Desserts > Ice Creams > Soft Serves

Vanilla Bean Soft Serve Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and seeds scraped
- Pinch of salt

Special equipment needed:
- Ice cream maker

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla bean seeds, and salt.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
4. Once the mixture has cooled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions.
5. Transfer the soft serve to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Freezing time: 2 hours
Temperature:
- Room temperature for cooling the mixture
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the ice cream maker
Serving size:
- Makes about 1 quart of soft serve

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 28g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- You can use 2% or skim milk instead of whole milk for a lighter version.
- You can use vanilla extract instead of a vanilla bean, but the flavor won't be as intense.

Variations:
- Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the soft serve before freezing.
- Swirl in caramel or fudge sauce before freezing.
- Add a few drops of food coloring to make the soft serve a different color.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the mixture is completely cool before pouring it into the ice cream maker.
- Don't overfill the ice cream maker, as the mixture will expand as it freezes.
- Freeze the container you plan to store the soft serve in before transferring it to help it freeze faster.

Storage instructions:
- Store the soft serve in a freezer-safe container with a lid.
- It will keep for up to 1 week in the freezer.

Reheating instructions:
- Soft serve should not be reheated.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the soft serve in a cone or bowl.
- Top with whipped cream and a cherry.
- Serve with a cookie or brownie on the side.

Garnishes:
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate chips
- Chopped nuts
- Caramel or fudge sauce
- Sprinkles

Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee.

Suggested side dishes:
- Cookies
- Brownies
- Fruit salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soft serve is too icy, try adding a tablespoon of vodka or corn syrup to the mixture before freezing.
- If the soft serve is too soft, freeze it for a longer period of time.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are fresh and not expired.
- Use pasteurized milk and cream to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.
- Wash your hands and all utensils before preparing the recipe.

Food history:
- Soft serve ice cream was invented in the 1930s by Tom Carvel, who started selling it from a truck in New York.

Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, creamy, and vanilla-flavored.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a dessert or snack.

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Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Vanilla, Smooth, Rich