredients, but with the addition of eggs. It’s also prepared in a saucepan and cooked before chilling. Ice cream is more basic, quicker, and easier to make, but tends to be icier and less rich in flavor. Custard is a little more labor intensive, but has a richer, creamier, and more complex flavor. It’s also more stable and doesn’t get melty as quickly out of the freezer.

What makes frozen custard so creamy?

While using full-fat cream and milk help create a creamy homemade ice cream, the real secret to creamy ice cream is the egg! The extra fat in egg yolk helps prevent crystallization and stabilizes the ice cream for a thicker, creamier texture and richer flavor.

How to store frozen custard:

This homemade vanilla Frozen Custard will last in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?

Definitely! To make this homemade ice cream without an ice cream maker, simply pour the ice cream base into a freezer-safe bowl. Place the bowl into the freezer to chill. Every 30-60 minutes, remove the ice cream from the freezer and beat it with an electric mixer. This helps break up the ice crystals for an extra smooth and creamy ice cream.

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream (frozen custard) - The Recipe Rebel (9)

Tips and Notes for Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

  • Just use yolks. Using just the yolks as opposed to the whole egg creates an even richer flavor and velvety smooth texture.
  • When you cover the mixture with plastic wrap, lay the wrap so it’s just touching the surface of the cream. This helps prevent a skin from forming.
  • Speed up the initial chilling process by placing the cream mixture in the freezer instead of the fridge. Just be sure to stir it every 10 minutes or so!
  • Let it sit. Before serving, I like to set the ice cream out in the counter for 5-10 minutes to let it soften up a bit. This gives an extra creamy texture!

Ice Cream Add-In Ideas

  • Candy. Add in a couple handfuls of your favorite candy! Try M&Ms, mini marshmallows, Reese’s Pieces, or chopped up pieces of any candy bar you like.
  • Cookies. Mix in your favorite crushed up cookie. Try Chocolate Chip Cookies, Peanut Butter Cookies, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, or crushed Oreos.
  • Brownies. Chop up your favorite store-bought or Homemade Brownies for some chocolate-y goodness.
  • Sauces. Swirl in chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or Strawberry Sauce.
  • Nuts. Add a couple handfuls of chopped up walnuts, pecans, almonds, or a swirl of your favorite nut butter.

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Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

written by Ashley Fehr

5 from 18 votes

This Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream is simple recipe made with a custard base for an even richer and creamier result! Just 20 minutes of hands-on time needed!

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream (frozen custard) - The Recipe Rebel (16)

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Review

Print

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Churning and Freezing 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Cuisine American

Course Dessert

Servings 6 servings

Calories 380cal

Ingredients

  • cups heavy whipping cream
  • cups whole milk
  • ¾-1 cup granulated sugar (use more or less according to your tastes)
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Freeze ice cream maker bowl according to instructions.

  • Whisk all ingredients together (except for the vanilla) in a large saucepan until smooth.

  • Place the pan on medium heat, and cook and whisk constantly until thickened. It will be noticeably thickened, but not thick like pudding. Stir in vanilla. Taste and adjust sweetness as desired (if you think it is too sweet, add a splash of cream).

  • Pour into a large glass measuring cup or bowl and press a piece of plastic wrap to the surface to keep a skin from forming.

  • Refrigerate until completely cold (you can speed this up by placing it in the freezer and stirring every 10 minutes).

  • Place in the ice cream maker and churn for 20 minutes or until a soft serve consistency.

  • Pour into a glass loaf pan or baking dish and freeze until firm, about 4-6 hours.

  • I recommend letting sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving. Cover leftovers with plastic wrap and freeze up to 3 months.

Notes

*This recipe makes roughly 1 litre of ice cream.

**You can make this recipe without an ice cream maker! Simply pour the ice cream base into a freezer safe bowl and place in the freezer. Every 30-60 minutes, remove the bowl from the freezer and beat with an electric mixer until smooth. This breaks up the ice crystals for a smooth and creamy ice cream.

Tips:

  • Just use yolks. Using just the yolks as opposed to the whole egg creates an even richer flavor and velvety smooth texture.
  • When you cover the mixture with plastic wrap, lay the wrap so it’s just touching the surface of the cream. This helps prevent a skin from forming.
  • Speed up the initial chilling process by placing the cream mixture in the freezer instead of the fridge. Just be sure to stir it every 10 minutes or so!
  • Let it sit. Before serving, I like to set the ice cream out in the counter for 5-10 minutes to let it soften up a bit. This gives an extra creamy texture!

Storage:

This homemade vanilla Frozen Custard will last in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 127grams | Calories: 380cal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 204mg | Sodium: 45mg | Potassium: 165mg | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 1147IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 130mg | Iron: 1mg

Keywords frozen custard, homemade ice cream, vanilla ice cream

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Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream (frozen custard) - The Recipe Rebel (17)

Meet Ashley

My name is Ashley Fehr and I love creating easy meals my family loves. I also like to do things my way, which means improvising and breaking the rules when necessary. Here you will find creative twists on old favorites and some of my favorite family recipes, passed down from generations!

Read More

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Comments

  1. Jennifer Dulaney says

    This is delicious ice cream!

    Reply

    • The Recipe Rebel says

      Hi Jennifer! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!

      Reply

  2. Lynette says

    This is a very easy and delicious recipe. This works great in my Cuisinart ice cream machine.

