This homemade vanilla ice cream is smooth, creamy and easy to make with a rich vanilla flavor. I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream because it’s truly the best summer treat!
This vanilla ice cream is perfect to scoop into cone or serve in a bowl! Make it more indulgent by making it into a Reese’s ice cream or s’mores ice cream.
The Best Homemade Ice Cream
One of my favorite frozen desserts to make during the summer is homemade vanilla ice cream. It’s the perfect refreshing treat to cool off with on a hot day, or when you’re craving a sweet treat.
This recipe is super easy to make with only 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep! It’s just as creamy as the old-fashioned version, but requires less work because there is no eggs or simmering on the stovetop beforehand. You will need an ice cream maker but if you don’t have one make this no churn ice cream instead.
Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe Ingredients
This homemade ice cream recipe made in an ice cream maker only needs a few simple ingredients to get started!
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Heavy cream: This gives the ice cream a rich flavor. Avoid over-churning the ice cream or the heavy cream will taste more buttery than cream.
- Whole milk: The mixture of the cream and milk gives a richer blend of flavor as well as a creamy and soft texture.
- Sugar: Every ice cream needs that extra sweetness! Sugar is just that for this recipe.
- Salt: Balancing out the flavors gives it a nice boost of salty and sweet flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Added for flavor and tints the soft ice cream to a creamy color.
How to Make Homemade Ice Cream
Before starting to make this homemade vanilla ice cream recipe, prep your ice cream machine according to package directions. Some machines require you to freeze the bowl first and for others, you will need to have ice and rock salt.
Next, make your ice cream base by combining heavy cream, milk, sugar, salt, and vanilla in a bowl. Chill ice cream mixture in the refrigerator while waiting for the ice cream maker bowl to freeze.
When you’re ready to make the ice cream, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker bowl and follow manufacturers directions for churning. I typically churn the ice cream for 25-30 minutes.
Homemade ice cream in a machine will have a soft, creamy texture immediately after churning. For scoopable ice cream, store in an airtight container in the freezer for a few hours then add to a bowl or cone and enjoy!
Favorite Toppings and Variations
There are so many toppings that taste amazing with vanilla ice cream! Because of its neutral flavor, it pairs well with just about anything.
- Fruity: Try topping it with fresh berries or lemon curd! Fresh strawberry sauce or strawberry jam or even blueberry sauce or peach pie filling taste amazing.
- Nuts: Pecans, almonds or peanuts pair well with caramelized bananas.
- Chocolate. For a rich dessert, add homemade brownies, chocolate chips or chocolate chip cookie crumbles.
- Classic: Hot fudge, sprinkles and a maraschino cherry is my kids favorite. Although, whipped cream and caramel sauce are a close second.
- Mix-ins: Stir in up to 2 cups of crumbled waffle cone, Oreo crumbles or Reese’s peanut butter cups. Any other candy of choice works, too!
Tips for Making Homemade Ice Cream
Here are some easy tips to follow to make the best homemade vanilla ice cream with a machine every time!
- Freeze the bowl. Most ice cream makers require that you freeze the bowl the night beforehand, so don’t forget! It needs to be COLD before getting started.
- Full-fat ingredients. Using whole milk and heavy whipping cream makes a world of a difference. The higher fat content creates a super creamy and rich result. Trust me, it’s worth the extra calories!
- Churning time. It usually takes my Cuisinart ice cream maker about 20 minutes to churn the mixture. Each homemade ice cream machine is different, your’s may take more or less time. When the mixture resembles frozen yogurt, it’s ready. Don’t over-churn your homemade ice cream in an ice cream maker!
- Vanilla bean. Pure vanilla extract tastes delicious, but if you want to ramp up the flavor, try using vanilla bean paste instead.
- When to add mix ins. This recipe also tastes delicious with your favorite toppings mixed into the vanilla base. Churn your homemade vanilla ice cream with machine until it’s reached the consistency of frozen yogurt, then mix in the extras.
- Plan time to freeze. For a consistency that’s scoop-able and firm, you’ll want to freeze the mixture for at least a few hours. If you like soft serve, you can enjoy it immediately after churning.
- Scooping. Run your ice cream scoop under hot water before scooping the dessert out of the container.
- Doubling. You’ll end up with about 1.25 quarts of ice cream when making this recipe. Double the recipe for a larger amount, although you’ll need to make 2 separate batches and freeze your ice cream machine between batches.
5 star review
“This was my first time making ice cream. It was outstanding! Not too sweet, good vanilla flavor. Recipe is a keeper!”
