Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream is a timeless treat that’s creamy, rich, and bursting with classic vanilla flavor.

Making it at home means you can control the ingredients and enjoy a dessert that’s free of unnecessary additives. Whether you’re serving it in cones, bowls, or as the perfect pairing with pie or cake, this easy recipe will become a family favorite. Using just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a luxurious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Ice cream maker
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Plastic wrap or airtight container

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. Prepare the Base
   • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Chill the Mixture
   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling ensures the mixture is cold, which helps it churn better in the ice cream maker.
3. Churn the Ice Cream
   • Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20–25 minutes, depending on your machine.
4. Freeze Until Firm
   • Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals from forming, then place in the freezer for 2–4 hours or until the desired firmness is reached.
5. Serve and Enjoy
   • Scoop and serve your homemade vanilla ice cream in bowls or cones. Add your favorite toppings or enjoy it plain!

Prep Time

10 minutes (plus chilling time)

Churn Time

25 minutes

Freeze Time

2–4 hours

Total Time

2 hours 35 minutes to 6 hours 35 minutes

Nutrition (Per Serving – Serves 6)

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 20g
• Sugar: 14g

Expert Tips

• For Extra Creaminess: Add 2 egg yolks to the base for a custard-style ice cream. Heat the milk, sugar, and egg yolks gently while whisking, then combine with the cream and chill before churning.
• Use Quality Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste will give the best flavor. If using vanilla beans, scrape the seeds from one pod and add them to the mixture.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar slightly, but note this might affect the texture.

FAQs

Do I need an ice cream maker?
While an ice cream maker produces the creamiest results, you can make this without one by freezing the mixture in a shallow dish and stirring every 30 minutes for 2–3 hours.

Can I add mix-ins?
Yes! Fold in chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or fruit during the last few minutes of churning.

How long does homemade ice cream last?
Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. For best texture, place plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent ice crystals.

Storing & Reheating

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the freezer.
• Reheating: Ice cream doesn’t require reheating, but if it’s too hard to scoop, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Substitutions & Variations

• Non-Dairy Option: Substitute the cream and milk with coconut cream and almond milk.
• Flavor Variations: Add a swirl of caramel, chocolate, or fruit puree for a fun twist.
• Sugar-Free: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit for a low-carb version.

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream is a timeless treat that’s creamy, rich, and bursting with classic vanilla flavor. Making it at home means you can control the ingredients and enjoy a dessert that’s free of unnecessary additives.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• - Ice cream maker
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• - Plastic wrap or airtight container

Ingredients

  

• - 2 cups heavy cream
• - 1 cup whole milk
• - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• - 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• - Pinch of salt

Instructions

 

• **Prepare the Base**
• - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
• **Chill the Mixture**
• - Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling ensures the mixture is cold, which helps it churn better in the ice cream maker.
• **Churn the Ice Cream**
• - Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20–25 minutes, depending on your machine.
• **Freeze Until Firm**
• - Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals from forming, then place in the freezer for 2–4 hours or until the desired firmness is reached.
• **Serve and Enjoy**
• - Scoop and serve your homemade vanilla ice cream in bowls or cones. Add your favorite toppings or enjoy it plain!