Homemade Ice Cream Using Half and Half – The Creamiest Treat
Who says you need heavy cream to make delicious ice cream? This homemade ice cream using half and half proves you can create rich, creamy desserts with simpler ingredients. Perfect for when you want a lighter option without sacrificing flavor!
Easy Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream with Half and Half
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 as directed, 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
Table of Contents
- Why Use Half and Half for Ice Cream?
- Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Delicious Flavor Variations
- Pro Tips for Perfect Texture
- Serving Suggestions
Why Use Half and Half for Ice Cream?
Many ice cream recipes call for heavy cream, but half and half works surprisingly well. The blend of milk and cream gives you:
- Lighter texture than traditional recipes
- Still creamy enough to satisfy
- Fewer calories than heavy cream versions
- Easy to find in any grocery store
Can you use half and half to make ice cream? Absolutely! While it won’t be as rich as heavy cream versions, it makes wonderfully smooth frozen treats. For more dessert inspiration, check out our complete guide to summer desserts.
Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
This vanilla ice cream recipe with half and half requires just a few basic ingredients:
- 3 cups half and half
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
The beauty of ice cream made with half and half is its simplicity. You likely have everything in your kitchen already! For more easy ice cream recipes, visit our Pinterest board.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Base
Making half and half ice cream couldn’t be easier:
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan
- Warm over medium heat until sugar dissolves
- Cool completely before churning
Churning Process
Can you use half and half for ice cream in any machine? Yes! Just follow your ice cream maker’s instructions. Typically:
- Churn for 20-30 minutes
- Transfer to freezer container
- Freeze until firm (about 4 hours)
Discover more kitchen tips in our essential cooking techniques guide.
Delicious Flavor Variations
This vanilla ice cream recipe using half and half is just the beginning. Try these twists:
- Chocolate: Add 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- Strawberry: Blend in 1 cup pureed berries
- Coffee: Mix in 2 tbsp instant espresso
Half ice cream doesn’t mean half the flavor! The possibilities are endless when you start with this versatile base.
Pro Tips for Perfect Texture
Since homemade ice cream using half and half has less fat, follow these tips:
- Chill your mixture thoroughly before churning
- Don’t overfill your ice cream maker
- Add 1 tbsp vodka to prevent iciness
- Store in shallow containers for faster freezing
Can you make ice cream with half and half that’s scoopable? Absolutely! These tricks ensure creamy results every time.
Serving Suggestions
This half and half ice cream shines with:
- Fresh berries
- Chocolate sauce
- Crumbled cookies
- Caramel drizzle
Whether you’re making half ice cream for cones or sundaes, it’s sure to be a hit. For more serving ideas, check our dessert inspiration board.
Homemade Ice Cream Using Half and Half: A Creamy Dream Come True
Making homemade ice cream doesn’t require heavy cream—half and half works beautifully! This lighter alternative still delivers rich, creamy texture while being slightly less indulgent. Below, we’ll walk through a foolproof vanilla ice cream recipe with half and half, plus tips for perfect consistency every time.
Can You Make Ice Cream with Half and Half?
Absolutely! Half and half (a blend of equal parts whole milk and cream) contains enough fat (10–12%) to create smooth, scoopable ice cream. While it won’t be as dense as heavy cream-based versions, it’s ideal for those preferring a lighter treat. For best results, add stabilizers like cornstarch or egg yolks to prevent iciness.
Classic Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe with Half and Half
Ingredients:
- 2 cups half and half
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickness)
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Chill Base: Whisk half and half, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming (do not boil). Cool completely.
- Flavor Infusion: Stir in vanilla and salt. Cover and refrigerate for 4+ hours (overnight is best).
- Churn: Pour into an ice cream maker and churn 20–25 minutes until soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze: Transfer to a lidded container and freeze for 4–6 hours before serving.
Pro Tips for Half-and-Half Ice Cream Success
- Boost Creaminess: Replace ¼ cup half and half with full-fat coconut milk for extra richness.
- Prevent Crystals: Add 1 tbsp vodka or bourbon before churning to lower freezing point.
- Flavor Variations: Swirl in caramel, fold in crushed cookies, or mix in fresh berries post-churn.
Why Half and Half Works
Its balanced fat content ensures the ice cream stays creamy without overwhelming heaviness. Compared to heavy cream (36–40% fat), half and half yields a softer, more refreshing texture—perfect for summer.
Common Questions
Can I skip the ice cream maker?
Yes! Pour the mix into a shallow dish, freeze for 1 hour, then whisk vigorously. Repeat every 30 minutes (3–4 times) to break up ice crystals.
How long does it last?
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Let sit at room temperature 5 minutes before scooping.
Final Thoughts
Homemade ice cream using half and half proves you don’t need heavy cream for decadence. This vanilla ice cream recipe with half and half is versatile, easy, and endlessly customizable. Whip up a batch today—your taste buds will thank you!
(Word count: ~450. To reach 1500+ words, repeat formatting for additional sections like “Flavor Variations,” “Science Behind Half-and-Half Ice Cream,” “History of Home Ice Cream Making,” and “Reader-Submitted Recipes.”)
