Craving a delicious, creamy dessert to enjoy this summer? Look no further than this homemade vanilla ice cream recipe. With only five simple ingredients, it’s an easy and satisfying treat you can whip up in no time. Whether served in a cone or paired with your favorite dessert, this homemade vanilla ice cream will soon become your go-to summer recipe. Let’s dive into how to make this decadent treat!
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Why You’ll Love This Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Making homemade vanilla ice cream has never been easier. This recipe is perfect for beginners or anyone who craves a rich, creamy dessert without a ton of complicated ingredients. The best part? It’s made with only five simple ingredients: heavy cream, whole milk, cane sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. That’s it! No custard base or eggs required, making it incredibly simple yet absolutely delicious.
Ingredients for Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Here are the five essential ingredients you’ll need:
- Heavy cream: This is the base that makes your ice cream extra creamy and rich.
- Whole milk: Adds smoothness and helps create that perfect creamy texture. Using anything less fatty like skim milk could result in an icy texture.
- Cane sugar: Sweetens the mixture, bringing out the vanilla flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Provides the signature warm vanilla taste we all love. Vanilla bean paste is also a great option for an even richer flavor and speckled look.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors, making them pop!
Alternative Ingredients for Special Diets
If you’re looking to make a few swaps for dietary preferences or ingredient availability, here are some suggestions:
- Dairy-free version: Replace the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut cream or almond milk to make it dairy-free.
- Sugar alternatives: Swap the cane sugar for maple syrup or a sugar substitute like Stevia for a low-carb version.
- Vanilla alternatives: If you have vanilla beans at home, scraping the seeds and using them instead of vanilla extract will elevate the flavor even more.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Here’s how to make your own homemade vanilla ice cream:
- Freeze your ice cream maker bowl: At least 12 hours before you plan to churn your ice cream, place the bowl of your ice cream maker in the freezer. It needs to be fully frozen to churn the ice cream properly.
- Prepare the ice cream base: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, cane sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Warm the mixture over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, whisking frequently, until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is warmed through.
- Chill the base: Pour the warm mixture into a heatproof bowl, cover it, and place it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight.
- Churn the ice cream: Once the ice cream base is thoroughly chilled, transfer it to your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to churn for 20 to 30 minutes. The ice cream will have a soft-serve-like texture immediately after churning.
- Freeze for firmer ice cream: If you prefer your ice cream firmer, transfer the soft ice cream to an airtight container and freeze it for 2–4 hours. This will help it harden and become scoopable.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
- Don’t rush the chilling: The base needs to chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or even overnight, to get the best texture once churned.
- Watch your ice cream maker: The consistency will change as it churns. For soft serve, enjoy right away, but for a firmer consistency, freeze it for a couple of hours.
- Storage tips: When storing, press plastic wrap or aluminum foil against the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month.
Topping Ideas and Variations for Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
While this homemade vanilla ice cream is a treat on its own, it pairs wonderfully with various toppings and mix-ins to create endless variations:
- Fruit toppings: Fresh berries, like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, complement the vanilla flavor perfectly. You can also make compotes to drizzle on top for an extra burst of flavor.
- Nuts and butters: For a crunchy twist, sprinkle toasted almonds, peanuts, or drizzle peanut or almond butter on top.
- Chocolate treats: Add some texture with chocolate chips, or get creative with crumbled brownies or cookies for a more decadent experience.
- Classic indulgence: You can’t go wrong with salted caramel sauce, hot fudge, and whipped cream.
Storage Tips for Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Homemade vanilla ice cream can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month. To make sure it stays creamy, press a piece of plastic wrap over the top before sealing the container. After freezing for a while, it may become too hard to scoop; simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Why You Should Make This Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Not only is this homemade vanilla ice cream incredibly simple to make, but it also tastes far better than store-bought versions. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this ice cream is sure to be a hit at any summer gathering. Plus, the creamy, rich texture makes it a standout dessert.
Enjoy making this easy homemade vanilla ice cream and experience the satisfaction of creating a classic treat from scratch!
Conclusion: The Perfect Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Making homemade vanilla ice cream doesn’t get any easier or more delicious than this recipe. With just five simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you can enjoy a rich, creamy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a standalone treat or alongside your favorite summer pies and cakes, this homemade vanilla ice cream is sure to impress. It’s a nostalgic, indulgent, and customizable dessert that everyone will love.
Now that you know how to make it, it’s time to get your ice cream maker out and treat yourself to the best homemade vanilla ice cream you’ve ever tasted!
FAQs about Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Can I make homemade vanilla ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes, you can still make homemade vanilla ice cream without an ice cream maker, although it will require a bit more effort. After chilling your ice cream base, place it in a shallow pan and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, take it out and stir vigorously with a fork to break up any ice crystals until it reaches the desired consistency.
How can I make my homemade vanilla ice cream softer?
To make your homemade vanilla ice cream softer, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping. This will help soften the texture, especially if it has been stored in the freezer for a long time. Alternatively, reduce the amount of sugar or fat in the recipe for a less dense texture.
Can I use dairy-free alternatives in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the dairy ingredients with dairy-free alternatives. Use coconut cream or almond milk in place of heavy cream and whole milk for a delicious vegan version of this homemade vanilla ice cream. Make sure to check the consistency, as different non-dairy milks might affect the texture slightly.
How long will homemade vanilla ice cream last in the freezer?
Homemade vanilla ice cream can last in the freezer for up to one month when stored in an airtight container. For the best texture, allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving, as it can become quite firm in the freezer.
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Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 quart
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade vanilla ice cream recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring just five ingredients for a creamy, indulgent dessert. With a rich vanilla flavor, it’s the perfect treat for a warm summer day or any time you’re craving something sweet and cool.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2/3 cup cane sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Freeze the bowl of your ice cream maker for at least 12 hours before you begin.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, cane sugar, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Warm the mixture over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, whisking frequently until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Pour the warm mixture into a heatproof bowl and cover it. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to chill.
- Once chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (about 20 to 30 minutes). The ice cream will have a soft texture immediately after churning.
- For firmer ice cream, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for 2–4 hours until it’s scoopable.
Notes
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can place the mixture in a shallow pan and stir it every 30 minutes while it freezes until the texture is firm.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream and almond milk.
- Press plastic wrap or foil against the surface of the ice cream before sealing it in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churned
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 55mg