Amazing Ice Cream Recipes You Can Make at Home
Nothing beats homemade ice cream on a hot summer day. These ice cream recipes are so simple, you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought. With just 5 ingredient ice cream basics, you can create rich, creamy desserts that will impress everyone.
Learn more about easy dessert recipes in our comprehensive guide.
What You’ll Learn
5-Ingredient Homemade Ice Cream Recipe
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 it in an ice cream maker following the manufacturer’s directions, usually 20 to 30 minutes. The ice cream will remain soft after churning. To firm it up, transfer to a sealed container and freeze for 2 to 4 hours before serving.
- Store in a sealed container in the freezer for one month. If the ice cream is too hard to scoop, leave it out for a few minutes to soften.
Notes
Essential Ice Cream Ingredients
The main ingredient in ice cream is always dairy. For the creamiest texture, you’ll need:
- Heavy cream – Creates the rich base
- Whole milk – Adds creaminess without iciness
- Sweetener – Typically sugar or honey
- Flavoring – Vanilla is classic
- Salt – Enhances all flavors
These basic ice cream ingredients transform into something magical when churned. The fat from the dairy creates that signature creamy mouthfeel we all love.
5 Ingredient Ice Cream Recipe
This simple formula makes about 1 quart of perfect vanilla ice cream:
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ⅔ cup cane sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅛ tsp sea salt
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk until the sugar dissolves completely – about 5 minutes. Chill the mixture thoroughly (at least 2 hours) before churning in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s directions.
For more easy dessert ideas, check out our full collection.
Why This Recipe Works
The perfect balance of cream to milk creates ideal texture. Whole milk’s higher fat content prevents iciness. The sugar not only sweetens but helps keep the ice cream scoopable when frozen.
Creative Flavor Variations
Once you master the basic ice cream recipe, try these easy variations:
- Chocolate – Add ½ cup cocoa powder
- Strawberry – Blend in 1 cup pureed berries
- Cookie Dough – Mix in chunks of edible dough
- Coffee – Steep 2 tbsp grounds in warm base
The possibilities are endless when you start with good ice cream ingredients. Share your creations on Pinterest!
Perfect Serving Tips
For the best homemade ice cream experience:
- Let ice cream sit at room temperature 5 minutes before scooping
- Run your scoop under hot water between servings
- Serve in chilled bowls to prevent melting
- Top with fresh fruit, nuts, or sauces
Now that you know how simple ice cream recipes can be, you’ll never go back to store-bought. The fresh taste and creamy texture of homemade can’t be beat.
Ready to try more delicious treats? Explore our complete dessert recipe collection for more inspiration.
Easy 5-Ingredient Ice Cream Recipes You Can Make at Home
Craving creamy, homemade ice cream but don’t want a complicated recipe? These 5 ingredient ice cream recipes are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the fuss. With just a handful of ice cream ingredients, you can whip up delicious frozen treats in no time.
1. Classic Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
This simple yet rich vanilla ice cream is a crowd-pleaser.
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean (or 2 tsp vanilla extract)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions: Split the vanilla bean and scrape seeds into a saucepan. Add cream, milk, sugar, and salt. Heat until sugar dissolves. Chill, then churn in an ice cream maker.
2. Chocolate Fudge Ice Cream
A decadent chocolate treat with minimal effort.
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions: Whisk cocoa and sugar into warm milk until dissolved. Stir in cream and vanilla. Chill, then churn.
3. Strawberry Swirl Ice Cream
Fresh fruit flavor in every bite.
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup mashed strawberries
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions: Mix cream, milk, and sugar. Separately, mash strawberries with lemon juice. Layer mixtures when churning.
4. Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream
A creamy, protein-packed dessert.
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp honey
Instructions: Blend bananas, peanut butter, and honey. Fold in whipped cream and milk. Freeze until firm.
5. Coconut Mango Ice Cream
Tropical flavors in a simple recipe.
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1 cup diced mango
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions: Blend mango with coconut milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Churn or freeze, stirring occasionally.
Essential Ice Cream Ingredients for Perfect Texture
The right ice cream ingredients make all the difference in achieving that creamy, scoopable texture. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Dairy Base
Most traditional ice cream recipes use a combination of heavy cream and whole milk. The fat in cream (36-40%) gives richness, while milk (3-4% fat) provides a lighter balance.
2. Sweeteners
Sugar does more than add sweetness—it prevents ice crystals from forming. Granulated white sugar is most common, but honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar work too.
3. Stabilizers (Optional)
For extra smoothness without an ice cream maker, try adding 1 tbsp cornstarch or 1 tsp xanthan gum to your 5 ingredient ice cream base.
4. Flavor Boosters
Vanilla, cocoa, fruit purees, or nut butters transform simple bases into signature flavors. Extracts and spices add depth without extra ingredients.
5. Mix-ins
After churning, fold in cookies, chocolate chips, or nuts for texture. Keep additions to about 1/2 cup per quart of base.
No-Churn Ice Cream Techniques
Don’t have an ice cream maker? Try these methods for creamy results:
1. Whipped Cream Method
Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks, then fold into sweetened condensed milk and flavors. Freeze overnight.
2. Banana Base
For dairy-free options, blend frozen bananas with 1-2 other ingredients (like cocoa or peanut butter) until creamy.
3. Frequent Stirring
For traditional bases, freeze in a shallow container and stir vigorously every 30 minutes for 2-3 hours.
Pro Tips for Perfect Homemade Ice Cream
- Chill your base for at least 4 hours before churning—this improves texture.
- Pre-freeze containers to minimize crystallization.
- Add alcohol sparingly (1-2 tbsp vodka or liqueur) to keep softer in the freezer.
- Store airtight with parchment pressed directly on the surface to prevent ice crystals.
Flavor Variations to Try
Customize your 5 ingredient ice cream with these easy twists:
1. Mint Chip
Add 1 tsp peppermint extract and 1/2 cup chopped chocolate to the vanilla base.
2. Cookies & Cream
Stir in 1 cup crushed Oreos after churning.
3. Coffee Toffee
Dissolve 2 tbsp instant coffee in the warm base, then mix in 1/2 cup toffee bits.
4. Lemon Blueberry
Swirl 1/2 cup blueberry jam and 2 tbsp lemon zest into a vanilla base.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. Grainy Texture
This usually means insufficient fat or sugar. Try increasing cream or adding 1 tbsp corn syrup.
2. Too Hard
Add 1 tbsp alcohol or 1 tsp glycerin next time. Let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping.
3. Ice Crystals
Ensure your container is airtight. Stir during freezing if not using an ice cream maker.
Dairy-Free & Vegan Options
Swap traditional ice cream ingredients with:
- Coconut milk (full-fat) for cream
- Almond/Cashew milk for dairy milk
- Agave or maple syrup for honey
- Avocado or banana for creamy texture
Equipment-Free Ice Cream Recipes
Try these two-ingredient wonders:
1. Avocado Lime
Blend 2 ripe avocados + 1/2 cup lime juice + sweetener to taste. Freeze.
2. Yogurt Berry
Mix 2 cups Greek yogurt + 1 cup blended berries. Freeze in popsicle molds.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
- Best consumed within 1 week for optimal texture
- Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping
- Top with fresh fruit, sauces, or crushed nuts
- For milkshakes, blend with 1/4 cup milk per scoop
Seasonal Flavor Inspirations
Summer:
Watermelon-Basil, Peach Cobbler
Fall:
Pumpkin Spice, Apple Cinnamon
Winter:
Eggnog, Peppermint Bark
Spring:
Lavender-Honey, Rhubarb Crisp
