Amazing Ice Cream Recipes You Can Make at Home
Nothing beats homemade ice cream on a hot summer day. These ice cream recipes are simple, delicious, and perfect for making memories with family and friends. Whether you want classic vanilla or something more adventurous, we’ve got you covered.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- Easy 1 pint ice cream recipes
- Small batch ice cream recipe options
- Tips for using your 1 pint ice cream maker
- Creative flavor combinations
Easy Small Batch Homemade Ice Cream Recipe (1 Pint)
Ingredients
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ⅔ cup cane sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Combine cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium-low, whisking frequently, for 5 minutes or until sugar dissolves and mixture is warm.
- Transfer to a heatproof bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
- Take the chilled ice cream base out of the fridge and whisk thoroughly. Churn in an ice cream maker following the manufacturer’s directions, usually 20 to 30 minutes. The ice cream will remain soft after churning. For a firmer texture, place it in an airtight container and freeze for 2 to 4 hours before serving.
- Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one month. If the ice cream is too hard to scoop, let it sit at room temperature briefly to soften.
Notes
Why Make Your Own Ice Cream?
Store-bought ice cream can’t compare to homemade. When you make it yourself, you control the ingredients and flavors. Plus, it’s fun! Kids love helping with the process, and adults enjoy the delicious results.
Learn more about summer desserts in our comprehensive guide.
Essential Equipment for Ice Cream Recipes
You don’t need fancy tools to make great ice cream. Here’s what works best:
- 1 pint ice cream maker – Perfect for small batches
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
For those who want to experiment, check out our Pinterest board with more creative ideas.
Classic Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
This simple recipe works great in any 1 pint ice cream maker. It’s the perfect base for adding other flavors too.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl
- Chill for 2 hours
- Pour into your ice cream maker
- Churn according to manufacturer’s instructions
For more dessert inspiration, see our complete summer treats collection.
Small Batch Ice Cream Recipe Variations
Once you master the basic recipe, try these delicious variations perfect for 1 pint ice cream recipes:
- Chocolate Chip – Add 1/2 cup mini chips during last 5 minutes of churning
- Strawberry – Blend 1 cup fresh strawberries into the base
- Cookies and Cream – Crush 5-6 Oreos and mix in after churning
Tips for Perfect Ice Cream Every Time
Follow these simple tips for the best results with your ice cream recipes:
- Always chill your mixture before churning
- Don’t overfill your ice cream maker
- For softer ice cream, eat right after churning
- For firmer texture, freeze for 2-4 hours after churning
Looking for more kitchen tips? Visit our Pinterest page for daily inspiration.
Easy Homemade Ice Cream Recipes for Small Batches
Craving a creamy, delicious dessert without committing to a giant batch? These ice cream recipes are perfect for making just 1 pint ice cream recipes, so you can enjoy fresh, homemade treats with minimal waste. Whether you have an ice cream maker or prefer no-churn methods, these small batch ice cream recipe ideas will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Classic Vanilla Bean Ice Cream (1 Pint)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean (or 2 tsp pure vanilla extract)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape seeds into a saucepan.
- Add cream, milk, sugar, and salt. Heat until steaming (do not boil).
- Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 30 minutes.
- Chill mixture completely (4+ hours or overnight).
- Churn in ice cream maker 20-25 minutes until thick.
- Transfer to airtight container and freeze 2+ hours before serving.
No-Churn Chocolate Ice Cream (Small Batch)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
- 1 (14oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
- Whip cream to stiff peaks in a chilled bowl.
- In separate bowl, whisk condensed milk with cocoa, vanilla, and salt.
- Gently fold whipped cream into chocolate mixture until fully combined.
- Pour into loaf pan or freezer container.
- Freeze 6+ hours until firm.
Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream (1 Pint)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
Instructions:
- Macerate strawberries with sugar for 30 minutes, then mash slightly.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth, then blend in condensed milk.
- Whip cream to stiff peaks and fold into cream cheese mixture.
- Layer ice cream base with strawberries and graham crumbs in container.
- Swirl gently and freeze 6+ hours.
More Small Batch Ice Cream Recipe Ideas
Cookie Dough Ice Cream (1 Pint)
Fold chunks of edible cookie dough into your vanilla base during the last few minutes of churning for this crowd-pleasing flavor.
Mint Chocolate Chip (Small Batch)
Add 1/2 tsp peppermint extract and green food coloring (optional) to your base, then mix in mini chocolate chips after churning.
Salted Caramel Ice Cream
Swirl homemade or store-bought caramel sauce into your vanilla base, sprinkling with flaky sea salt between layers.
Coffee Toffee Crunch
Dissolve 2 tbsp instant espresso in your warm base mixture before chilling, then mix in crushed toffee pieces after churning.
Tips for Perfect Small Batch Ice Cream
- Chill everything: Cold ingredients and equipment help achieve the creamiest texture.
- Don’t overfill: Leave 1/2 inch headspace in your container for expansion.
- Storage matters: Use airtight containers to prevent ice crystals.
- Timing is key: Most small batch recipes need 4-6 hours to freeze properly.
- Easy serving: Let ice cream sit at room temperature 5-10 minutes before scooping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ice cream recipes without a machine?
Absolutely! The no-churn method (whipped cream + condensed milk) works for most flavors. For churned recipes, you can freeze the base in a shallow pan, scraping with a fork every 30 minutes until frozen.
How long does homemade ice cream last?
Small batch ice cream is best enjoyed within 1-2 weeks for optimal texture and flavor.
Can I reduce the sugar in these recipes?
Sugar affects texture as well as sweetness. We don’t recommend reducing by more than 25% without adjusting other ingredients.
Creative Mix-In Ideas for 1 Pint Batches
- Crushed Oreos or other sandwich cookies
- Chopped candy bars (Snickers, Reese’s, etc.)
- Toasted nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts)
- Fresh fruit swirls (mango, peach, raspberry)
- Browned butter bits
- Cereal pieces (Fruity Pebbles, Cinnamon Toast Crunch)
Seasonal Small Batch Ice Cream Recipes
Pumpkin Spice (Fall)
Add 1/2 cup pumpkin puree and 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice to your vanilla base.
Peppermint Stick (Winter)
Mix crushed candy canes into a peppermint-flavored base.
Lavender Honey (Spring)
Steep 1 tbsp culinary lavender in warm cream, strain, and sweeten with honey.
Grilled Peach (Summer)
Fold in chopped grilled peaches caramelized with brown sugar.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Too icy? Try adding 1 tbsp alcohol (vodka works well) or 1 tsp corn syrup to your base.
Too hard? Make sure you’re using enough fat (heavy cream) and not over-churning.
Not creamy enough? Adding 1-2 tbsp cream cheese or a beaten egg yolk can improve texture.
With these small batch ice cream recipe ideas, you can enjoy homemade frozen treats anytime without leftovers going to waste. The 1 pint ice cream recipes are perfect for trying new flavors or satisfying sudden cravings. Which of these ice cream recipes will you try first?
