This French vanilla ice cream recipe makes the most incredible ice cream we have ever had. Better than anything we had found in Paris. And it’s a quick and easy method.
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Estimated reading time: 1 minute
Table of contents
Ice Cream in France
Paris, Lyon, Aix… the ice cream in France is incredible. It is creamy, smooth and dense, not like the fluffy, airy ice cream we are used to. The flavors are intense and elegant. We fell in love with European ice cream. It was like nothing we could get back home.
We were determined to make something similar, so we researched the science and technique for making ice cream and learned how to make it ourselves. The key to the best flavor was to use the best quality and most flavorful ingredients. But, there is more to ice cream than just freezing quality ingredients.
The key to making a European style ice cream is to keep it smooth and creamy. This is actually more difficult than it seems. Ice cream stays smooth while it is being churned, but then it is put in the freezer in order to harden, and that’s when ice crystals form, ruining the smoothness. The secret to keeping it smooth and creamy was a combination of ingredients and technique and science.
Keeping the Ice Cream Smooth and Creamy
The most important thing is to start with the best ingredients. Brands matter – they vary in quality and can change the way a recipe comes out. So, whenever it makes a difference, we have listed the brands we used. We made the ice cream using our master ice cream method.
No Affiliates Statement
We call this our “no affiliates” statement because we accept no advertising, have no affiliates and accept no payment. We are not paid to mention brands – we just love buying the best, sharing that information and saving the planet at the same time. The effort put into writing and photographing the blog is solely based on our dedication to the cause.
RECIPE
Equipment
CHOOSING BRANDS:
For certain products, the choice of brand will make a big difference in the outcome of the recipe and in your carbon footprint. So, for those products, we have listed the brand. We are not paid to mention a brand and have no affiliates.
Ingredients
- 450 grams Horizon cream
- 85 grams corn syrup
- 2 eggs one egg and one egg yolk
- 70 grams Wholesome regenerative organic sugar
- ¼ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- 50 grams Crème fraîche homemade from Horizon cream
- 1 Tablespoon vodka
- 1 Tablespoon Heilala pure vanilla paste
Instructions
PREPARE THE STORAGE CONTAINER
- Put a glass storage container in the freezer.
MEASURE THE INGREDIENTS
- Use a scale to measure the ingredients – zeroing the scale between measurements. Into a small saucepan, measure the cream and corn syrup.Into the mixing bowl of the stand mixer, measure the egg, egg yolk, sugar, and salt. Into a small bowl, measure the crème fraîche, vodka and vanilla paste.
MIX THE INGREDIENTS
- In the stand mixer with the whisk attachment, whisk together the egg, egg yolk, sugar and salt for at least 2 minutes on medium speed.
- While the stand mixer is whisking the eggs and sugar, put the saucepan on the stove and bring the cream and corn syrup to a simmer, and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring to combine and to keep from sticking to the pan.
- Turn the mixer to low speed and very slowly add the cream and corn syrup mixture, taking about a minute to add the entire amount.
- Continue whisking on low and add the crème fraîche, vodka and vanilla paste. Whisk just until combined.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or you can use an ice bath to bring it down to 45° F, if you are in a hurry.
FREEZE THE MIXTURE
- Pre-chill the ice cream maker by letting it run for 5 minutes before adding the mixture.
- Pour into the ice cream maker and freeze according to the directions.
- When the ice cream maker is finished, quickly transfer the ice cream into the glass container that has been in the freezer, cover, and put the container back in the freezer overnight to harden.
- Store in the freezer for up to a week (yeah, right – like it’s really going to last that long).
Nutrition
WHY THIS RECIPE IS A GAME CHANGER:
This recipe is a total game-changer — crafted with the finest [brand name] ingredients, simplified using a master recipe with pro-tested techniques from top chefs and bakers, and designed for deliciously sustainable cooking made easy.”
“From selecting the finest sustainably sourced ingredients to curating techniques used by top chefs, my goal is to make baking simple, beautiful, and responsible. Every recipe reflects a balance of flavor, ease, and care for the earth.”
From My Kitchen
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