Frozen Vanilla Custard (Just Like Shake Shack)

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Hi Bold Bakers!

About This Recipe: Making frozen custard just like Shake Shack’s isn’t hard — but you do need an ice cream machine. What you end up with though is almost indistinguishable from the soft, creamy, frozen dessert that’s become famous from Shake Shack. So, if you’ve ever wondered how to make Shake Shack’s Frozen Custard at home, here’s how!

Why I Decided To Make This Recipe: I’ve had so many Bold Bakers (and everyone on the BBB team here!) tell me I had to go to Shake Shack to try their frozen custard for myself. To be honest, it sounded right up my alley. From what I’ve heard, it has everything I want in a dessert: a creamy flavor and a smooth texture. I have no idea why I waited so long to try it!

Long story short, after I finished my burger and fries, and sent Kevin back to the counter to get the frozen custard. I had only one complaint — why did Kevin get one TUB to share!? … He also got the small size. Does he not know me at all?!

Shake Shack’s vanilla frozen custard is absolutely insane! I would say it’s one of my favorite desserts of all time. It’s super-rich and almost has the texture of soft-serve ice cream. And, if you are an ice cream aficionado, then you know it’s best to eat frozen desserts when they are a little soft; the flavor is ten times better. Big bonus points go to Shake Shack for being generous with the vanilla and salt in their custard! 

As Kevin does, he challenged me to try and make the Shake Shack Frozen Custard at home. The results? I’ll let you be the judge, but I don’t think I’ll need to make the long trip across LA to get to the closest Shake Shack for some time.

What Is Frozen Custard?

The main difference between frozen custard and ice cream is the ingredients. Ice cream is made with milk and cream. Frozen custard is made with milk, cream, and eggs. Those eggs make the custard richer and denser than ice cream. 

Way back in 1919 at Coney Island, two ice cream vendors, Archie and Elton Kohr, realized that adding egg yolks to ice cream helped make a smoother texture and helped make the ice cream stay cold longer. The first weekend on the boardwalk, they sold 18,460 cones!

If you want a creamy ice cream that couldn’t be easier, try my 2-Ingredient Ice Cream recipe!

What You Need To Make Frozen Custard

• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Heavy saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Sieve
• Ice cream maker

How To Make Frozen Custard

No need to search for the closest Shake Shack; here’s how you can make your own frozen custard at home. This recipe has been tested over and over, and with all of the kinks worked out, here’s what you’ll be doing (and don’t forget to get all the measurements further down on the page): 

1. Heat the cream and milk in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent sticking. Heat the mixture until it just starts to simmer, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and salt together until it becomes pale yellow and fluffy.
3. Whisk a ladleful of the milk mixture into the egg mixture. Add another ladleful and whisk thoroughly before adding the next. Gradually add the remaining milk mixture and whisk thoroughly. This is tempering and keeps the eggs from cooking. 
4. Pour the custard base back into the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat until the custard thickens and coats the back of a wooden spoon, around 8 to 10 minutes.
5. Once thickened, pour the custard through a sieve to remove any lumps. Then whisk in the vanilla extract.
6. Set the custard aside to cool. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate until very cold, preferably overnight. 
7. Pour the custard into your ice cream maker and process according to the manufacturer’s instructions until the custard reaches the consistency of soft-serve ice cream, about 20 minutes. 
8. Transfer the custard to a freezable container and cover and freeze until it is firm enough to scoop for at least 4 hours. 

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips For Making Frozen Vanilla Custard

• Make the custard up to 2 days in advance; the flavor gets better as it sits.
• Use full-fat milk and cream for more flavor in your custard. 
• Have your egg yolks out at room temperature for an hour before you begin to make your custard. You don’t want the eggs to be cold from the fridge before they get blended into hot liquid.
• When churning the custard base, make sure it is very cold. The cold custard will freeze fast, which will give you better results.
• Don’t be shy with the salt and vanilla!

How Do I Store Frozen Custard?

You can store your homemade frozen custard in the freezer for up to a week for the best flavor and texture. 

Make More Ice Cream!

• Homemade Ice Cream with Only 2 Ingredients
• Homemade Strawberry Gelato
• 3 Ingredient Ube Ice Cream
• Homemade Sorbet in 5 Minutes

And don’t forget to buy my Bigger Bolder Baking Cookbook!

Try These Recipes!

No-Churn Irish Cream Ice Cream

Sinful Chocolate Granita Recipe

Ask Gemma! Your Ice Cream Baking Questions Answered!

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