Indulge in the heavenly goodness of Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream with this easy-to-follow recipe using just five simple ingredients. With a velvety base of heavy cream and whole milk, this ice cream is sweetened with sugar and flavored with vanilla to make a creamy treat in no time!
Vanilla ice cream is a classic frozen dessert known for its rich and creamy texture and the distinct flavor of warm, aromatic vanilla. It is made from a simple base of heavy cream and whole milk combined with sugar to add sweetness. The result is a smooth and indulgent treat that can be enjoyed on its own or as a versatile accompaniment to various desserts!
Instead of buying this dessert at the grocery store, you can easily make this classic dessert using five simple ingredients you can find in any grocery store. All you’ll need is heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla, and a touch of salt. Once the ingredients are whisked together and chilled, simply pour it into your ice cream maker and use the manufacturer's instructions.
The result is a creamy and velvety ice cream with a hint of vanilla flavor and not all of the gums and preservatives you would find in store-bought ice cream. Enjoy on its own or with various desserts or mix-ins like fruit, chocolate, or crunchy nuts. No matter how you enjoy it, once you make vanilla ice cream at home, you’ll never go back!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- With just five simple ingredients, this homemade vanilla ice cream is incredibly easy to prepare, saving you time and effort while still delivering a gourmet-level dessert.
- The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize your ice cream with delightful mix-ins like brownie pieces, fresh strawberries, or raspberries, turning it into a personalized frozen delight that caters to your unique taste preferences.
- Say goodbye to store-bought versions filled with additives and embrace the pure joy of creating your own homemade vanilla ice cream, knowing exactly what goes into it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Heavy Cream - Adds richness and a velvety, smooth texture to the vanilla ice cream.
- Whole Milk - Provides a creamy base for the ice cream while balancing the richness of the heavy cream, resulting in a well-rounded consistency.
- Sugar - Sweetens the ice cream, enhancing the flavor of the vanilla extract.
- Vanilla Extract - Infuses the ice cream with its distinct and aromatic flavor, giving it the classic taste of vanilla.
- Salt - Enhances the overall flavor profile of the ice cream by balancing the sweetness and intensifying the vanilla essence.
How To Make 5 Ingredient Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Combine ingredients: Measure ingredients and pour them into a large mixing bowl. Whisk together milk, cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
Chill the ice cream base: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes to chill and allow the flavors to develop.
Add to ice cream maker: Remove the bowl from the refrigerator and pour the mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer's directions for your ice cream maker. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- When adding the sugar, whisk it thoroughly into the milk and cream mixture until completely dissolved. This step is crucial to ensure even sweetness throughout the ice cream and avoid any sugar crystals forming during the freezing process.
- Use high-quality vanilla extract to achieve a rich and authentic vanilla flavor. Pure vanilla extract is preferred over imitation vanilla for the best taste experience.
- Before pouring the mixture into your ice cream maker, give it a quick stir to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. This will prevent any separation or inconsistencies during the churning process.
- When adding mix-ins like brownie pieces or fruit, make sure they are chilled before incorporating them into the ice cream. This prevents them from becoming too soft or melting excessively during the churning phase.
- If your ice cream maker requires a pre-frozen bowl, ensure it is fully frozen before starting the process. This ensures optimal ice cream consistency and minimizes the risk of the mixture melting before it sets.
- For best results, once the ice cream is done churning in the machine, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the freezer for an additional 2-4 hours to firm up. This final freezing step allows the flavors to meld and results in the perfect scoopable texture when serving.
Vanilla Ice Cream Mix-Ins
- Chocolate chips
- Caramel
- Cookie dough
- Brownie
- Oreo
- Peanut butter
- Nutella
- M&M's
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Blueberries
- Almonds
- Pecans
- Marshmallows
- Coconut
- Sprinkles
- Cinnamon
- Espresso
- Mint
- Toffee
Storage Instructions
To store vanilla ice cream properly, transfer the freshly churned ice cream to an airtight container. Make sure the container is clean and free from any lingering odors to preserve the ice cream's flavor. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container's lid tightly. This extra layer helps prevent ice crystals from forming and maintains the ice cream's creamy texture. Vanilla ice cream can generally last in the freezer for about 2 to 4 months.
FAQ
It’s best to use whole milk and heavy cream as they have a much higher fat content which contributes to the creamy texture of the ice cream. Any less fat content and the ice cream may be too icy or watery.
It's best to use pure vanilla extract rather than vanilla essence for the most authentic and robust vanilla flavor. Vanilla essence may contain artificial flavors, and its taste could differ from the intended natural vanilla profile in this homemade ice cream.
While you can add mix-ins directly to the ice cream maker, it's better to incorporate them by folding them into the churned ice cream afterward. Adding them directly may lead to uneven distribution or the mix-ins sinking to the bottom, affecting the final presentation and taste. Folding them in gently ensures a more even distribution and a cohesive blend of flavors throughout the ice cream.
More Easy Dessert Recipes
- Orange Fluff Salad
- 7 Layer Magic Bars
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Strawberry and Blueberry Pound Cake Trifle
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Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Equipment
- 1 Ice Cream Maker
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups heavy cream
- 2½ cups whole milk
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1½ tbsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Whisk together milk, cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes.
- Remove the bowl from the refrigerator and pour the mixture into your ice cream maker.
- Add any additional mix-ins you desire. Some of my favorites are brownie pieces, fresh strawberries, and raspberries.
- Follow the manufacturer's directions for your ice cream maker.
- Serve and ENJOY!
Nutrition
*All nutrition information provided is automatically calculated and is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact numbers on your ingredients, I would recommend calculating them with your prefered nutrition calculator.
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