A Perfect Pair: Homemade Vanilla Bean Ice Cream with Peach Swirl

There's something magical about the combination of warm, flaky peach pie and a scoop of cold, creamy ice cream. It's a dessert duo that takes us right back to lazy summer afternoons at our grandmother's house. Today, we’re excited to share with you a recipe for the perfect companion to our signature peach pie: a luscious homemade vanilla bean ice cream with a delightful peach swirl.

A Symphony of Flavors

Imagine the rich, aromatic vanilla punctuated by specks of real vanilla bean, swirled with ribbons of sweet, tangy peach. This ice cream is creamy beyond belief, with a texture so smooth it melts like velvet on your tongue. When paired with a slice of our warm peach pie, it's nothing short of dessert nirvana.

Ready to create this dreamy dessert? Let's dive in!

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
• 5 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup peach puree (about 2 ripe peaches, peeled and blended)
• 2 tablespoons honey

Let's Make Some Magic!

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cream, milk, half of the sugar, salt, and the scraped vanilla bean (including the pod). Heat over medium-high until it just starts to simmer. Remove from heat and let it steep for 30 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and remaining sugar until pale and creamy.
3. Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly. This is called tempering, and it prevents the eggs from scrambling!
4. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 170°F if you're using a thermometer).
5. Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Stir in the vanilla extract and let it cool to room temperature. Then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
6. While the custard is chilling, mix the peach puree with honey and refrigerate.
7. Churn the chilled custard in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.
8. As you transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container, layer it with spoonfuls of the peach mixture, creating a swirl effect.
9. Freeze until firm, about 4 hours.

Tips for Creamy Perfection

• Use the freshest ingredients possible, especially for the cream and eggs.
• Don't rush the chilling process – patience is key for the creamiest texture.
• For an extra-smooth result, add a tablespoon of vodka to the custard before churning. The alcohol prevents large ice crystals from forming.

Serving Suggestions

Serve a generous scoop of this heavenly ice cream alongside a warm slice of our famous peach pie. The contrast of temperatures and the harmony of flavors will make your taste buds explode! 

The Perfect Pair 

Imagine the pure delight of sinking your spoon into a scoop of creamy, homemade vanilla ice cream, its rich flavor dancing on your tongue. There's something magical about crafting this frozen treat in your own kitchen, watching simple ingredients transform into a luscious dessert. As you savor each spoonful, you'll taste the difference that fresh, high-quality ingredients and a labor of love can make.

But why stop there? Elevate your dessert experience by pairing your homemade vanilla ice cream with a slice of our irresistible peach pie from The Homestead. Picture the harmony of flavors as the warm, juicy peaches and buttery crust meld with the cool, velvety ice cream. It's a match made in dessert heaven, bringing together the best of homemade comfort and our farm-fresh goodness. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this perfect duo – your homemade vanilla ice cream alongside our signature peach pie – for a truly unforgettable end to any meal.

Purchase your peach pie today!