Description

This easy Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream recipe lets you create rich, creamy, and classic vanilla-flavored ice cream at home without any fancy equipment. Using simple pantry staples and optional egg yolks for a custard base, you can achieve a smooth, velvety texture perfect for hot days or any dessert craving. Customizable and fun for all skill levels, it can be adapted for dietary preferences and paired with a variety of garnishes and sides.

Ingredients

Scale

Basic Ingredients

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Optional Custard Base

4 egg yolks (optional, for a richer texture)

Instructions

Prepare the Custard Base (optional but recommended): Whisk the egg yolks with sugar in a bowl until pale and creamy. Warm the milk and heavy cream on the stove until just simmering. Slowly pour a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly to temper them. Return everything to the pot and cook gently over low heat, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon, creating a silky custard.
Add Vanilla and Chill: Remove the custard or cream mixture from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Pour the mixture into a clean container and refrigerate until completely cold, at least 3-4 hours or overnight. Thorough chilling is essential for the best texture.
Freeze the Mixture: If using an ice cream maker, churn the chilled mixture according to manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches soft-serve consistency. Without an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow container and place it in the freezer. Stir vigorously every 30 minutes during the first 2-3 hours to break up ice crystals, helping achieve a smooth texture.
Final Freeze and Serve: After the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency, cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and freeze for an additional 2-4 hours to fully set. Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly for perfect scooping.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients such as cream, milk, and pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Ensure the mixture is thoroughly chilled before freezing or churning.
Stir frequently during manual freezing to prevent large ice crystals and maintain smoothness.
Tempering egg yolks with warm milk prevents scrambling and keeps the custard smooth.
Store ice cream in an airtight container to avoid ice buildup and flavor absorption.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-churn/Freezing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 250
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 40mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: homemade vanilla ice cream, no ice cream maker, simple vanilla ice cream, creamy ice cream, custard base ice cream, easy ice cream recipe