Churning ice cream with a mixer involves using an ice cream maker attachment or a stand mixer with a special paddle designed for this purpose. The process is straightforward but requires the right equipment and technique.
Using a Stand Mixer for Ice Cream
This method utilizes a stand mixer with an ice cream maker attachment, often a frozen bowl.
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Prepare Your Mixture: Ensure your ice cream base is thoroughly chilled before starting. This helps achieve a smoother, creamier texture.
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Freeze the Bowl: The special bowl needs to be frozen solid for several hours (or overnight) before you begin. This is crucial for proper churning.
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Start the Mixer: Begin by turning on your stand mixer to its lowest speed. This is important to avoid splattering.
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Add the Mixture: Slowly add your pre-chilled ice cream base to the frozen bowl while the mixer is running. This prevents the mixture from clumping. ( Reference: Start your mixer on the Stir setting before adding your ice cream mixture to the frozen bowl. Do not add your ice cream base until the dasher is in motion.)
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Churn: Let the mixer churn for the recommended time; typically 20-30 minutes for a soft-serve consistency. (Reference: Continue mixing and churning for 20–30 minutes for a soft serve ice cream consistency that can be served immediately.) The exact time will depend on your recipe and machine.
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Serve or Harden: Enjoy your soft-serve immediately or transfer it to a container and freeze it further for a firmer consistency.
Tips for Success
- Cold Ingredients are Key: Extremely cold ingredients are essential for proper freezing and texture.
- Avoid Over-Churning: Over-churning can result in a grainy texture. Check your ice cream frequently near the end of the churning time.
- Experiment with Recipes: Different recipes require slightly different churning times.
