This Easy Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream is creamy and fun to make! With just a few ingredients like milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla, you can whip up a tasty treat in no time.
You only need a blender to mix everything, then let it chill in the freezer. It’s the perfect dessert for sunny days or whenever you want a sweet bite. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Heavy Cream: This gives the ice cream a rich and creamy texture. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream, which adds a lovely flavor!
Whole Milk: Full-fat milk helps balance the creaminess of the heavy cream. You can substitute it with any milk you prefer, like skim milk or almond milk, but the texture might be less creamy.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is the standard for sweetness here. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can try honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia, but adjust the amount to taste since these can be sweeter.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract brings wonderful flavor to the ice cream. You can substitute it with vanilla bean paste or even scrape the seeds from a vanilla bean pod for a more intense flavor.
Salt: Just a pinch of salt helps enhance all the flavors. If avoiding salt is important, like for some diets, you can skip it, but it does elevate the taste!
How Can I Make Sure My Ice Cream is Creamy and Not Icy?
To achieve that smooth, creamy texture, using the right ratios of cream and milk is key. Here are a few tips:
- Make sure to whisk your mixture until the sugar fully dissolves. This helps prevent ice crystals from forming.
- Churn the mixture in your ice cream maker for the recommended time. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and stir every 30 minutes for about 2-3 hours to break up ice crystals.
- Freezing the ice cream for a few hours after churning will help it firm up, but don’t leave it in too long, or it’ll be too hard to scoop!
Remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade ice cream!
Easy Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation and about 20-25 minutes of churning time in an ice cream maker. After that, you’ll need to freeze it for at least 4 hours to let it firm up. So, total time from start to finish is about 4 hours and 30 minutes, but most of that is just waiting for it to freeze!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Keep mixing until the sugar fully dissolves—this usually takes just a couple of minutes. You want a smooth and creamy mixture!
2. Churn the Ice Cream:
Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning, which typically takes around 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks thicker and has that soft-serve consistency.
3. Prepare for Freezing:
Once churned, transfer the ice cream into an airtight container. Make sure to spread it evenly to avoid any air pockets, which can lead to ice crystals.
4. Freeze and Firm Up:
Cover the container and place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until it’s firm enough for scooping. This step is crucial for that perfect ice cream texture!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy some delicious ice cream, take it out from the freezer a few minutes before serving. This helps it soften slightly so it’s easier to scoop. Serve in your favorite bowls or glasses and dig in!
Enjoy this classic, creamy vanilla ice cream, perfect for any occasion or just a sweet treat on a warm day!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Can I Use Low-Fat Milk Instead of Whole Milk?
Yes, you can! However, using low-fat milk may result in a less creamy texture. For the best consistency, stick to whole milk or consider using half-and-half for a balance between creaminess and lightness.
How Can I Make the Ice Cream Dairy-Free?
If you’d like to make this ice cream dairy-free, replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream and the whole milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. It will have a slightly different flavor but still be delicious!
What Should I Do If My Ice Cream Is Too Hard?
If your ice cream becomes too hard after freezing, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping. This will help soften it up for easier serving.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Your homemade vanilla ice cream can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 weeks. Just be sure to press a piece of parchment paper on the surface to minimize ice crystal formation for best texture!
