Description
Craving a cool, velvety dessert that’s made from scratch? This Homemade Ice Cream is the ultimate treat! With just five simple ingredients, you can whip up a rich, creamy ice cream that’s bursting with vanilla flavor
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this Homemade Ice Cream. Each ingredient contributes to the rich, smooth texture and flavor.
- Heavy Cream (1 1/2 cups): Creates a rich, creamy base for the ice cream.
- Whole Milk (1 1/2 cups): Adds lightness and balances the richness of the cream.
- Cane Sugar (2/3 cup): Sweetens the ice cream naturally.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Brings warm, classic flavor to the base.
- Sea Salt (1/8 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
Substitutions and Variations
- Heavy Cream: Swap with half-and-half for a lighter texture or coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- Whole Milk: Use 2% milk or a non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk.
- Cane Sugar: Replace with granulated sugar, coconut sugar, or maple syrup (reduce to 1/2 cup for maple syrup due to stronger sweetness).
- Vanilla Extract: Use a vanilla bean (scraped seeds) for a gourmet touch or other extracts like almond or peppermint.
- Add-Ins: Fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips, crushed cookies, fruit puree, or nuts after churning for extra flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ice Cream Base
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, 1 1/2 cups whole milk, 2/3 cup cane sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1/8 teaspoon sea salt.
- Warm over medium-low heat, whisking often, for about 5 minutes, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warmed through (do not boil).
- Pour the mixture into a heatproof bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for 2 hours or overnight.
Tip: Place the bowl in an ice bath for 10 minutes before refrigerating to speed up chilling.
Step 2: Churn the Ice Cream
- Remove the chilled ice cream base from the fridge and whisk well to ensure it’s smooth.
- Pour the base into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically 20–30 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Tip: Make sure your ice cream maker bowl is fully frozen (usually 24 hours in the freezer) for best results.
Step 3: Freeze for Firmer Texture
- For soft-serve ice cream, serve immediately after churning.
- For firmer ice cream, transfer to an airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze for 2–4 hours.
- Smooth the top with a spatula before freezing to ensure an even texture.
Tip: Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the container to prevent ice crystals.
Step 4: Serve
- Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones.
- If the ice cream is too firm to scoop straight from the freezer, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to soften.
- Serve plain or with your favorite toppings like fresh berries, chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of nuts.
Tip: Pair with desserts like Peach Crisp or Blueberry Cobbler for an extra-special treat.