Here’s a simple and delicious vegetarian vanilla ice cream recipe that you can make at home. This recipe is suitable for those who prefer dairy but want to avoid eggs.
Vegetarian Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (optional, for extra flavor)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste (if using), and salt. Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours or until it is completely chilled.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically about 20-25 minutes, until it reaches a soft serve consistency.
- Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container. Press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming, then cover with a lid. Freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Serve: Allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before scooping to make it easier to serve.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, you can use half-and-half instead of whole milk.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze it. Stir every 30 minutes for the first few hours to break up ice crystals until it reaches your desired consistency.
Enjoy your homemade vegetarian vanilla ice cream!
Here are the answers to your questions regarding making vegetarian vanilla ice cream:
Best Way to Make Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Machine
You can create ice cream without a machine using several methods:
- Freeze & Stir Method: Pour your ice cream mixture into a shallow baking dish and freeze for about 45 minutes. When the edges begin to freeze, stir vigorously with a spatula. Return to the freezer and repeat this process every 30 minutes for about 2-3 hours until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Plastic Bag Method: Place your ice cream mixture in a quart-sized resealable bag, seal tightly, and place this bag inside another quart bag filled with ice and salt. Shake vigorously for about 5-8 minutes until the mixture freezes.
- Food Processor Method: Freeze the mixture in a zip-top bag until solid, then break it into chunks and blend in a food processor until smooth. This method can yield very creamy results.
Using Coconut Milk Instead of Soy Milk
Yes, you can use coconut milk instead of soy milk in your ice cream recipe. Coconut milk will add a rich flavor and creamy texture, making your ice cream even more indulgent. Just ensure you use full-fat coconut milk for the best results.
Making the Recipe Creamier
To enhance creaminess:
- Use Heavy Cream: Incorporating heavy cream instead of just milk adds richness.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient not only sweetens but also contributes to a smoother texture.
- Blend Well: Ensure that all ingredients are well-blended to incorporate air, which helps achieve a creamy texture.
- Incorporate Additives: Adding ingredients like nut butters or melted chocolate can also enhance creaminess.
Best Way to Store Homemade Vegan Ice Cream
Store your homemade vegan ice cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. For best results, cover the surface of the ice cream with plastic wrap before sealing with a lid. This helps minimize air exposure. Homemade ice cream can typically be stored in the freezer for up to two weeks, but it may become firmer over time; let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften.
Adding Other Flavors to the Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
You can easily customize your vanilla ice cream by adding various flavors:
- Extracts: Incorporate almond, mint, or coffee extracts.
- Fruits: Mix in pureed fruits like strawberries or mangoes.
- Chocolate: Add cocoa powder or chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
- Nuts or Cookies: Fold in crushed nuts or cookie pieces for texture and flavor.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations to create your perfect flavor!