-Anne
Storage Instructions
After churning the ice cream, I love to pour the mixture from the ice cream maker into a bread loaf pan to store. I find it’s a perfect size and is super easy to scoop out of.
You can use any container, just make sure to cover it with a lid or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to reduce freezer burn. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let thaw on the counter for a few minutes and then scoop with an ice cream scoop.
More Frozen Treats
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Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Video
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- Pinch salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Depending on machine: Ice and rock salt
Optional toppings: strawberries, brownies, crushed oreos, hot fudge, caramel sauce
Instructions
- Prep your ice cream machine according to package directions. Some machines require you to freeze the bowl first and others you will need to have ice and rock salt.
- Combine heavy cream, milk, sugar, salt and vanilla in a bowl or the base of your ice cream container you plan to use.
- When you're ready to make the ice cream, pour mixture into your ice cream maker bowl. Follow instructions for your specific machine. Turn on machine and let it churn until it looks like frozen yogurt (about 25 minutes). Store in an air tight container in the freezer to become firm.
- Scoop into a bowl when ready to serve. Add desired toppings and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: 4th of July, 5 Ingredients Or Less, American, Desserts, Freezer-Friendly, Frozen Desserts, Gluten-Free, Kid-Friendly, No-Bake, Nut-Free, Vegetarian
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
I have tried a couple of other homemade ice cream recipes, but this one is by far the best! I made it just as the recipe says! It turns out perfect every time!
Awe, thank you so much for the compliment. I am glad that you love this vanilla ice cream!
My family and I love this ice cream! I have to double the recipe every time!
I love to hear that! Thank you for sharing!! I am so glad that your family loves this ice cream as much as our family!
I found that pouring the mix in the machine after I started it worked better because it started freezing pretty fast therefore it wasn’t able to churn.Otherwise it was delicious and fast!
Glad that it worked out okay for you!
First time making homemade ice cream. Made it with my 6yr old daughter. Super easy & so delicious!! This could become a dangerous habit😉 Thank you so much for sharing.
That is great to hear! I am so glad that you love this ice cream so much!
Oh & forgot to say we mixed in some pillsbury Bake or Eat cookie dough. We cut it into small pieces, froze it while the ice cream was churning, and added it to the last couple minutes in the machine. Definitely beats a DQ Blizzard and can’t wait to see what else we can mix in😍
Wahoo! That is a great compliment! I am so glad that you enjoyed it!
We doubled the recipe and made it with my grand kids for the 4th of July. Hands down the best and simplest homemade ice cream!
That sounds delicious! It is always best to do things with kids and grandkids.
When you say you can double recipe but will have to make two batches are you saying you need to make a batch freeze it then do another batch?
Yes, you will need to store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
If I double the ingredients can I make 2-1/2quarts at once?
Yes! That will work great! Enjoy your homemade ice cream!
Yes. Delicious!!
Such a huge hit for summer!! Best summer treat!
We have made this twice. Once making a gallon and the second time crushing Oreos and blending them in about 10 minutes before done. This for sure need to be in the freezer overnight but this recipe is so good! Churn it a little longer so that you get super creamy ice cream.
The Oreos sounds delicious! We will have to add that to our list too. Thanks for sharing and your 5 star review!
This had such an amazing flavor! Thank you so much!
This is the easiest, best recipe for homemade vanilla ice cream that I’ve tried. I found it last summer and have made it several times since. So much better than store-bought!
This was my first time making ice cream. It was outstanding! Not too sweet, good vanilla flavor. Recipe is a keeper!
i make this recipe for my family to have over the week for desert and it’s so much better than the store brand. there’s only 5 ingredients, it’s so easy and fun for us to make too!
So glad you enjoyed the homemade vanilla ice cream! :)
Outstandingly. I have found many ice cream recipes are too sweet. This one is not. It’s perfect. The only downside is that you will need to make two batches because the first batch is going to disappear very quickly!
We have to agree with you Teri! Thanks for your review :)
Easy and good❣️
There is no better summer dessert than homemade vanilla ice cream! I loved your recipe, absolutely delicious!
Great recipe, smooth and creamy! I love how versatile it is!
Hi Britni! Thanks for your comment. :) I’m so glad to hear that you loved the recipe!
I just made your recipe for the vanilla ice cream. So delicious!!
My grandson said that’s some good ice cream grandma!!
So glad you guys loved it. Thanks for the review :)
It’s been SUPER HOT around here, prefect timing! Great round-up and now I’m craving that coffee brownie batter ice cream!!! Waaaa! Loaded to the max.
Oh my goodness! That’s an ice cream heaven. I would like to have all of these ice creams one by one. Thanks a lot for sharing these heavenly ice creams Crystal :)