Ben & Jerry's Vanilla ice cream features rich, creamy vanilla bean infused with smooth, velvety dairy, delivering a classic, luscious dessert with a pure and indulgent flavor.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Ice cream maker
- Spatula
- Freezer-safe container
- Plastic wrap or lid
- Knife (for splitting vanilla bean)
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean
- Pinch of salt
- 4 large egg yolks
Using a whole vanilla bean is key to achieving Ben & Jerry's rich vanilla flavor; carefully split the bean with a knife and scrape out the seeds to infuse your ice cream base. Measure the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar precisely to maintain the creamy texture characteristic of Ben & Jerry's vanilla ice cream. Incorporate a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness and balance the flavors in your recipe. Temper the egg yolks properly to avoid curdling while creating a smooth custard that thickens the base. Your homemade version captures the pure and indulgent essence of Ben & Jerry's vanilla, delivering a luscious treat with every scoop.
Instructions
- Split the vanilla bean and scrape out the seeds with a knife.
- In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, half the sugar, salt, vanilla bean seeds, and the pod.
- Heat mixture over medium heat until just steaming (do not boil); remove from heat and let vanilla infuse for 15 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks with remaining sugar until pale and thick.
- Gradually whisk the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks to temper.
- Pour the mixture back into the saucepan.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a spatula, until the custard thickens and coats the spatula (do not let boil).
- Strain the custard through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl.
- Discard the vanilla bean pod.
- Cool the custard to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled (at least 4 hours or overnight).
- Pour the chilled custard into an ice cream maker.
- Churn according to manufacturer's instructions until soft-serve consistency.
- Transfer ice cream to a freezer-safe container.
- Cover with plastic wrap or lid.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
Substitution
Ben & Jerry's Vanilla ice cream copycat recipe calls for a vanilla bean, but if you don't have one on hand, feel free to substitute with 2 teaspoons of high-quality pure vanilla extract. Using vanilla extract instead of the bean still delivers rich vanilla flavor, though you may miss the characteristic specks of vanilla seeds throughout your ice cream. If whole milk is unavailable, you can replace it with 2% milk, but avoid skim milk as it may affect texture and creaminess. When tempering egg yolks, whisk continuously to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth custard base. Always straining the mixture through a fine mesh sieve improves the overall texture by removing any cooked egg bits before churning.
Tips
To avoid curdling, patiently temper the egg yolks by slowly whisking in the warm cream mixture before cooking the custard. Stir constantly and cook the custard on medium-low heat until it thickens enough to coat the spatula, but steer clear of boiling to maintain a smooth texture. After straining out the vanilla bean pod, allow your custard to cool completely before refrigerating to ensure proper chilling and flavor development. Using a freezer-safe container with a tight cover helps prevent ice crystals, preserving the creamy consistency of your homemade vanilla ice cream.
Nutritions
Ben & Jerry's Vanilla ice cream offers a rich source of calcium and protein derived from heavy cream and whole milk, aiding in bone health and muscle repair. The inclusion of egg yolks provides essential vitamins such as vitamin A, D, and B12, supporting vision, immunity, and energy metabolism. Your serving delivers a satisfying treat with balanced fats and sugars, but moderation is key due to its high saturated fat and calorie content. This classic dessert combines indulgence with essential nutrients from wholesome dairy and real vanilla beans.
Storage
Store your homemade Ben & Jerry's Vanilla ice cream in an airtight, freezer-safe container to prevent ice crystals and preserve its creamy texture. Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap before sealing with a lid for extra protection against freezer burn. Keep the ice cream frozen at a consistent temperature below 0degF (-18degC) for optimal freshness and flavor retention.
Variation or Alternatives
Substitute the vanilla bean with 2 teaspoons of high-quality vanilla extract if fresh vanilla beans are unavailable, ensuring the ice cream still has a rich vanilla flavor. For a dairy-free option, replace heavy cream and whole milk with coconut milk and coconut cream, which creates a creamy texture with a subtle coconut undertone. You can also fold in mix-ins like chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or fruit preserves during the last few minutes of churning to add texture and complementary flavors. If you want a softer texture, churn the ice cream for less time and freeze it in a shallow container for quicker firming.
Allergies
Ben & Jerry's Vanilla ice cream contains dairy ingredients such as heavy cream, whole milk, and egg yolks, which can trigger allergies in individuals sensitive to milk proteins or eggs. Those with lactose intolerance or egg allergies should avoid this dessert or seek lactose-free and egg-free alternatives. Your health and safety are paramount when enjoying creamy, classic treats like this.
Why this recipe?
Ben & Jerry's Vanilla menu is loved for its rich, creamy taste and high-quality ingredients, including fresh Vermont cream and pure vanilla bean flavors. The balanced sweetness and smooth texture appeal to a wide range of palates, making it a popular choice among ice cream enthusiasts. Crafting a copycat version allows you to recreate that authentic, indulgent experience at home while customizing flavors to suit your preferences. Trying your hand at this iconic treat offers both satisfaction and a delicious reward that mirrors the original brand's craftsmanship.