Description
Authentic Italian gelato is a creamy, rich frozen dessert made with milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla. Perfect for a refreshing and indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract)
- 4 large egg yolks
Instructions
- Prepare the Vanilla: Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add the seeds and the pod to a saucepan with the milk and cream.
- Heat the Mixture: Heat the milk and cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let the vanilla steep for 30 minutes.
- Make the Custard: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick. Gradually pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Cook the Custard: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Chill the Mixture: Remove the vanilla pod and let the custard cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Churn the Gelato: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze the Gelato: Transfer the gelato to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
For a smoother texture, strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve before chilling.
Experiment with different flavors by adding fruit purees, nuts, or chocolate to the base mixture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 20g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 4g