Amazing Ice Cream Recipes You Need to Try Today

Nothing beats homemade ice cream on a hot summer day. Whether you’re looking for classic vanilla or creative small batch ice cream recipes, we’ve got you covered. These easy-to-make treats will satisfy any sweet tooth while keeping things simple.

Learn more about dessert recipes in our comprehensive guide.

Table of Contents

1. Classic Vanilla Ice Cream
2. Small Batch Ice Cream Recipe
3. 1 Pint Ice Cream Maker Recipes
4. Pro Tips for Perfect Ice Cream

Easy Small-Batch Homemade Ice Cream Recipe (1 Pint)

Creamy homemade vanilla ice cream with just cream, sugar, and vanilla—perfect for small batches! Try this easy 1-pint ice cream recipe today.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American, U.S.

Servings 1

Calories 142 kcal

Instructions

 

• Collect all ingredients.
• Mix half-and-half, sugar, cream, vanilla, and salt in the ice cream maker's freezer container.
• Freeze as directed by the manufacturer for approximately 20 minutes.
• Place in an airtight container and freeze until solid, approximately 4 hours.
• Dig in!

Nutrition

Calories: 142kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 28mgSugar: 10g

Keyword 1 pint ice cream recipes, ice cream recipes​, small batch ice cream recipe

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Classic Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

This timeless recipe creates rich, creamy ice cream with just a few ingredients. Perfect for beginners and experts alike.

Ingredients

• 2 quarts half-and-half
• 1 ½ cups white sugar
• ½ pint heavy cream
• 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl
2. Whisk until sugar dissolves completely
3. Pour into ice cream maker
4. Churn according to manufacturer’s instructions
5. Transfer to airtight container
6. Freeze for 4 hours before serving

For more dessert inspiration, check out our complete collection.

Small Batch Ice Cream Recipe

Perfect for when you don’t need a full gallon. This small batch ice cream recipe makes just enough for 2-4 servings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Whisk all ingredients together
2. Chill mixture for 1 hour
3. Pour into 1 pint ice cream maker
4. Churn until thickened
5. Freeze for 2 hours before serving

Find more ice cream inspiration on our Pinterest board.

1 Pint Ice Cream Maker Recipes

These 1 pint ice cream recipes are perfect for small machines. They make just enough for a family dessert without leftovers.

Chocolate Variation

• Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to base recipe
• Increase sugar by 2 tablespoons
• Follow standard churning instructions

Strawberry Swirl

• Puree 1 cup fresh strawberries
• Swirl into vanilla base after churning
• Freeze as usual

Looking for more 1 pint ice cream maker recipes? Try these creative variations:

• Mint chocolate chip
• Cookies and cream
• Peanut butter cup

Pro Tips for Perfect Ice Cream

Follow these expert tips for the best results with your ice cream recipes:

1. Chill your mixture overnight for smoother texture
2. Use full-fat dairy for creamier results
3. Add mix-ins during last 5 minutes of churning
4. Store in shallow containers to freeze faster
5. Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping

For more kitchen tips and recipe ideas, visit our main guide.

Conclusion

Making homemade ice cream is easier than you think. Whether you prefer classic vanilla or creative small batch ice cream recipes, these methods will help you create delicious frozen treats. Try one today and taste the difference!

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Easy Ice Cream Recipes for Small Batches

Craving homemade ice cream but don’t want a giant batch? These 1 pint ice cream recipes are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without leftovers taking up freezer space. Whether you prefer classic flavors or unique twists, these small batch ice cream recipes deliver rich, creamy results every time.

Classic Vanilla Bean Ice Cream (1 Pint)

Nothing beats the simplicity of homemade vanilla ice cream. This small batch ice cream recipe highlights pure vanilla flavor with just a few ingredients.

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 vanilla bean (or 2 tsp pure vanilla extract)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape seeds into a saucepan.
2. Add cream, milk, sugar, and salt. Heat on medium until steaming (do not boil).
3. Remove from heat, cover, and steep for 30 minutes.
4. Strain mixture, then chill for 4+ hours.
5. Churn in an ice cream maker until thick (about 20 minutes).
6. Transfer to a container and freeze for 2 hours before serving.

Decadent Chocolate Fudge Ice Cream

This rich, velvety chocolate ice cream is a chocoholic’s dream. The 1 pint ice cream recipe ensures intense flavor without excess.

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup whole milk
• ⅓ cup cocoa powder
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 oz chopped dark chocolate
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Whisk cocoa powder with sugar in a saucepan.
2. Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth.
3. Heat on medium until steaming, then add chopped chocolate.
4. Stir until melted, then remove from heat and add vanilla.
5. Chill mixture overnight, then churn and freeze.

Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

A fruity, creamy twist on classic strawberry ice cream. This small batch ice cream recipe incorporates real fruit and a tangy cream cheese swirl.

• 1 cup diced strawberries
• 2 tbsp sugar
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Macerate strawberries with sugar for 30 minutes, then blend until smooth.
2. Whisk cream cheese with milk until smooth, then add cream and vanilla.
3. Combine with strawberry puree, chill, then churn.
4. Layer with graham cracker crumbs before freezing.

No-Churn Coffee Ice Cream

Don’t have an ice cream maker? This 1 pint ice cream recipe requires zero churning for a smooth, caffeinated treat.

• 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tbsp instant espresso powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Dissolve espresso powder in 1 tbsp hot water, then cool.
2. Whip cream to stiff peaks, then fold in condensed milk and coffee mixture.
3. Freeze in a loaf pan for 6+ hours.

Mint Chocolate Chip (Small Batch)

Cool, refreshing mint with dark chocolate chunks. This small batch ice cream recipe skips artificial flavors for real peppermint extract.

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup whole milk
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• Green food coloring (optional)
• ½ cup chopped dark chocolate

Instructions:

1. Heat milk, cream, and sugar until sugar dissolves.
2. Stir in peppermint extract and coloring, then chill.
3. Churn, then fold in chocolate before freezing.

Tips for Perfect Small Batch Ice Cream

• Chill everything: Cold bases churn faster and yield creamier results.
• Don’t overfill: Most ice cream makers work best at ¾ capacity.
• Pre-freeze containers: Store your 1 pint ice cream recipes in chilled containers to minimize crystallization.
• Add mix-ins last: Stir in chunks, swirls, or cookies during the last 2 minutes of churning.

More 1 Pint Flavor Variations

Customize these small batch ice cream recipes with these easy twists:

• Cookies & Cream: Fold in ½ cup crushed Oreos after churning.
• Salted Caramel: Swirl in ¼ cup homemade caramel sauce.
• Peanut Butter Cup: Add chopped peanut butter cups during the last churn.
• Lemon Blueberry: Swirl in blueberry compote before freezing.

Why Make Small Batch Ice Cream?

These 1 pint ice cream recipes offer several advantages:

• Faster freezing time
• Easier to experiment with flavors
• Less waste
• Perfect for single servings or small households

Ready to try more? Bookmark this page for your next small batch ice cream recipe craving!