The Best (and Easiest) Ice Cream You’ll Ever Make Recipe
Introduction
This homemade ice cream is incredibly simple to make and tastes amazing. With just a few basic ingredients and no special equipment required beyond an ice cream maker, you can enjoy creamy, rich ice cream anytime.
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups heavy cream
- 1¼ cups whole milk
- ¾ cup sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean split in half lengthwise)
Instructions
- Step 1: Pour 1 cup of the heavy cream into a saucepan and add the sugar and salt. If using a vanilla bean, scrape its seeds into the mixture and add the split vanilla pod to the saucepan.
- Step 2: Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and add the remaining cream, milk, and vanilla extract if using. Whisk everything together well, then chill the mixture in the refrigerator.
- Step 3: When ready to churn, remove the vanilla pod and whisk the mixture again. Pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Step 4: Serve the ice cream immediately for a soft-serve texture or transfer it to an airtight container and freeze until firm for a classic scoopable consistency.
Tips & Variations
- For extra richness, use all heavy cream instead of a mix with milk.
- Try adding mix-ins like chocolate chips or crushed cookies during the last few minutes of churning.
- If you don’t have a vanilla bean, using high-quality vanilla extract works perfectly well.
Storage
Store leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. To soften before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes or scoop with a warm spoon for easy serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?
While this recipe is designed for an ice cream maker, you can stir the mixture every 30 minutes while freezing to break up ice crystals, though the texture may be less smooth.
Can I use low-fat milk or cream?
Using lower-fat dairy will change the texture and richness. Whole milk and heavy cream produce the creamiest, best-tasting ice cream.
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The Best (and Easiest) Ice Cream You’ll Ever Make Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (including chilling and churning time)
- Yield: About 1 quart (4 servings) 1x
Description
A simple and foolproof recipe for making the creamiest, smoothest homemade ice cream using basic ingredients and an ice cream maker. This classic vanilla ice cream can be enjoyed immediately or stored for later, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base
- 1¾ cups heavy cream
- 1¼ cups whole milk
- ¾ cup sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean split lengthwise)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Mixture: Pour 1 cup of the heavy cream into a saucepan and add the sugar and sea salt. If using a vanilla bean, scrape the seeds into the mixture and add the bean pod to the pan for maximum flavor infusion.
- Warm to Dissolve Sugar: Warm the mixture gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally, just until the sugar has completely dissolved. Be careful not to boil. Remove from heat.
- Combine Remaining Ingredients: Add the remaining ¾ cup heavy cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract if you are not using the vanilla bean. Whisk thoroughly to blend all ingredients. Then, chill the mixture in the refrigerator until fully cold.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Remove the vanilla pod if used, whisk the chilled mixture again to ensure it’s smooth, and pour it into your ice cream maker. Churn following the manufacturer’s instructions until the ice cream is thick and creamy.
- Serve or Store: You can enjoy the ice cream immediately for a soft-serve texture, or transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for several hours to achieve a firmer consistency before serving.
Notes
- Using a vanilla bean creates a richer vanilla flavor, but vanilla extract is a convenient alternative.
- Ensure the cream mixture is fully chilled before churning to improve texture.
- Ice cream makers vary; read your machine’s instructions for best results.
- Store homemade ice cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
- For softer ice cream, serve immediately after churning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning (Ice Cream Maker)
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: homemade ice cream, vanilla ice cream, easy dessert, creamy ice cream, ice cream maker recipe
