Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream is made with simple ingredients like cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla. It serves about 6 and takes around 30 minutes to prepare (plus chilling and freezing time). This easy dessert is creamy, smooth, and full of real vanilla flavor.

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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Rich vanilla flavor with no artificial taste: Every bite bursts with real vanilla, thanks to pure extract or real vanilla beans. No fake flavoring—just natural sweetness and warmth.
Creamy and smooth texture: The mix of cream and milk creates a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s just like your favorite ice cream shop.
Only a few simple ingredients: You only need five basic items—cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Most of them are already in your kitchen.
No eggs needed for this version: This egg-free recipe saves time and skips the step of cooking a custard base, making it quicker and easier for beginners.
Can be made with or without an ice cream maker: Don’t have a machine? No problem. Freeze and stir the mix manually, and you’ll still get a great result.

🍦 Ingredients

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

🍨 Directions

Mix Base
In a large bowl, whisk together cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until sugar is dissolved.
Chill the Mixture
Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
Churn the Ice Cream
Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker. Churn for 20–25 minutes or until it looks like soft-serve.
Freeze Until Firm
Transfer to a container, cover, and freeze for 3–4 hours until fully set.

✅ Recipe Tips

Use pure vanilla extract for best flavor.
Chill the bowl of your ice cream maker before use.
For extra richness, use only heavy cream (skip the milk).
Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, berries, or cookie pieces at the end of churning.
If making without a machine, freeze the mix in a shallow pan and stir every 30 minutes for 2–3 hours.

🍪 What To Serve With Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream?

Serve Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream with fruit pies, brownies, cookies or fresh fruit. It pairs well with warm desserts or can be topped with sauces like chocolate, caramel or berry compote for a perfect sweet treat any time.

🧊 How To Store Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream?

In a container with lid: Use an airtight container and press plastic wrap over the surface to avoid ice crystals.
In a loaf pan: Wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze. Eat within 2 weeks for best texture.

❓ FAQs

Can I make Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream without an ice cream maker?

Yes, you can make Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream without a machine. Just pour the mixture into a shallow freezer-safe dish and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir or whisk it vigorously to break up ice crystals. Repeat this 4–5 times for a smooth, creamy texture that mimics churned Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream.

Can I use low-fat milk in Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream?

Yes, but using low-fat milk in Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream will result in a less creamy and icier texture. For the best results, use whole milk or heavy cream. These fats help create a rich, smooth Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream that tastes indulgent.

Can I use vanilla bean instead of extract in Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream?

Absolutely. Scraping out a real vanilla bean pod and mixing it into your Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream adds a deeper, more natural vanilla flavor. Plus, it adds pretty black specks to your Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream.

Why is my Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream icy instead of creamy?

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream turns icy when there’s too much water or not enough fat. Using more cream, properly chilling the mixture, and avoiding over-churning will help you get that perfect, smooth Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream texture.

Can I use maple syrup instead of sugar in Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream?

Yes, maple syrup can replace sugar in Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream for a deeper, natural sweetness. You may need to reduce other liquids slightly to maintain the creamy consistency of your Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream.

Can I use flavored extracts instead of vanilla in Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream?

Yes. You can replace vanilla with almond, peppermint, or coconut extracts for a twist on Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream. Just note that the flavor will change, and it won’t be a true vanilla version anymore.