Amazing Ice Cream Recipes You Need to Try Today

Ice cream recipes are the perfect way to enjoy a sweet treat any time of year. Whether you’re looking for 1 pint ice cream recipes or small batch ice cream recipe ideas, we’ve got you covered. These recipes work great with any 1 pint ice cream maker, making it easy to whip up delicious frozen desserts at home.

Looking for more dessert inspiration? Check out our complete guide to homemade desserts for more sweet ideas.

Table of Contents

1. Classic Vanilla Ice Cream
2. Rich Chocolate Ice Cream
3. Refreshing Fruit Flavors
4. Creative Flavor Combinations
5. No Ice Cream Maker Needed

1 Pint Mason Jar Ice Cream Recipe (Small Batch)

Endlessly customizable 1-pint jar ice cream recipe—perfect for one (or two)! Simple base, infinite flavors. No special equipment needed. #SmallBatchIceCreamRecipe

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Servings 1

Ingredients

  

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• 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 fully, then add the heavy cream and mix 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

For a dairy free version, omit the cream cheese and use coconut cream in place of the heavy whipping cream and coconut condensed milk in place of the condensed milk. Use freezer-safe jars and leave 1" room from the top of the ice cream for it to expand. 

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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Classic Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Every collection of ice cream recipes needs a perfect vanilla base. This small batch ice cream recipe makes just enough for two people or one very indulgent evening.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Whisk all ingredients together until sugar dissolves
2. Chill mixture for at least 2 hours
3. Pour into your 1 pint ice cream maker
4. Churn according to manufacturer’s instructions
5. Freeze for 4 hours before serving

For more dessert basics, visit our essential baking techniques page.

Vanilla Variations

Once you master this basic 1 pint ice cream recipe, try these twists:

• Add 1/4 cup crushed cookies
• Swirl in 2 tbsp caramel sauce
• Mix in 1/2 cup fresh berries

Rich Chocolate Ice Cream

No list of ice cream recipes would be complete without chocolate. This decadent version uses cocoa powder for intense flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Whisk cocoa powder with sugar
2. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly
3. Stir in cream and vanilla
4. Chill, then churn in your 1 pint ice cream maker
5. Freeze until firm

Find more chocolate inspiration on our Pinterest board.

Chocolate Mix-Ins

Take your chocolate ice cream recipes to the next level:

• Add 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• Swirl in peanut butter
• Mix in chopped mint leaves

Refreshing Fruit Flavors

Fruit-based ice cream recipes are perfect for summer. This strawberry version works great in small batch quantities.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Directions:

1. Puree strawberries with sugar and lemon juice
2. Strain to remove seeds if desired
3. Mix with cream and milk
4. Chill, then churn in your 1 pint ice cream maker
5. Freeze until set

Other Fruit Variations

Try these small batch ice cream recipe ideas with different fruits:

• Mango – use 1 cup pureed mango
• Peach – add 1 tsp cinnamon
• Blueberry – swirl in lemon curd

Continue reading for more amazing ice cream recipes and creative flavor combinations in part two of this guide.

Easy 1 Pint Ice Cream Recipes for Small Batches

Making homemade ice cream doesn’t require a giant machine or complicated steps. With these 1 pint ice cream recipes, you can enjoy small-batch perfection without leftovers. Whether you’re using a 1 pint ice cream maker or a no-churn method, these recipes are simple, delicious, and perfect for satisfying cravings.

1. Classic Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

This small batch ice cream recipe highlights pure vanilla flavor.

• 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). Chill mixture, then churn in a 1 pint ice cream maker until thick. Freeze for 2 hours before serving.

2. Rich Chocolate Ice Cream

A decadent 1 pint ice cream recipe for chocolate lovers.

• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions: Whisk cocoa powder with sugar. Heat milk and cream until warm, then whisk in cocoa mixture until smooth. Chill, then churn in your small batch ice cream maker.

3. No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream

No machine? No problem! This small batch ice cream recipe uses whipped cream.

• 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup mashed strawberries
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions: Fold whipped cream into condensed milk. Stir in strawberries and lemon juice. Freeze in a container for 6 hours.

4. Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

A refreshing 1 pint ice cream maker recipe with a hint of mint.

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions: Mix cream, milk, sugar, and peppermint extract. Chill, then churn. Fold in chocolate chips before freezing.

5. Salted Caramel Ice Cream

A sweet-and-salty small batch ice cream recipe.

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup caramel sauce
• ½ tsp sea salt

Instructions: Whisk all ingredients, chill, then churn in your 1 pint ice cream maker.

6. Coffee Ice Cream

A bold 1 pint ice cream recipe for caffeine fans.

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• 2 tbsp instant coffee
• ¼ cup sugar

Instructions: Dissolve coffee in warm milk. Mix with cream and sugar, chill, then churn.

7. Coconut Ice Cream (Dairy-Free)

A creamy small batch ice cream recipe without dairy.

• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions: Blend ingredients, chill, then churn or freeze.

8. Cookies & Cream Ice Cream

A kid-friendly 1 pint ice cream maker recipe.

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup sugar
• 4 crushed Oreo cookies

Instructions: Mix cream, milk, and sugar. Churn, then fold in cookies before freezing.

9. Peanut Butter Ice Cream

A nutty small batch ice cream recipe.

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup peanut butter
• ¼ cup sugar

Instructions: Whisk peanut butter into warm milk. Add cream and sugar, chill, then churn.

10. Honey Lavender Ice Cream

A floral 1 pint ice cream recipe.

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tsp dried lavender

Instructions: Steep lavender in warm milk for 10 minutes. Strain, mix with cream and honey, chill, then churn.

Tips for Perfect Small Batch Ice Cream

• Chill ingredients before churning for faster freezing.
• Pre-freeze your 1 pint ice cream maker bowl for 24 hours.
• Add mix-ins (chips, fruit, cookies) after churning.
• Store in airtight containers to prevent ice crystals.

Why Make 1 Pint Ice Cream Recipes?

Small batches mean:

• No waste—perfect for single servings.
• Quick experimentation with flavors.
• Faster freezing and less storage hassle.

With these 1 pint ice cream recipes, you can enjoy homemade ice cream anytime without commitment. Try a new small batch ice cream recipe today!