Amazing Ice Cream Recipes You Need to Try Today
Nothing beats homemade ice cream recipes when you want a creamy, dreamy treat. Whether you’re looking for 1 pint ice cream recipes or small batch ice cream recipe options, we’ve got you covered. These recipes work perfectly with any 1 pint ice cream maker recipes you might want to try.
From classic vanilla to creative pumpkin caramel swirls, these ice cream recipes will transform your dessert game. Let’s dive into the sweet world of homemade ice cream!
Table of Contents
Easy 1 Pint Mason Jar Ice Cream Recipe (Small Batch)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar can sub with granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese or mascarpone you can skip this, the ice cream will be slightly less creamy
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- pinch fine sea salt
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream or heavy cream
- 2-3 tablespoons other flavoring fruit puree, nut butter, etc. If using a nut butter, can omit cream cheese or sweetened condensed milk but not both. If using nutella skip the sugar so it's not overly sweet.
- 2 tablespoons mix-ins chocolate, cookies, cake, sprinkles, nuts, etc
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except add-ins to a mason jar and beat with a hand mixer. Alternatively, combine them in a bowl and beat. Mix the base first without heavy cream to dissolve the cream cheese completely, then add the heavy cream and beat until thickened.
- Whip until the mixture is smooth, thick, and creamy with no lumps, about 5 minutes.
- Add mix-ins if desired.
- Pour into a jar, seal tightly, and freeze until completely solid—at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Notes
Classic Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Every ice cream lover needs a perfect vanilla recipe in their collection. This version works great as either a 1 pint ice cream recipe or can be doubled for larger batches.
You’ll need:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Combine all ingredients and churn according to your ice cream maker’s instructions. For more expert tips on creamy textures, check out our complete guide to homemade desserts.
Why This Recipe Works
The balance of cream to milk creates the perfect texture. The vanilla shines without being overpowering. This base recipe also works well for adding mix-ins like cookies or fruit.
Pumpkin Caramel Swirl Ice Cream
Take your ice cream recipes to the next level with this seasonal favorite. One reviewer raved: “I made pumpkin caramel and substituted it for sweetened condensed milk. Then put the ice cream between two chewy pumpkin cookies – hot damn!”
This small batch ice cream recipe makes about 1 pint:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Blend all ingredients except caramel, churn, then swirl in caramel at the end. For more pumpkin inspiration, see our fall dessert collection.
The Secret to Perfect Swirls
Add the caramel when the ice cream is almost done churning. Use a knife to gently fold it in for beautiful ribbons throughout.
Small Batch Chocolate Ice Cream
Perfect for when you just want a little treat, this 1 pint ice cream maker recipe delivers rich chocolate flavor without leftovers.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- Pinch of salt
Whisk cocoa with sugar first to prevent clumping. Then add remaining ingredients and churn. The small batch size means you can experiment with flavors more often.
Variation Ideas
Try adding mint extract for mint chocolate chip, or swirl in peanut butter. The small quantity lets you get creative without waste.
For more chocolate dessert ideas, visit our Pinterest board with hundreds of recipe inspirations.
Continue reading for more amazing ice cream recipes and professional tips…
Easy Small Batch Ice Cream Recipe: Perfect for 1 Pint
Making homemade ice cream doesn’t require a giant machine or complicated steps. With a small batch ice cream recipe, you can enjoy creamy, delicious desserts in just a pint-sized portion. Whether you’re using a 1 pint ice cream maker or the no-churn method, these recipes are simple, quick, and endlessly customizable.
Classic Vanilla Bean Ice Cream (1 Pint)
This 1 pint ice cream recipe delivers rich, creamy vanilla flavor with real vanilla bean for an extra luxurious touch.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Split the vanilla bean and scrape seeds into a saucepan.
- Add cream, milk, sugar, and salt. Heat until sugar dissolves (do not boil).
- Cool completely, then churn in a 1 pint ice cream maker.
- Freeze for 4 hours before serving.
No-Churn Chocolate Ice Cream (Small Batch)
Skip the machine with this easy small batch ice cream recipe that requires just a few ingredients.
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks
- ½ can (7 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Whisk condensed milk, cocoa, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold in whipped cream gently.
- Pour into a container and freeze for 6+ hours.
Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream (1 Pint)
A fruity, tangy twist on classic ice cream—perfect for a 1 pint ice cream maker.
- ¾ cup pureed fresh strawberries
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup crushed graham crackers
Instructions:
- Blend strawberries, cream cheese, cream, and sugar until smooth.
- Churn in an ice cream maker, then fold in graham crackers.
- Freeze until firm.
Cookie Dough Chunk Ice Cream (Small Batch)
Egg-free cookie dough makes this small batch ice cream recipe safe and irresistible.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla
- ½ cup edible cookie dough (chopped)
Instructions:
- Whisk cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla until sugar dissolves.
- Churn in a 1 pint ice cream maker, then mix in cookie dough.
- Freeze for 4+ hours.
Mint Chocolate Chip (1 Pint)
Cool, refreshing, and loaded with chocolate—this 1 pint ice cream recipe is a crowd-pleaser.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- Green food coloring (optional)
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Mix cream, milk, sugar, and peppermint extract until sugar dissolves.
- Add food coloring if desired.
- Churn, then fold in chocolate chips before freezing.
Dairy-Free Coconut Ice Cream (Small Batch)
A creamy, vegan-friendly small batch ice cream recipe with tropical flair.
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Churn in a 1 pint ice cream maker or freeze in a container, stirring every 30 minutes.
Tips for Perfect Small Batch Ice Cream
- Chill your base: Always refrigerate the mixture before churning for smoother texture.
- Don’t overfill: Leave room for expansion in your 1 pint ice cream maker.
- Add-ins last: Mix chunks, swirls, or chips after churning.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container with parchment pressed on top to prevent ice crystals.
More 1 Pint Ice Cream Maker Recipes to Try
- Salted Caramel: Swirl homemade caramel into a vanilla base.
- Peanut Butter Cup: Fold chopped peanut butter cups into chocolate ice cream.
- Lemon Blueberry: Mix lemon zest and blueberry compote into a creamy base.
- Espresso Chip: Add instant espresso powder and dark chocolate shavings.
With these ice cream recipes, you can enjoy fresh, small-batch desserts anytime—no leftovers, no waste, just perfect portions of creamy goodness!
