Amazing Ice Cream Recipes You Need to Try
Nothing beats homemade ice cream on a hot day. Whether you’re looking for classic vanilla or creative small batch ideas, these ice cream recipes will satisfy your sweet tooth. Perfect for 1 pint ice cream makers or traditional machines.
In this guide, you’ll discover:
- The creamiest homemade vanilla ice cream recipe
- Small batch ice cream recipes perfect for 1 pint makers
- Tips for making restaurant-quality ice cream at home
- Creative flavor variations to try
Table of Contents
Creamy Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup 2% milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 5 egg yolks
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
How to make Ice Cream Custard
- Combine cream, milk, ¼ cup sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium-low until steaming. Whisk egg yolks, then gradually mix in the remaining ¼ cup sugar. Once the cream mixture is hot, slowly pour a small amount into the egg yolks while whisking continuously. Add at least half of the hot cream mixture to the eggs. Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat, transfer to a bowl, cover, and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight. Before churning, remove the cover and stir in vanilla.
Churning the Ice Cream
- Add chilled custard to an ice cream maker and freeze following the manufacturer's instructions. Yields 1 quart.
Nutrition
Classic Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
This rich, creamy vanilla ice cream recipe is the perfect base for all your frozen creations. The custard-style base ensures ultra-smooth texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 5 egg yolks
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Combine cream, milk, 1/4 cup sugar, and salt in saucepan. Heat until steaming.
- Whisk egg yolks with remaining sugar until pale.
- Temper eggs with hot cream mixture, then return to pan.
- Cook until thickened (160°F). Strain and chill overnight.
- Churn in ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s directions.
For more dessert inspiration, check out our complete guide to homemade desserts.
Small Batch Ice Cream Recipes
Perfect for when you want just enough ice cream without leftovers. These recipes work great in 1 pint ice cream makers.
Chocolate Hazelnut
Rich chocolate base swirled with homemade hazelnut paste.
Strawberry Basil
Fresh strawberries paired with aromatic basil for a refreshing treat.
Salted Caramel
Buttery caramel with just the right amount of sea salt.
Discover more small batch dessert ideas in our comprehensive guide.
1 Pint Ice Cream Maker Recipes
These recipes are specially designed for small 1 pint ice cream makers.
Cookies and Cream
Classic flavor with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies.
Mint Chocolate Chip
Refreshing mint with dark chocolate chunks.
Coffee Toffee
Bold coffee flavor with crunchy toffee bits.
Creative Flavor Variations
Take your basic vanilla recipe to new heights with these ideas.
Lavender Honey
Add 1 tbsp culinary lavender and 1/4 cup honey to the base.
Brown Butter Pecan
Brown the butter before making the base, add toasted pecans.
Matcha Green Tea
Whisk in 2 tbsp matcha powder with the sugar.
For more creative dessert ideas, visit our Pinterest board.
Pro Tips for Perfect Ice Cream
Chilling is Crucial
Always chill your base thoroughly – overnight is best.
Don’t Overfill
Leave room in your ice cream maker for expansion.
Storage Solutions
Use airtight containers and press parchment directly on the surface.
Texture Tricks
A splash of vodka or tablespoon of corn syrup prevents iciness.
Ready to Make Amazing Ice Cream?
Now that you have these ice cream recipes and techniques, it’s time to get churning! Start with the classic vanilla, then experiment with small batch variations.
Which flavor will you try first? Share your creations with us on Pinterest!
For more dessert inspiration, don’t miss our complete dessert guide.
Easy Homemade Ice Cream Recipes for Small Batches
Making ice cream at home doesn’t require a huge commitment. With these small batch ice cream recipes, you can enjoy fresh, creamy desserts without leftovers taking up freezer space. Whether you’re using an ice cream maker or going no-churn, these 1 pint ice cream recipes are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Classic Vanilla Bean Ice Cream (1 Pint)
This simple yet rich vanilla ice cream is a staple for any dessert lover.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
- Pinch of salt
- 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 for at least 4 hours, then churn in an ice cream maker.
- Freeze for 4 hours before serving.
No-Churn Chocolate Ice Cream (Small Batch)
No machine? No problem! This easy no-churn chocolate ice cream is decadent and foolproof.
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Whisk condensed milk, cocoa, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold in whipped cream gently.
- Pour into a loaf pan and freeze for 6+ hours.
Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream (1 Pint)
A fruity, creamy delight with a graham cracker swirl.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup strawberry puree
- ⅓ cup crushed graham crackers
- Blend cream cheese with milk until smooth.
- Whip cream to soft peaks, then fold into cream cheese mixture.
- Layer with strawberry puree and graham crackers in a container.
- Freeze for 6 hours.
Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream (Small Batch)
A refreshing, earthy treat for matcha lovers.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp matcha powder
- ½ cup sugar
- Whisk matcha with sugar to remove lumps.
- Heat milk and cream, then whisk in matcha mixture.
- Chill, churn, and freeze for 4 hours.
Cookies & Cream (1 Pint)
A crowd-pleasing favorite with crushed Oreos.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 6 Oreos, crushed
- Mix cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla. Chill.
- Churn in an ice cream maker, then fold in Oreos.
- Freeze until firm.
Vegan Coconut Ice Cream (Small Batch)
A dairy-free option that’s rich and creamy.
- 1 (14 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Churn in an ice cream maker or freeze in a loaf pan, stirring every hour.
Peanut Butter Swirl Ice Cream (1 Pint)
A nutty, sweet indulgence.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup peanut butter (melted)
- Heat milk, cream, and sugar until dissolved. Chill.
- Churn, then swirl in melted peanut butter before freezing.
Tips for Perfect Small Batch Ice Cream
- Chill your base – Always refrigerate the mixture before churning.
- Don’t overfill – Leave room for expansion in the container.
- Add-ins last – Fold in chunks, swirls, or cookies after churning.
With these ice cream recipes, you can enjoy homemade frozen treats in just the right amount. Whether you prefer classic flavors or creative twists, these 1 pint ice cream recipes ensure you’ll never waste a scoop!
