Banana Pudding Ice Cream (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Base

01 - 2 cups heavy cream
02 - 1 cup whole milk
03 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
04 - Pinch of salt
05 - 5 large egg yolks
06 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Flavoring

07 - 3 ripe bananas, mashed
08 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
09 - 1 cup Nilla Wafers, crushed, plus more for garnish

→ For Serving (Optional)

10 - Whipped cream

# Instructions:

01 - In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, 1/2 cup sugar, and a pinch of salt. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
02 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and the remaining 1/4 cup sugar until well blended.
03 - Gradually temper the egg yolks by adding a small amount of the hot cream mixture, whisking constantly. Repeat until about half of the cream mixture has been added.
04 - Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 170-175°F).
05 - Remove from heat and strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Stir in the vanilla extract, mashed bananas, and lemon juice. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
06 - Once chilled, churn the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.
07 - During the last few minutes of churning, add the crushed Nilla Wafers to the ice cream.
08 - Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container, layering it with additional crushed Nilla Wafers. Freeze until firm, at least 4 hours or overnight.
09 - Serve garnished with more Nilla Wafers and optional whipped cream.

# Notes:

01 - The lemon juice helps prevent the bananas from browning and adds a subtle brightness to the flavor.
02 - For the richest flavor, use very ripe bananas with brown spots on the peel.
03 - Churning time may vary depending on your ice cream maker model.