Making ice cream at home is easier than you might think, and it’s a fun way to enjoy a delicious treat without any fancy equipment.
Whether you’re craving something simple or looking to get creative with flavors, this homemade vanilla ice cream recipe is a great place to start. With just a few ingredients, you can make a creamy, smooth dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
No ice cream machine? No problem! This recipe uses a freezer method that’s perfect for beginners and doesn’t require any special tools.
Just a little patience, some stirring, and before you know it, you’ll have homemade ice cream that’s perfect for any occasion.
So, let’s get started and make a homemade treat for the family!
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Mix the Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Freeze the Mixture
- Pour the mixture into a shallow dish or a large freezer-safe container.
- Place the dish in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, use a fork to scrape and stir the mixture to break up any ice crystals, making it smoother.
- Continue this process for about 3-4 hours or until the ice cream has hardened to your desired consistency.
3. Serve and Enjoy!
- Once your ice cream is firm, scoop it into bowls or cones and serve! You can add mix-ins like chocolate chips, crushed cookies, nuts, or fresh fruit if you like.
Alternative Method: Using an Ice Cream Maker
Instructions
Chill the Ice Cream Maker Bowl: Freeze the bowl of your ice cream maker for at least 12 hours before starting.
Prepare the Ice Cream Base
In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
Warm over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, whisking frequently until the sugar is dissolved.
Chill the Mixture: Transfer the mixture to a heatproof bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Churn the Ice Cream: Once chilled, whisk the mixture again and churn it in your ice cream maker, typically 20 to 30 minutes.
Freeze for Firmness: The ice cream will be soft after churning; transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for 2 to 4 hours for a firmer texture.
Optional Add-ins
- Swirl in chocolate sauce, caramel, or fruit puree after the ice cream starts to freeze for a marbled effect.
- Add chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or cookie crumbles for extra texture.
Enjoy your homemade ice cream!