Name: Frozen Custard Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt; 5 large egg yolks (room temperature); 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

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Introduction

Frozen custard is a rich and creamy treat that combines the smoothness of ice cream with the indulgent texture of custard. Made with eggs, cream, and vanilla, this dessert is perfect for warm days or any time you crave a luscious frozen delight.

Four scoops of pale yellow ice cream with a smooth and creamy texture are placed in a white bowl that sits on a matching white plate with a thin gold rim, both set on a white marbled surface. A gold spoon leans inside the bowl on the left side. In the foreground, a smaller amount of the same ice cream rests on another gold spoon. In the softly blurred background, three brown eggs in a white carton and a small white bowl filled with colorful sprinkles are visible, adding context to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk

2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

5 large egg yolks (room temperature)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Combine heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Heat on medium-low, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Slowly drizzle in about 1/2 cup of the warm milk mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
Step 3: Pour the tempered egg yolks back into the saucepan. Continue heating on medium-low, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Avoid boiling.

Step 4: Strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any lumps. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Let the custard cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours until fully chilled.
Step 6: Pour the chilled custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.

Step 7: For firmer frozen custard, transfer it to a container and freeze for an additional 3–4 hours before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use room temperature egg yolks to prevent curdling when tempering.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon along with the vanilla extract.

Swap vanilla extract with other flavors like almond or coffee for a unique twist.
Make sure not to boil the custard to avoid scrambling the eggs and ensure a smooth texture.

Storage

Store leftover frozen custard in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week. Thaw slightly before serving for the best texture. To re-soften, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes or briefly stir it to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

A bowl with five scoops of creamy pale yellow ice cream sits atop a white marbled plate, with two golden spoons placed inside the bowl on the left side. The bowl and plate rest on a white marbled surface. Above the bowl, to the left, there is a white egg carton holding two brown eggs, while to the right, a small white bowl contains colorful round sprinkles. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make frozen custard without an ice cream maker?

Yes, but the texture will be less smooth. You can place the chilled custard in a shallow container and freeze it, stirring vigorously every 30 minutes until firm to mimic churning.

Why is tempering the eggs important?

Tempering slowly raises the temperature of the eggs, preventing them from cooking too quickly and curdling. This results in a silky smooth custard base.