Amazing Ice Cream Recipes: Easy Homemade Vanilla Delight
Nothing beats homemade ice cream on a hot day. Our simple vanilla ice cream recipe skips the cooking and delivers rich, creamy perfection. Whether you’re making small batch ice cream or using your 1 pint ice cream maker, this recipe never fails.
Easy Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe (1 Pint)
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 pods Vanilla Beans or 1 tblsp vanilla paste
Instructions
- Heat heavy cream in a small pot until steaming, but do not boil. Split vanilla beans, scrape the seeds into the cream, and add the pods. Let the mixture steep for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool. Skip this step if using vanilla paste.
- Separate the eggs, placing the yolks in a bowl. Beat the yolks until light and fluffy—about 2 minutes using a hand mixer.
- Add ¾ cup powdered sugar gradually, mixing in ¼ cup increments until fully incorporated.
- Remove the vanilla beans from the cooled heavy cream. Stir in the cream and 1 cup of whole milk. If using vanilla paste, incorporate it now.
- Pour the ice cream mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's directions. Add any mix-ins at this stage.
- Double the ice cream volume, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 6 hours.
Nutrition
Why This Ice Cream Recipe Works
This no-cook method saves time while creating ultra-creamy results. The recipe scales perfectly whether you’re making 1 pint ice cream recipes or larger batches. You’ll love how simple ingredients transform into restaurant-quality dessert.
Key Benefits:
- No cooking required – just mix and churn
- Works in any ice cream maker
- Perfect base for endless flavor variations
- Small batch ice cream recipe means fresh treats anytime
Essential Equipment for Ice Cream Recipes
While you can make ice cream without special tools, a 1 pint ice cream maker simplifies the process. We recommend:
For more kitchen essentials, check out our complete guide to dessert making tools.
Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe Variations
The basic recipe adapts to countless flavors. Try these popular twists:
- Chocolate chip – fold in chopped chocolate after churning
- Fruit swirl – layer with fresh berry puree
- Cookie dough – add chunks of edible cookie dough
Discover more creative dessert ideas in our recipe collection.
Pro Tips for Perfect Ice Cream
Follow these expert suggestions for best results:
- Chill your ice cream bowl thoroughly
- Use very cold ingredients
- Don’t overfill your machine
- Freeze for at least 6 hours after churning
For more professional baking techniques, explore our baking fundamentals guide.
Nutritional Information
While delicious, ice cream should be enjoyed in moderation. Our recipe contains:
- 158 calories per serving
- 11g carbohydrates
- 2g protein
- 12g fat
Share Your Creations
We’d love to see your ice cream recipes! Share photos on Pinterest and tag us.
Ready to make more delicious desserts? Try our other favorite sweet treats.
Delicious Small Batch Ice Cream Recipes for Every Craving
Making homemade ice cream doesn’t require a giant machine or endless ingredients. With these 1 pint ice cream recipes, you can enjoy creamy, dreamy desserts in perfect portions. Whether you’re craving classic vanilla or adventurous flavors, these small batch ice cream recipes are easy to whip up and customize.
1. Classic Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Nothing beats the timeless taste of vanilla. This small batch ice cream recipe uses real vanilla beans for an ultra-rich flavor.
- 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: Split the vanilla bean and scrape seeds into a saucepan. Add cream, milk, sugar, and salt. Heat until steaming (do not boil). Chill mixture, then churn in an ice cream maker until thick. Freeze for 4 hours before serving.
2. Chocolate Fudge Swirl
This decadent ice cream recipe combines velvety chocolate with ribbons of fudge.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup chocolate fudge sauce
Instructions: Whisk cocoa powder into warmed milk until smooth. Mix with cream and sugar, then chill. Churn, then layer with fudge sauce before freezing.
3. Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
A fruity, creamy delight—this 1 pint ice cream recipe tastes like dessert in a bowl.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup mashed strawberries
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ½ cup graham cracker crumbs
Instructions: Blend cream cheese with strawberries and sugar. Fold in whipped cream, then churn. Mix in graham crumbs before freezing.
4. Mint Chocolate Chip
Cool, refreshing, and loaded with chocolate—this small batch ice cream recipe is a crowd-pleaser.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions: Combine all ingredients (except chips) and chill. Churn, then fold in chocolate chips before freezing.
5. Salted Caramel Pretzel
Sweet, salty, and crunchy—this ice cream recipe balances flavors perfectly.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- ½ cup crushed pretzels
- ½ tsp sea salt
Instructions: Warm milk with caramel and salt. Cool, mix with cream, then churn. Fold in pretzels before freezing.
6. Coconut Matcha
A dairy-free 1 pint ice cream recipe with earthy matcha and tropical coconut.
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 2 tbsp matcha powder
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions: Whisk matcha into warmed coconut milk until smooth. Sweeten, chill, then churn until creamy.
7. Cookies & Cream
A classic small batch ice cream recipe loaded with cookie chunks.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 6 crushed Oreo cookies
Instructions: Mix cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla. Chill, churn, then stir in cookies before freezing.
8. Espresso Chip
For coffee lovers—this ice cream recipe packs a caffeinated punch.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp instant espresso
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup dark chocolate chunks
Instructions: Dissolve espresso in warmed milk. Mix with cream and sugar, chill, then churn. Fold in chocolate before freezing.
9. Lemon Blueberry
A bright, fruity 1 pint ice cream recipe perfect for summer.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup blueberry puree
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ⅓ cup sugar
Instructions: Mix all ingredients, chill, then churn until thick and creamy.
10. Peanut Butter Banana
Creamy peanut butter meets ripe bananas in this small batch ice cream recipe.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup honey
Instructions: Blend banana with peanut butter and honey. Fold into whipped cream, then freeze.
Tips for Perfect Small Batch Ice Cream
- Chill your base: Always refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours before churning.
- Don’t overfill: Leave room for expansion in your ice cream maker.
- Add-ins last: Mix in chunks, swirls, or cookies after churning.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container with parchment pressed on top to prevent ice crystals.
With these ice cream recipes, you can enjoy gourmet flavors without leftovers. Whether you prefer classic combos or bold twists, these 1 pint ice cream recipes make dessert simple and satisfying.
