How to Make Gourmet Ice Cream at Home (With or Without an Ice Cream Machine)

Creating gourmet ice cream at home is a rewarding culinary adventure. With a few high-quality ingredients and a bit of patience, you can craft exquisite flavours right in your kitchen. 

Whether you have an ice cream machine or not, here’s a guide to making your own gourmet ice cream.

Ingredients You’ll Need

500ml double cream

250ml whole milk

150g granulated sugar

5 large egg yolks

1 vanilla pod (or 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract)

Pinch of salt

Essential Equipment

A medium saucepan

A large mixing bowl

A whisk

A fine-mesh sieve

An ice cream machine (optional)

A freezer-safe container

Method with an Ice Cream Machine

Prepare the Base:

Split the vanilla pod lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add the seeds and the pod to a medium saucepan with the cream, milk, and a pinch of salt.

Heat over medium heat until it begins to steam but doesn’t boil. Remove from heat and let it steep for 30 minutes.

Make the Custard:

In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until the mixture is pale and thick.

Gradually pour the warm cream mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly to avoid curdling.

Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon until it thickens and coats the back of the spoon. This should take about 10 minutes.

Chill the Mixture:

Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any lumps or bits of vanilla pod.

Let it cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Churn the Ice Cream:

Pour the chilled custard into your ice cream machine and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes 20-25 minutes.

Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up before serving.

Method Without an Ice Cream Machine

Prepare the Base and Custard:

Follow steps 1 through 3 as outlined above to prepare and chill your ice cream base.

Freeze and Stir:

Pour the chilled mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe dish.

Freeze for 30 minutes, then take it out and stir vigorously with a fork or a whisk to break up any ice crystals.

Return to the freezer and repeat this process every 30 minutes for about 2-3 hours, or until the ice cream is smooth and firm.

Gourmet Flavour Ideas

Chocolate Hazelnut:

Add 100g of melted dark chocolate to the warm custard.

Stir in 50g of chopped toasted hazelnuts during the last few minutes of churning (or after the final stirring if you’re not using a machine).

Strawberry Basil:

Blend 200g of fresh strawberries and strain to remove seeds.

Stir the strawberry puree and 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh basil into the chilled custard before churning or freezing.

Salted Caramel:

Make a caramel sauce by heating 100g of sugar with a splash of water until it turns golden brown.

Stir in 50g of butter, 125ml of double cream, and a pinch of sea salt.

Let it cool slightly, then swirl it into the churned ice cream or during the last stir in the no-machine method.

Tips for Perfect Ice Cream

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavour.

Ensure your custard is thoroughly chilled before churning or freezing.

Don’t rush the freezing process; patience is key to avoiding ice crystals.

Experiment with flavours and mix-ins to create your signature gourmet ice cream.

Making gourmet ice cream at home is a delightful way to enjoy custom flavours and creamy textures. Whether you use an ice cream machine or opt for the manual method, the result is a deliciously indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.