The Best Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream EVER Recipe
This creamy and rich homemade vanilla ice cream recipe is incredibly easy to make and yields the best classic vanilla flavor. Made with simple ingredients like heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract, it serves as a perfect base for adding your favorite mix-ins like fruits, chocolate chips, or nuts. Ideal for any occasion, this ice cream is smooth, satisfying, and customizable to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (churning time)
- Total Time: 40 minutes plus additional freezing time as needed
- Yield: 1 quart (approximately 4 servings) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Ice Cream Base
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups whole milk
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- Fruit (e.g., berries, chopped mango)
- Chocolate chips
- Nuts (e.g., chopped almonds, pecans)
Optional Add-ins
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, pinch of salt, sugar, and vanilla extract until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is well blended.
- Pour Mixture into Freezer Container: Transfer the prepared ice cream mixture into the container of your ice cream freezer or ice cream maker.
- Add Optional Mix-ins: If desired, incorporate fruits, chocolate chips, nuts, or other additions into the mixture to personalize your ice cream flavor.
- Process Ice Cream: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your ice cream freezer to churn and freeze the mixture until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. This typically takes approximately 20-40 minutes depending on your equipment.
- Freeze for Firmness: For a firmer texture, transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for an additional 2-4 hours before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy your homemade vanilla ice cream.
- Adjust Quantity as Needed: This recipe makes about 1 quart. You can double or triple the ingredients proportionally to make larger batches as needed.
Notes
- Ensure sugar is fully dissolved in the liquid mixture before churning to avoid grainy texture.
- Use full-fat dairy for the richest and creamiest results.
- Customize your ice cream by adding mix-ins during the last few minutes of churning.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes until set.
- For best texture, consume within 1-2 weeks.
Keywords: homemade vanilla ice cream, easy ice cream recipe, classic vanilla ice cream, ice cream maker recipe
