Amazing Ice Cream Recipe Ice Cream – The Best Homemade Treat
Nothing beats homemade ice cream on a hot summer day. This ice cream recipe ice cream is rich, creamy, and packed with vanilla flavor. With just 5 simple ingredients, you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought.
Learn more about delicious summer desserts in our comprehensive guide.
Table of Contents
Easy Homemade Ice Cream Recipe – Creamy & Delicious
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 the sugar dissolves and the 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 one month. If the ice cream is too hard to scoop, let it sit at room temperature briefly to soften.
Notes
Why This Ice Cream Recipe Ice Cream Beats Store-Bought
Store-bought plain ice cream can’t compare to homemade. You control the ingredients, the sweetness, and the texture. This recipe creates the perfect balance of creaminess and flavor.
For more easy dessert recipes, check out our full collection.
Simple Ingredients for Perfect Plain Flavored Ice Cream
You only need 5 basic ingredients:
- Heavy cream – creates rich texture
- Whole milk – adds creaminess
- Cane sugar – perfect sweetness
- Vanilla extract – warm flavor
- Sea salt – enhances all flavors
Why These Ingredients Work
The combination of heavy cream and whole milk gives this plain flavored ice cream its luxurious texture. Vanilla adds depth without overpowering.
Essential Equipment for Your Ice Cream Recipe
You’ll need just a few tools:
- Ice cream maker (either stand mixer attachment or standalone)
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Airtight storage container
Find more kitchen inspiration on our Pinterest board.
Step-by-Step Ice Cream Recipe Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time.
Preparing the Ice Cream Base
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Warm gently until sugar dissolves completely. This creates the perfect base for your plain ice cream.
Chilling the Mixture
Transfer to a bowl and chill for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial for proper texture.
Churning Your Ice Cream
Pour into your ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions. The mixture will thicken beautifully.
Creative Variations on Plain Flavored Ice Cream
While delicious plain, you can easily customize this base recipe.
Mix-In Ideas
After churning, try adding:
- Chocolate chips
- Crushed cookies
- Fresh fruit
- Caramel swirls
Flavor Twists
For different plain flavored ice cream options:
- Add mint extract
- Mix in coffee concentrate
- Blend with peanut butter
Discover more things to make with ice cream in our dessert guide.
Perfect Ways to Serve Your Homemade Ice Cream
This ice cream recipe ice cream shines in many presentations.
Classic Serving Ideas
Try these simple options:
- In a waffle cone
- Topped with fresh berries
- With warm chocolate sauce
Creative Desserts
Use your plain ice cream in:
- Ice cream sandwiches
- Root beer floats
- Banana splits
For more dessert presentation ideas, visit our Pinterest.
The Ultimate Homemade Ice Cream Recipe: Plain Ice Cream Perfection
Nothing beats the creamy simplicity of a classic plain ice cream. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned dessert maker, this easy-to-follow recipe guarantees smooth, rich results every time. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together milk and sugar until fully dissolved
- Add heavy cream, vanilla, and salt – stir gently to combine
- Pour mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions
- Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving
This ice cream recipe ice cream base serves as the perfect blank canvas for countless flavor variations. The high fat content from the heavy cream ensures your dessert stays scoopable straight from the freezer.
Creative Things to Make With Ice Cream
Move beyond the bowl with these innovative ways to enjoy your homemade plain ice cream:
1. Ice Cream Sandwiches
Press softened ice cream between two cookies (try chocolate chip or oatmeal) and freeze for 30 minutes. For a gourmet twist, roll the edges in mini chocolate chips or crushed nuts.
2. Affogato
This elegant Italian dessert simply requires pouring a shot of hot espresso over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of temperatures and flavors creates magic in your spoon.
3. Ice Cream Bread
Yes, you can bake with ice cream! Mix 2 cups of melted ice cream with 1.5 cups self-rising flour, pour into a loaf pan, and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. The result? A surprisingly delicious quick bread.
4. Ice Cream Pancakes
Replace the milk in your pancake batter with melted ice cream for extra fluffy, sweet morning treats. Top with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup.
5. Ice Cream Tacos
Warm flour tortillas, shape them over a wooden spoon handle to form taco shells, then fill with ice cream and your favorite toppings like caramel sauce and chopped peanuts.
Advanced Ice Cream Recipe Ice Cream Techniques
Elevate your plain ice cream game with these professional tips:
1. The Perfect Consistency
For ultra-creamy texture, add 1 tablespoon of vodka or 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum to your base before churning. The alcohol prevents ice crystals without adding flavor.
