The Best (and Easiest) Homemade Ice Cream Recipe
Indulge in the creamy, rich flavor of this easy homemade vanilla ice cream recipe. Made with just five simple ingredients, it’s perfect for beginners and experienced ice cream makers alike. Customize with your favorite mix-ins like brownies or caramel for a delightful treat. Enjoy smooth, creamy ice cream anytime with minimal effort and no complicated steps.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning (Ice Cream Maker)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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 and scraped)
Optional: 2 cups of add-ins (e.g., crumbled brownies, cookie dough, oatmeal cookies)
Instructions
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In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of heavy cream with sugar and salt. If using a vanilla bean, add the seeds and pod. Warm over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
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Remove from heat. Stir in remaining heavy cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract (if using).
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Chill the mixture thoroughly in the refrigerator until cold.
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Remove the vanilla pod if used. Pour mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Add optional mix-ins during the last few minutes of churning.
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Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze until firm (about 4 hours).
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Serve and enjoy!
Notes
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For no-churn ice cream, skip heating. Mix ingredients cold, freeze in a container, and stir every 30 minutes until firm.
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Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week.
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Allow ice cream to soften slightly at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving.
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Customize by adding chocolate chips, fruit swirls, nuts, or caramel during churning.
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Substitute coconut or almond milk for dairy-free options.
