What if I told you that you could recreate this iconic Ben & Jerry’s Vanilla Ice Cream in your very own kitchen? Yes, that dreamy scoop of vanilla goodness can be whipped up at home, and it’s easier than you think!
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How to make Ben & Jerry’s Vanilla Ice Cream
Ben & Jerry’s Vanilla Ice Cream is a rich, creamy frozen dessert made with real vanilla extract, milk, and cream. It features a smooth texture and a sweet, classic vanilla flavor, without any added chunks, swirls, or mix-ins.
Ingredients
To replicate the signature flavor and texture of Ben & Jerry’s Vanilla Ice Cream, it’s essential to use high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Whisk the eggs: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the eggs until they are light and foamy. This should take about 2 minutes. Be sure to get an airy, fluffy consistency.
- Add the sugar: Slowly add the sugar to the eggs, continuing to whisk until it’s completely dissolved. You’ll end up with a slightly thickened mixture.
- Mix in the cream, milk, and vanilla: Gradually pour in the heavy whipping cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients blend together smoothly.
- Chill the mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the ice cream base for at least 1-2 hours. This helps fully develop the vanilla flavor and ensures the mixture is cold when you churn it.
- Churn the ice cream: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Churning incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a creamy texture.
- Freeze to firm up: Transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container and let it freeze for at least 4 hours or until it reaches your desired firmness.
Tips for Perfect Vanilla Ice Cream
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The flavor of vanilla ice cream is simple, so using the best milk, cream, and pure vanilla extract makes a big difference.
- Don’t skip chilling: Chilling the mixture before churning allows the ingredients to blend more seamlessly and boosts the creamy texture.
- Add a personal twist: While the base is classic vanilla, feel free to mix in your favorite toppings before freezing—perhaps chocolate chips, caramel swirls, or cookie crumbles.
- Test your freezer temperature: Ice cream freezes best at around -0.4°F (-18°C). If your freezer is too cold, the ice cream may feel icy rather than creamy.
- Serve it right: Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping to soften slightly—this ensures a more enjoyable texture.
What to serve with
Ben & Jerry’s Vanilla Ice Cream is the quintessential blank canvas for dessert lovers. Its creamy, indulgent simplicity pairs well with countless treats—whether you’re looking for rich, decadent combinations or lighter, fruity options.
Warm Desserts
- Apple Pie: The buttery crust and spiced apple filling contrast beautifully with the cold, creamy ice cream.
- Brownies: A warm fudgy brownie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a heavenly blend of richness and creaminess.
- Chocolate Lava Cake: Let the molten chocolate center meet the cooling ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Make an ice cream sandwich by placing scoops of vanilla ice cream between warm, gooey cookies.
- Snickerdoodles: The cinnamon sugar coating enhances the subtle vanilla flavor.
Fruit Cobblers and Crisps
- Peach Cobbler: Fresh peaches and crumbly topping pair perfectly with the velvety texture of vanilla ice cream.
- Berry Crisp: Tart berries, buttery crumble, and ice cream create a harmonious balance of flavors.
Ingredients Substitutes
The beauty of Ben & Jerry’s Vanilla Ice Cream recipe lies in its simplicity, but sometimes you may need to substitute ingredients due to dietary restrictions, preferences, or availability. The good news is that with a few tweaks, you can still achieve that creamy, dreamy vanilla flavor while accommodating specific needs.
1. Eggs
Eggs play a crucial role in creating a rich, creamy texture for ice cream, but not everyone can or wants to use them. Whether you’re avoiding eggs because of allergies, dietary preferences (vegan diet), or concerns about raw eggs, here are some substitutes:
Substitutes:
- Egg-Free Custard Powder or Cornstarch: Mix 2 tablespoons of custard powder or cornstarch with your milk to mimic the thickening effect of eggs. This helps give the ice cream a creamy texture without the need for eggs.
- Aquafaba (Chickpea Water): Whisk the chilled aquafaba until light and foamy, then use it as a substitute for eggs. It’s especially great for vegan recipes and provides aeration similar to eggs.
- Silken Tofu: Blend 1/4 cup of silken tofu until smooth and use it as an egg substitute. Its neutral flavor won’t overpower the vanilla taste and will help achieve a creamy texture.
