Salt and Straw Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

This Salt and Straw–style vanilla ice cream starts with a rich custard: heat cream, milk, and sugar, then temper and add yolks to a 170–175°F range for emulsification. Chill thoroughly, strain, and churn to soft peaks, adding mix-ins toward the end. Use vanilla thoughtfully—variety affects aroma and depth—while keeping a pinch of salt to heighten sweetness. Serve in small scoops with subtle toppings, and patterns on the plate elevate presentation; more details await if you keep exploring.

Ingredients and Quantity

The ingredients for Salt and Straw’s vanilla ice cream are straightforward and measured for balance: two cups heavy cream, one and a half cups whole milk, six large egg yolks, three quarters cup granulated sugar, two teaspoons pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

You consider vanilla varieties and ingredient sourcing as you evaluate impact, noting how origin shapes flavor without adding complexity. This section isolates balance, not technique, so you focus on what matters: provenance, quality, and consistency.

Attribute	Impact
Vanilla varieties	Flavor profile, aroma
Ingredient sourcing	Cost, ethics, stability

Preparations

To move from evaluating vanilla quality to the practical steps of building the ice cream base, you’ll begin by coordinating the heated mixture and the yolk cohesion with precise timing.

Ingredient preparation: measure vanilla, dairy, and sugar to guarantee consistent texture and flavor.
Equipment setup: assemble a clean saucepan, whisk, thermometer, and a chilled bowl for rapid cooling.
Temperature control: heat gradually, maintaining a steady 170–175°F to emulsify yolks without scrambling.
Cohesion strategy: temper yolks by whisking a small hot ladle into them before full incorporation.
Time discipline: keep the pace steady, recording temperatures and additions for reproducibility.

This approach prioritizes clarity, control, and freedom in the prep phase.

How to Cook

Prepare all ingredients and equipment before starting.
Gently warm the dairy and sugar until it reaches a steady simmer.
Slowly whisk in the yolks to create a smooth custard, monitoring the temperature carefully to prevent curdling.
Chill the custard promptly to maintain its structure.
Strain the custard to remove any solids.
Temper the base while considering its impact on texture, mouthfeel, fat content, and stabilizers.
During churning, aim for a soft peak consistency rather than a frozen block.
Add flavor variations such as extracts or mix-ins sparingly to showcase technique and restraint.
Focus on maintaining fidelity to flavor, balance, and freedom in every scoop.

How to Serve

Serve ice cream portions promptly in small scoops to showcase texture and control portion size. You’ll balance flavor with presentation, prioritizing clean lines and deliberate contrasts. In this section, focus on how to serve, not why it tastes best, and keep the plate design restrained yet expressive. For Serving suggestions and Presentation ideas, aim for visual clarity and sensory alignment with vanilla notes.

Pair with crisp toppings that don’t overwhelm the vanilla
Use warm accents (sauce, fruit) to create temperature contrast
Choose monochrome dishes to enhance color depth
Plate with symmetry and negative space for elegance
Offer a small tasting variation to highlight texture differences

Tips

Small tweaks can elevate vanilla’s impact, so start with practical, repeatable adjustments you can rely on. You’ll want precise control over texture and balance. Chill your base thoroughly, but not to extremes, and churn at the manufacturer’s recommended speed to minimize air incorporation. Temperature matters: a slightly colder mix yields a denser mouthfeel; a quicker churn minimizes iciness. Use sea salt in modest amounts to sharpen sweetness without bitterness. For flavor variations, add mix-ins toward the end of churning to keep dispersion even and prevent clumping. If you crave complexity, consider a brief infusion at low heat with vanilla beans or spices, then strain. Document adjustments for reproducibility, and label ice cream tips clearly so you can repeat successful outcomes.

