Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsLinda's La Cantina SteakhouseFrench Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

French Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Time3h
Serves4

Two scoops

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Ingredients

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Base Ingredients

Optional Mix-ins

Method

Ice Cream Base Preparation

  1. 1

    Combine Dairy Ingredients

    In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it is hot but not boiling, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.

  2. 2

    Whisk Egg Yolks

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks until they are pale and slightly thickened.

  3. 3

    Temper the Egg Yolks

    Gradually add about a cup of the hot cream mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper them. This prevents the yolks from scrambling.

  4. 4

    Combine Mixtures

    Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).

  5. 5

    Add Vanilla Extract

    Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.

Chilling and Freezing

  1. 6

    Chill the Mixture

    Refrigerate the cooled mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight to chill thoroughly.

  2. 7

    Churn the Ice Cream

    Once chilled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency (about 20-25 minutes).

  3. 8

    Add Optional Mix-ins

    If using chocolate chips or crushed nuts, add them during the last 5 minutes of churning.

  4. 9

    Freeze the Ice Cream

    Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.

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