    Reply

    • The Recipe Rebel says

      Hi Lynette! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!

      Reply

  3. Dianne Edwards says

    Can you add melted chocolate or chocolate syrup to make chocolate ice cream?

    Reply

    • Ashley Fehr says

      Yes absolutely! Cocoa powder works great too

      Reply

Leave A Reply

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream (frozen custard) - The Recipe Rebel (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between frozen custard and frozen ice cream? ›

The main difference between frozen custard and ice cream is that frozen custard is made with egg yolks and ice cream is not, giving the former a richer flavor and mouthfeel. Some ice creams are made with egg yolks, however, which would technically make them custards based on the USDA guidelines.

What makes frozen custard creamy? ›

Adding the egg yolk makes it custard. Now, it must contain 1.4 percent egg yolks by weight. Again, the egg yolks are necessary for it to be called frozen custard. The eggs are responsible for the smoother and richer experience.

What's the difference between vanilla ice cream and vanilla custard? ›

The difference between ice cream and frozen custard comes down to one ingredient: egg yolks. Ice cream is made with milk, cream, and sweetener. Frozen custard contains the same ingredients, plus egg yolks. This extra ingredient means frozen custard usually has a richer, thicker, and creamier texture than ice cream.

Are the eggs in frozen custard cooked? ›

A lot of ice creams are custard based which is cooked egg. If your ice cream is made in the same facility, then for food safety reasons they have to list a possible cross contamination with egg. The egg is not raw. Raw eggs are considered a food hazard if they are not pasteurized (in my American experience).

Which is healthier ice cream or frozen custard? ›

Deciding what to serve with your pudding? Brands vary, but vanilla ice-cream typically has about 10 per cent more calories than custard, as well as twice the saturated fat, less protein and half the calcium and potassium. However, ice-cream usually has less sugar and salt, too.

Is frozen custard less healthy than ice cream? ›

Nutritional Value

Frozen custard is higher in fat and calories than ice cream. This is because of the egg yolks and heavy cream used in its recipe. Frozen custard is also typically denser than ice cream, which means it is more calorie-dense. Ice cream is typically lower in fat and calories than frozen custard.

What are the 3 types of custard? ›

There are three types of custard: baked, stirred, and frozen. Baked custards include bread pudding, flan, and cheesecake, and are prepared by baking in an oven or water bath. Boiled Custards include beverages like eggnog. Puddings, creme anglaise (krem on-GLAYZ), and pastry cream are some examples of stirred custards.

What makes frozen custard so good? ›

Think of Frozen Custard as the most premium dessert you've ever tasted. Luscious and creamy with farm fresh dairy, it contains less air so it's denser and richer than ordinary ice cream. And because it's served at a temperature that won't freeze your taste buds, you actually experience the flavor longer.

What is Culver's custard made of? ›

Vanilla Frozen Custard [Milk, Cream, Skim Milk, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Egg Yolk, Guar Gum, Mono & Diglycerides, Locust Bean Gum, Carrageenan, Natural and Artificial Vanilla Flavor], Pecan Pieces [Vegetable Oil (Peanut, Cottonseed, Soybean and/or Sunflower Seed), Sea Salt], Salted Caramel [Corn Syrup, Sweetened Condensed ...

Is vanilla custard the same as Bavarian cream? ›

Vanilla Bavarian Cream: Vanilla pastry cream lightened with whipped cream. A more flavorful and delectable cream filling as opposed to plain whipped cream. Vanilla Custard: A mixture of milk, egg yolks, and sugar cooked to a pudding consistency; also called pastry cream.

What's the difference between creme brulee and vanilla custard? ›

The main difference between the two is that creme brulee is topped with a layer of sugar that caramelizes under a broiler or torch, resulting in a crunchy, burnt sugar topping. Egg custard does not have this additional layer of sugar, but some recipes call for a dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon.

Which is better vanilla or French vanilla ice cream? ›

The main difference between vanilla and French vanilla ice cream is the addition of egg yolks in French vanilla ice cream. This gives French vanilla ice cream a richer, creamier texture and more complex vanilla flavor.

Is frozen custard a southern thing? ›

Interestingly enough, frozen custard actually comes from Coney Island, New York. Back in 1919, the Kohr brothers began adding egg yolks to their desserts to slow them from melting in the hot summer sun.

Why does my custard turned into scrambled eggs? ›

Custard tends to scramble once the heat gets involved and can therefore prove tricky to master. You'll know your custard has scrambled once the mixture turns lumpy. This often happens as a result of overheating your liquid. But while curdled custard may seem like a lost cause, it doesn't have to be.

Is frozen custard a Midwest thing? ›

Although frozen custard is believed to have originated in New York in the early 20th century, it eventually found its home in the Midwest, specifically Milwaukee, Wisconsin—the unofficial “Frozen Custard Capital of the World,” with more custard stands per-capita than you can find anywhere else.

Which is healthier frozen custard or frozen yogurt? ›

Frozen custard uses a minimum of 1.4 percent of egg yolk solids in addition to the 10 percent milk fat of a traditional ice cream. While this is responsible for custard's creamy, thick texture, it does equate to higher calories than a frozen yogurt.

Is frozen custard just frozen custard? ›

What Is Frozen Custard? According to the FDA, frozen custard follows the same rules as ice cream but also must contain 1.4 percent egg yolks by weight. That means egg yolks are a requirement in frozen custard, which makes for a richer, more luscious product.

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