Jeni’s Honey Vanilla Bean Ice Cream 🍯✨ (Egg-Free Classic)

A Classic with Depth: Jeni’s Honey Vanilla Bean Ice Cream 🍯✨

When it comes to timeless ice cream flavors, vanilla reigns supreme—but Jeni Britton Bauer’s Honey Vanilla Bean Ice Cream takes it to a whole new level. Instead of eggs, this recipe relies on her iconic cream cheese–cornstarch base, delivering a luscious, scoopable texture without the heaviness of custard. The addition of real vanilla beans and floral honey transforms this into an aromatic, sophisticated dessert that’s anything but ordinary.

Why This Recipe Works 🌟

Unlike traditional custard bases, Jeni’s method creates a stable, creamy texture that resists iciness even after days in the freezer. The natural sugars from honey add depth, balancing sweetness with a subtle floral note, while the vanilla bean brings warmth and richness. Every spoonful feels indulgent yet refreshing—perfect for summer, or really, any time of year.

Ingredients That Shine ✨

• Vanilla bean (or paste): The star of the show, lending a fragrant aroma and speckled beauty.
• Honey: Adds both sweetness and complexity—choose a delicate wildflower or acacia honey for best results.
• Cream cheese: A signature Jeni’s twist, giving the ice cream body and tang.
• Cornstarch slurry: Keeps the texture silky without eggs.

Step-by-Step Process 🥄

1. Cook the base — Combine milk, cream, sugar, corn syrup, honey, and vanilla, then thicken slightly with a cornstarch slurry.
2. Blend in cream cheese — This ensures the base is smooth and creamy.
3. Chill fast — An ice bath speeds cooling, crucial for texture.
4. Churn & freeze — Your ice cream maker does the magic, turning the base into rich, scoopable delight.

Serving Ideas 🍨

• Pair with fresh berries for a simple but elegant dessert.
• Drizzle with salted caramel for extra indulgence.
• Scoop into a warm brownie or apple crumble for a restaurant-worthy finish.

Tips for Success 💡

• Use real vanilla beans or paste for unmatched depth of flavor.
• Pick a floral honey—wildflower, orange blossom, or acacia—for subtle, complex notes.
• Chill the base thoroughly before churning for the smoothest texture.

FAQs ❓

Can I substitute vanilla extract for vanilla beans?
Yes—though beans or paste are best, you can use 2–3 tsp extract.

What type of honey works best?
A mild, floral honey like wildflower or acacia enhances the vanilla without overpowering it.

This Honey Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is a masterclass in how a simple base can become extraordinary with thoughtful ingredients. A scoop of this isn’t just dessert—it’s a spoonful of elegance. 🍯✨