Silky Custard Ice Cream Recipe

The Creamiest Custard Ice Cream Recipe For Summer Joy

Summers demand cool, creamy desserts that delight every sweet tooth, and this classic custard ice cream recipe delivers pure bliss with its rich, silky texture.

The smooth vanilla-infused custard ice cream melts effortlessly on your tongue, creating an instant moment of delectable pleasure.

Each spoonful promises a luxurious experience that transports you to pure dessert heaven.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with expert technique to craft a dessert that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.

Traditional techniques ensure a velvety consistency that sets this ice cream apart from store-bought versions.

Handcrafted with love and precision, this dessert transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary treat.

Grab your ice cream maker and get ready to impress with a dessert that celebrates summer’s sweetest moments.

Ice Cream Equipment That Makes It Smooth

  • Ice cream machine: Essential for churning the ice cream to a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Medium bowl: Perfect for whisking egg yolks and sugar together.
  • Saucepan: Needed to heat milk and create the custard base.
  • Whisk: Crucial for combining ingredients smoothly and preventing lumps.
  • Spatula: Helps scrape down sides and stir mixtures evenly.
  • Vanilla bean scraper or knife: Used to extract vanilla bean seeds.
  • Fine-mesh strainer: Ensures a silky-smooth custard by removing cooked egg bits.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Provides accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Shallow container or loaf pan: Used for freezing and storing the finished ice cream.
  • Plastic wrap: Prevents ice crystals and skin formation during chilling.

Custard Ice Cream Instructions from Start to Scoop

  • Freezer Preparation

Ensure ice cream bowl is completely frozen solid with no liquid movement inside.

  • Egg Mixture Foundation

Whisk egg yolks and sugar until color transforms into soft sunshine yellow.

  • Vanilla Awakening

Split vanilla bean and extract delicate inner seeds, releasing rich aromatic essence.

  • Milk Infusion

Warm milk with vanilla seeds and bean pod gently, creating a fragrant foundation without boiling.

  • Temperature Balancing

Carefully blend hot milk into egg mixture, creating smooth harmony between ingredients.

  • Custard Development

Slowly cook mixture until texture becomes luxuriously thick, coating utensil with creamy layer.

  • Cream Integration

Strain mixture, incorporate heavy cream and extract, creating silky base.

  • Chilling Interval

Refrigerate base, allowing flavors to meld and deepen.

  • Churning Magic

Transform liquid into dreamy soft ice cream using specialized machine.

  • Freezing Finale

Transfer to container, seal carefully, and allow ice cream to solidify completely.

  • Serving Ritual

Allow ice cream to soften slightly before indulging in creamy delight.

Flavor Customization for Your Custard Base

  • Replace classic vanilla bean with different extracts like almond, coconut, or rum for unique taste profiles.
  • Fold chopped nuts, chocolate chips, caramel swirls, or crushed cookies into the churned ice cream for extra texture and flavor.
  • Substitute dairy milk and cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a plant-based version that maintains rich, creamy consistency.
  • Allow ice cream to soften slightly at room temperature for easier scooping and a more luxurious mouthfeel.
  • Top servings with fresh berries, toasted coconut, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of salted caramel for elegant presentation.

Serving Tips for a Cool & Classic Finish

  • Serve with Sweet Companions: Pair your creamy custard ice cream with warm brownies or fresh apple pie for a delightful dessert combination that elevates the entire experience.
  • Garnish with Texture Boosters: Sprinkle crushed toasted almonds, caramel drizzle, or chocolate shavings on top to add crunch and extra flavor layers that complement the smooth custard base.
  • Create Elegant Plating: Scoop the ice cream into pretty dessert glasses or vintage bowls, using a melon baller for perfect round scoops that look professionally prepared and Instagram-worthy.
  • Transform into Decadent Sundae: Layer your custard ice cream with fresh berries, whipped cream, and a light dusting of cinnamon to create a luxurious dessert that feels like a restaurant-quality treat.

Ice Cream Storage Without Freezer Burn

  • Maximize Freshness: Strategic Ice Cream Storage
  • Seal tightly in an airtight freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal flavor quality.
  • Quick Cooling Strategy: Spread ice cream in a shallow container for faster initial freezing and smoother texture preservation.
  • Smart Serving Technique: Remove ice cream from freezer 5 minutes before serving to achieve perfect scooping consistency.
  • Extended Lifespan Method: Consume homemade custard ice cream within 1-2 weeks for best taste and texture, storing consistently at 0°F or below.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 5

Custard Ice Cream: Ingredients You’ll Need

For Base and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Egg Yolks: Luxurious creamy base that gives silky texture and rich golden color.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create smooth, soft-textured ice cream.
  • Vanilla Bean: Delivers sophisticated, intense flavor with gorgeous speckled appearance.
  • Vanilla Extract: Amplifies deep vanilla notes and rounds out aromatic profile.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and elevates overall flavor complexity.
For Dairy Components:
  • Whole Milk: Creates smooth, luscious foundation with gentle richness.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious, velvety mouthfeel and increases fat content.
For Preparation Tools:
  • Ice Cream Machine Bowl: Ensures proper freezing and smooth churning process.
  • Plastic Wrap: Prevents ice crystal formation and protects surface during chilling.
  • Shallow Container/Loaf Pan: Allows even freezing and easy scooping.
  • Saucepan: Enables controlled heating for custard base preparation.
  • Strainer: Ensures silky-smooth texture by removing potential egg bits.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Silky Custard Ice Cream Recipe

Silky Custard Ice Cream Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Creamy Mexican custard ice cream blends rich egg yolks with delicate vanilla notes. Smooth cold dessert delivers authentic flavor profiles perfect for warm summer celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk (360 ml)
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream (360 ml)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 g)
  • 1 vanilla bean
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt

Instructions

  1. Chill Bowl: Prepare the ice cream maker’s freezer bowl 24 hours in advance, ensuring no liquid movement when shaken.
  2. Create Custard Base: Whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy. Split vanilla bean and extract seeds.
  3. Infuse Milk: Combine milk, salt, vanilla seeds, and pod in a saucepan. Warm until tiny bubbles form around edges, then remove from heat.
  4. Temper Mixture: Slowly add heated milk to egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent curdling. Return to saucepan and cook over low heat until custard thickens enough to coat a spoon.
  5. Strain and Enhance: Pour custard through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl. Reintroduce vanilla pod and mix in heavy cream and vanilla extract.
  6. Chill Thoroughly: Cover custard with plastic wrap touching the surface. Refrigerate for minimum 3 hours or overnight.
  7. Churn and Freeze: Remove vanilla pod and churn in ice cream maker for 20-25 minutes. Transfer to a shallow freezer-safe container, smooth surface, and seal with plastic wrap.
  8. Set and Serve: Freeze for 4-6 hours until solidified. Let soften at room temperature for 3-5 minutes before scooping.

Notes

  • Prep Freezer Bowl Early: Freeze the ice cream maker’s bowl at least 24 hours ahead to ensure optimal churning and smooth texture.
  • Temper Eggs Carefully: Slowly add hot milk to egg mixture while whisking constantly to prevent scrambling and create a silky custard base.
  • Strain for Smoothness: Use a fine-mesh strainer to catch any egg fragments, guaranteeing a perfectly smooth and creamy ice cream texture.
  • Seal and Protect: Always cover the custard and churned ice cream with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent ice crystallization and freezer burn.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star