2. Flavor Infusions
Steep spices, herbs, or citrus zest in your warm dairy mixture for 30 minutes before straining. Try cinnamon sticks, lavender buds, or cardamom pods for sophisticated twists.
3. Swirling Like a Pro
When adding mix-ins like fudge or fruit swirls, layer them with the churned ice cream in your storage container rather than mixing directly into the machine.
4. The Sugar Balance
Replace 1/4 of your granulated sugar with corn syrup or honey for improved texture and reduced iciness. This small change makes a noticeable difference in quality.
Unexpected Things to Make With Ice Cream
These unconventional ideas will transform how you think about your ice cream recipe ice cream creations:
1. Ice Cream Pizza
Press cookie dough into a pizza pan, bake until golden, then top with softened ice cream “sauce” and arrange fruit “toppings.” Freeze before slicing.
2. Ice Cream Martini
Blend 2 scoops vanilla ice cream with 1 oz vanilla vodka and 1 oz Kahlúa for a decadent adult milkshake. Garnish with chocolate shavings.
3. Ice Cream Sushi
Spread ice cream over a sheet of pound cake, roll up tightly, then slice into rounds. Drizzle with chocolate “soy sauce” and sprinkle with coconut “rice.”
4. Ice Cream Quesadilla
Spread ice cream between two flour tortillas with sliced bananas and chocolate chips. Grill briefly until slightly melted, then cut into wedges.
5. Ice Cream Nachos
Create “chips” from waffle cone pieces, top with scoops of different flavored ice creams, then drizzle with caramel and chocolate sauces.
Storing Your Plain Ice Cream Masterpiece
Proper storage ensures your ice cream recipe ice cream stays fresh and delicious:
- Always use airtight containers to prevent freezer burn
- Press parchment paper directly onto the surface before sealing
- Store in the back of the freezer where temperature fluctuates least
- For long-term storage (up to 2 months), double-wrap containers in plastic
- Let ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-7 minutes before scooping
Ice Cream Science: Why Recipes Work
Understanding the chemistry behind your plain ice cream helps troubleshoot common issues:
| Ingredient | Function |
|---|---|
| Heavy Cream | Provides fat for richness and smooth texture |
| Milk | Adds protein for structure and water for freezing |
| Sugar | Sweetens and lowers freezing point for scoopability |
| Vanilla | Adds flavor and subtle floral notes |
| Salt | Enhances all other flavors in the mixture |
Seasonal Things to Make With Ice Cream
Celebrate year-round with these themed ice cream recipe ice cream creations:
Spring:
Pastel-colored ice cream sandwiches with sugar cookies and edible flowers
Summer:
Ice cream-stuffed watermelon slices with lime zest
Fall:
Pumpkin pie ice cream between gingersnap cookies
Winter:
Peppermint ice cream rolled in crushed candy canes
Troubleshooting Common Ice Cream Problems
Even the best plain ice cream recipes can sometimes go wrong. Here’s how to fix common issues:
- Too icy: Increase fat content or add stabilizers like cornstarch
- Too hard: Add more sugar or alcohol to lower freezing point
- Butter texture: Churn less time – overchurning causes fat separation
- Not sweet enough: Add honey or maple syrup which taste sweeter than sugar
- Crystal formation: Store in shallower containers and avoid temperature swings
Global Ice Cream Recipe Ice Cream Inspirations
Take your plain ice cream around the world with these international variations:
1. Italian Gelato
Use more milk than cream and churn slower for denser texture
2. Indian Kulfi
Reduce milk by simmering until thick and add cardamom and pistachios
3. Japanese Mochi Ice Cream
Wrap scoops in sweet rice dough for chewy texture contrast
4. Mexican Paletas
Add fresh fruit purees and freeze on sticks for refreshing popsicles
5. Turkish Dondurma
Incorporate salep (orchid root flour) for unique stretchy texture
Final Thoughts on Ice Cream Creativity
From the simplest plain ice cream to the most elaborate things to make with ice cream, the possibilities are truly endless. Remember that every great creation starts with mastering the basic ice cream recipe ice cream technique. Once you have that foundation, your imagination (and sweet tooth) become the only limits.
Keep experimenting with flavors, textures, and presentations. Some of the most beloved ice cream innovations came from happy accidents in home kitchens. Who knows – your next ice cream creation might just become the next big dessert trend!