Food Value and Benefit

Vanilla ice cream is a rich source of energy and essential nutrients commonly found in dairy-based desserts. This prepared dish provides valuable amounts of protein, calcium, vitamin D, and other micronutrients, contributing to overall nutritional intake. The nutritional benefits depend on portion size and ingredient quality, with high-quality vanilla, pasteurized milk, and real cream enhancing its value while avoiding artificial additives.

Benefits of eating vanilla ice cream include:

Provides sustained energy from natural dairy fats and sugars
Supplies protein necessary for muscle repair and maintenance
Rich in calcium and vitamin D, supporting bone health
Contains minerals such as phosphorus and potassium, which aid in metabolic functions
Contributes to mood enhancement through dairy-derived nutrients
Encourages mindful portion control to avoid excess sugar and calorie intake

Key vitamins and minerals in vanilla ice cream:

Calcium
Vitamin D
Phosphorus
Potassium

To maximize health benefits, consider serving size and daily dietary context, favor natural vanilla flavoring, and balance the dessert with fiber-rich toppings and adequate hydration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Dairy-Free Milk for This Vanilla Ice Cream?

Yes, you can, but dairy alternatives alter flavor profiles and texture; expect subtle differences. You’ll likely need a binding agent and careful fat adjustments to maintain creaminess, balancing sweetness while embracing diverse dairy-free flavor profiles for freedom-loving palates.

What’s the Best Vanilla Extract Ratio for Depth?

You’ll want about a 2:1 ratio of vanilla extract to base flavor for depth. Use vanilla extract types thoughtfully, adjusting for flavor intensity. You crave freedom, so test small increments, logging results to optimize flavor without overpower.

How Long Can Leftovers Be Stored in the Freezer?

Leftovers last about 2–3 months in the freezer. You should label dates, seal tightly, and use airtight containers. Leftover storage improves with proper freezer tips, but aim for quicker consumption to maintain texture and flavor for freedom seekers.

Does Salting the Ice Cream Affect Texture or Flavor?

Yes, salting the ice cream affects texture and flavor. The salt lowers freezing point, moderating iciness and promoting smoother texture, while salt impact elevates flavor, offering subtle savory notes and enhanced sweetness perception, aligning with your freedom-loving, precise palate.

Can I Use Lactose-Free Cream Instead of Dairy Cream?

Yes, you can: lactose-free cream works, but it may alter cream texture and flavor. You’ll want to test stability, perhaps add a small stabilizer. Consider lactose-free alternatives and monitor sweetness; adjustments guarantee smooth, rich results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key ingredients in the Salt and Straw vanilla ice cream recipe?

The key ingredients in the Salt and Straw vanilla ice cream recipe typically include heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, egg yolks, and high-quality vanilla beans or vanilla extract. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is essential for achieving the rich and creamy texture that Salt and Straw is known for.

How do I achieve the perfect creamy texture in my homemade vanilla ice cream?

To achieve the perfect creamy texture in your homemade vanilla ice cream, it’s important to properly temper the egg yolks with the hot cream mixture, ensuring a smooth custard base. Additionally, chilling the mixture thoroughly before churning and using an ice cream maker can help incorporate air and prevent ice crystals, resulting in a velvety texture.

Can I substitute any ingredients in the Salt and Straw vanilla ice cream recipe?

Yes, you can substitute some ingredients in the recipe. For example, if you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though this may slightly alter the creaminess. Additionally, you can substitute vanilla extract for vanilla beans if you prefer a more convenient option, but the flavor may be less intense.

How long can I store homemade vanilla ice cream in the freezer?

Homemade vanilla ice cream can be stored in the freezer for about 2 to 3 weeks. To maintain its quality, ensure it is stored in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. For best results, allow the ice cream to soften slightly at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

What can I pair with Salt and Straw vanilla ice cream for serving?

Salt and Straw vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings. Consider serving it with fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas, a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, or even mixed in with cookies or brownies. For an elevated experience, you can also sprinkle sea salt or add crushed nuts for extra flavor and texture.