Vanilla Ice Cream Cone
Classic, creamy homemade vanilla ice cream served in a crisp sugar cone. A timeless summer treat that's surprisingly easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients.
For 8 servings
5 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Custard Base
- b.In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, half of the granulated sugar (about 6 tablespoons), and salt. Warm the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is hot and steam begins to rise. Do not let it boil.
- c.While the cream mixture is heating, whisk the egg yolks and the remaining sugar in a separate medium bowl until the mixture is pale yellow and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
- d.To temper the eggs, very slowly pour about 1 cup of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly. This gradual process prevents the eggs from scrambling.
- e.Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon. This should take about 5-8 minutes. If you have a thermometer, the temperature should reach 170-175°F (77-80°C).
- 2
Step 2
- a.Chill the Custard
- b.Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. This will catch any small bits of cooked egg.
- c.Stir in the vanilla extract.
- d.Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until thoroughly chilled.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Churn the Ice Cream
- b.Pour the cold custard base into the freezer bowl of your ice cream maker.
- c.Churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically for 20-25 minutes, or until the ice cream has thickened to the consistency of soft-serve.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Ripen the Ice Cream
- b.Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe, airtight container.
- c.Press a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals from forming.
- d.Freeze for at least 2-4 hours to allow the ice cream to 'ripen' and firm up to a scoopable consistency.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.When ready to serve, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. Use an ice cream scoop to place one or two scoops into each cone. Serve immediately and enjoy.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a richer, more intense vanilla flavor, use one whole vanilla bean. Split the bean lengthwise, scrape out the seeds, and add both the seeds and the pod to the cream mixture as it heats. Remove the pod before chilling.
- 2Ensure your ice cream maker's freezer bowl is completely frozen, typically for at least 24 hours, before you begin. A properly frozen bowl is key to a creamy texture.
- 3The chilling step is crucial. A very cold custard base churns faster and creates smaller ice crystals, resulting in a smoother, creamier ice cream.
- 4To prevent the custard from scrambling, maintain low heat and stir constantly, scraping the bottom of the pan.
- 5For mix-ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts, add them during the last minute of churning.
Adapt it for your goals.
Flavor
Chocolate Chip: Fold in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips during the last minute of churning.
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Coffee Ice Cream: Dissolve 2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder into the warm cream mixture in Step 1.
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Strawberry Swirl: After churning, gently fold in 1/2 cup of strawberry puree or jam as you transfer the ice cream to the freezer container.
DietaryDietary
Lactose-Free: Substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with full-fat coconut cream and coconut milk for a dairy-free version. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Calcium
The heavy cream and whole milk in this recipe provide calcium, an essential mineral for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Provides Quick Energy
The combination of sugar and fat offers a concentrated source of calories, providing a quick boost of energy.
Frequently asked questions
Vanilla ice cream is a dessert that is high in calories, sugar, and saturated fat. While it contains some calcium from the milk and cream, it should be considered an occasional treat to be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.