Creamy Vanilla Gelato Recipe
Category: Desserts
Servings: 4
This creamy vanilla gelato is a perfect treat for anyone craving a rich, indulgent dessert. With a smooth texture and the delightful aroma of vanilla, it’s a simple yet luxurious homemade gelato. Follow the step-by-step guide below to prepare this refreshing frozen dessert at home.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh heavy cream (Panna fresca liquida) | 170g |
| Whole milk (Latte intero) | 370g |
| Granulated sugar (Zucchero) | 140g |
| Vanilla bean (Baccello di vaniglia) | 1 |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Vanilla Bean
Start by taking the vanilla bean and cutting it lengthwise. Use a small knife to scrape out the seeds from inside the pod. Set the seeds aside, as they will infuse the mixture with a delightful vanilla flavor. -
Make the Base Mixture
In a high-sided saucepan, combine the whole milk and granulated sugar. Gently heat the mixture over a low flame, stirring continuously with a hand whisk to dissolve the sugar. Be sure to keep the heat low so the mixture doesn’t scorch. Once the sugar has completely dissolved, add the vanilla seeds and the scraped vanilla bean pod to the mixture. Stir to combine. -
Cool the Mixture
Once the mixture is well combined, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. This step is crucial, as pouring hot or warm liquids into the gelato machine could alter its consistency. -
Prepare the Gelato Machine
After the mixture has cooled, pour it into the bowl of your gelato maker. For this particular recipe, there’s no need to chill the gelato machine’s bowl beforehand, making it easy to prepare. -
Churn the Gelato
Turn on your gelato maker and allow it to churn the mixture for approximately 30 minutes. The gelato should gradually thicken, becoming dense and creamy as it freezes. Be patient and let the machine do its work until the desired consistency is achieved. -
Freeze the Gelato
Once the gelato has thickened and is the perfect texture, transfer it into a shallow, wide container. A glass or stainless steel container is ideal for maintaining the gelato’s smooth texture. Seal the container with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. -
Allow to Firm Up
Let the gelato firm up in the freezer for at least 3 hours before serving. This will ensure that it reaches the right consistency for scooping. -
Serve and Enjoy
After the waiting time, your homemade creamy vanilla gelato is ready to be enjoyed. Scoop it into bowls or cones, and indulge in the smooth, velvety flavor. Whether you serve it on its own or with toppings like fresh fruit or chocolate shavings, it’s sure to be a hit!
Tips for the Perfect Gelato
- Ensure that the milk and sugar mixture is fully cooled before placing it in the gelato machine to avoid any curdling.
- If you don’t have a gelato maker, you can still make this recipe by placing the mixture in a shallow dish and stirring it every 30 minutes as it freezes to prevent ice crystals from forming.
This creamy, decadent gelato is sure to be a favorite in your household, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and the comforting warmth of vanilla. Enjoy your homemade dessert!