- Banana or Applesauce: Use 1/4 cup mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce. These natural sweeteners add moisture to the recipe but will slightly alter the flavor profile.
2. Sugar
The sweetness in Ben & Jerry’s Vanilla Ice Cream comes from granulated sugar, but you can opt for healthier or alternative sweeteners based on your dietary needs.
Substitutes:
- Coconut Sugar: A natural option, coconut sugar adds sweetness with a slightly caramelized flavor. Use a 1:1 ratio as a simple swap.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: For added depth and natural sweetness, replace sugar with honey or maple syrup. Use slightly less than the sugar quantity (e.g., 1/2 cup for every 3/4 cup sugar).
- Agave Syrup: A great option for vegans, agave syrup is a liquid sweetener that works well in ice cream. Reduce the quantity slightly to avoid over-sweetening.
- Zero-Calorie Sweeteners (Stevia, Monk Fruit): For a sugar-free version, use powdered or liquid stevia or monk fruit sweeteners. Start small, as these are more potent than sugar.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a molasses-like flavor, which pairs nicely with vanilla. Expect a slightly darker color and deeper taste.
3. Heavy Whipping Cream
Heavy cream is the foundation of the ice cream’s creamy texture, but there are substitutes if you’re looking for lighter, dairy-free, or alternative options.
Substitutes:
- Coconut Cream: For a non-dairy option, use canned coconut cream. It’s just as rich and creamy as heavy cream, with a subtle coconut undertone that adds to the flavor.
- Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with water to create a creamy base. This works well for vegan recipes and provides a mild flavor.
- Half-and-Half: For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half. While it’s less rich, it still provides creaminess.
- Evaporated Milk: A budget-friendly alternative, evaporated milk is less fatty but can still yield a creamy texture.
- Oat Cream or Almond Cream (Plant-Based): Popular among dairy-free eaters, store-bought oat or almond cream is a great substitute that works well in vanilla ice cream recipes.
4. Whole Milk
Whole milk provides the right balance of liquid and creaminess, but several substitutes work just as well depending on your needs.
Substitutes:
- Plant-Based Milks (Almond, Oat, Soy, Coconut): Use almond or oat milk for a mild flavor or try soy milk for a creamier texture. Coconut milk is thicker and richer, making it ideal for ice cream recipes.
- Low-Fat Milk (2%, Skim, or Fat-Free): If you want to reduce the fat content, you can use low-fat milk, but the ice cream won’t be as creamy.
- Evaporated Milk: Adds more body and richness than regular milk, making it a great substitute for whole milk in ice cream recipes.
- Cashew Milk: Offers a smooth, creamy texture and mild flavor, making it ideal for vanilla ice cream.
5. Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is the star of this recipe, but there are many ways to enhance or replace it depending on what you have on hand.
Substitutes:
- Vanilla Bean Paste or Whole Vanilla Bean: For a more intense and authentic flavor, scrape the seeds from a vanilla bean or use vanilla bean paste. Substitute 1 teaspoon of extract with the seeds from half a vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon of paste.
- Imitation Vanilla Extract: If pure vanilla extract isn’t available, imitation vanilla works in a pinch, though the flavor may be less robust.
- Other Extracts (Almond, Coconut, Lemon): For an experimental twist, swap vanilla extract with almond or coconut extract. These create unique flavor profiles perfect for adventurous ice cream creations.
- Vanilla Powder: Use food-grade vanilla powder for a concentrated flavor. Replace vanilla extract with an equal amount of powder.
Final Thoughts
Making Ben & Jerry’s Vanilla Ice Cream with ingredient substitutes is entirely possible and just as delightful!
More Ben & Jerry’s Recipes:
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Whisk the eggs: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the eggs until they are light and foamy. This should take about 2 minutes. Be sure to get an airy, fluffy consistency.
- Add the sugar: Slowly add the sugar to the eggs, continuing to whisk until it’s completely dissolved. You’ll end up with a slightly thickened mixture.
- Mix in the cream, milk, and vanilla: Gradually pour in the heavy whipping cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients blend together smoothly.
- Chill the mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the ice cream base for at least 1-2 hours. This helps fully develop the vanilla flavor and ensures the mixture is cold when you churn it.
- Churn the ice cream: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Churning incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a creamy texture.
- Freeze to firm up: Transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container and let it freeze for at least 4 hours or until it reaches your desired firmness.
