Homemade Ice Cream with Heavy Whipping Cream: The Ultimate Creamy Treat

Nothing beats homemade ice cream made with heavy whipping cream. This rich, creamy dessert is surprisingly easy to make with just 5 simple ingredients. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, this recipe will become your go-to for perfect ice cream every time.

In this guide, you’ll discover:

• Why heavy whipping cream makes the best ice cream
• Simple steps for foolproof homemade ice cream
• Delicious variations to customize your treat
• Answers to common ice cream making questions

Table of Contents

1. Why Use Heavy Whipping Cream for Ice Cream?
2. Essential Ingredients for Perfect Ice Cream
3. Step-by-Step Ice Cream Making Process
4. Delicious Flavor Variations
5. Pro Tips for Ice Cream Success
6. Frequently Asked Questions

Why Heavy Whipping Cream Makes the Best Homemade Ice Cream

Heavy whipping cream is the secret to ultra-creamy homemade ice cream. With at least 36% milk fat, it creates a rich, smooth texture that lighter creams can’t match. The high fat content prevents ice crystals from forming, giving you that perfect scoopable consistency.

Many ice cream recipes call for heavy cream because:

• It whips beautifully, incorporating air for lightness
• The fat carries flavor better than low-fat alternatives
• It freezes to a creamy rather than icy texture

While you can make ice cream with half-and-half or milk, heavy whipping cream delivers superior results. For more dessert inspiration, check out our complete guide to frozen treats.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Homemade Ice Cream

This simple recipe uses just five ingredients to create magic:

• Heavy whipping cream – The star ingredient that makes ice cream rich and creamy
• Whole milk – Balances the cream’s richness
• Sugar – Sweetens and improves texture
• Vanilla extract – For classic flavor
• Salt – Enhances all the flavors

The combination of heavy cream and whole milk creates the perfect fat balance. Some recipes use all heavy cream, but adding milk prevents the ice cream from becoming too dense.

Can You Make Ice Cream Without Heavy Cream?

While heavy whipping cream makes the best ice cream, you can substitute:

• Half-and-half for lighter ice cream
• Coconut cream for dairy-free versions
• Evaporated milk in a pinch

For more creative ice cream recipes without heavy cream, visit our Pinterest board full of inspiration.

Creamy Homemade Ice Cream Recipe with Heavy Whipping Cream

Creamy homemade vanilla ice cream with just 5 ingredients! Perfect summer treat—easy to make with heavy whipping cream. Try mix-ins for extra flavor!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Servings: 1

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 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 up to one month. If the ice cream is too hard to scoop, let it sit at room temperature briefly to soften.

Notes

Makes 1 quart

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Step-by-Step Ice Cream Making Process

Making homemade ice cream with heavy whipping cream is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare Your Equipment

Before starting, freeze your ice cream maker bowl for at least 12 hours. This ensures it’s cold enough to properly churn the mixture.

2. Make the Ice Cream Base

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and warm gently until the sugar dissolves. This creates a smooth, homogeneous mixture that will freeze evenly.

3. Chill Thoroughly

Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours (overnight is better). This step is crucial for proper texture development.

4. Churn to Perfection

Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions. This typically takes 20-30 minutes.

5. Freeze to Set

Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for 2-4 hours before serving for optimal scoopability.

For more detailed instructions on each step, see our complete ice cream making guide.

Delicious Flavor Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic vanilla recipe, try these tasty variations:

Chocolate Lover’s Dream

Add 1/2 cup cocoa powder to the warm base mixture for rich chocolate ice cream.

Berry Blast

Swirl in 1 cup pureed strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries after churning.

Cookie Crunch

Fold in crushed cookies during the last few minutes of churning.

Coffee Kick

Dissolve 2 tablespoons instant coffee in the warm base mixture.

The possibilities are endless when you start with a good heavy cream base. For more creative ideas, check our Pinterest collection.

Homemade Ice Cream Heavy Whipping Cream: The Secret to Creamy Perfection

When it comes to crafting rich, velvety homemade ice cream, heavy whipping cream is often the star ingredient. Its high fat content (typically 36-40%) ensures a luxuriously smooth texture that lighter dairy products simply can’t match. But do you need heavy cream to make ice cream? The short answer is no—but your results will vary dramatically depending on what substitutes you choose.

Why Heavy Whipping Cream Works Best

Heavy cream’s magic lies in its ability to:

• Create smaller ice crystals during freezing
• Produce stable air bubbles during churning
• Deliver that signature melt-in-your-mouth quality
• Carry flavors more intensely

Do You Need Heavy Cream to Make Ice Cream? Alternative Approaches

While traditional ice cream recipes rely on heavy cream, creative alternatives exist:

1. The Half-and-Half Compromise

Replace half the heavy cream with half-and-half (10-12% fat) for a lighter version that still maintains decent texture.

2. The Evaporated Milk Trick

For dairy-based options without heavy cream, evaporated milk (with about 8% fat) can provide body when combined with egg yolks.

3. Coconut Cream Conversion

Vegan or lactose-intolerant? Full-fat coconut cream (22-25% fat) mimics heavy cream’s properties surprisingly well.

4. The Sweetened Condensed Milk Shortcut

Popular in no-churn recipes, this sticky-sweet alternative skips heavy cream entirely but creates a denser final product.

Essential Ice Cream Recipes Using Heavy Whipping Cream

Classic Vanilla Bean

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 vanilla bean (split and scraped)
• Pinch of salt

Decadent Chocolate Fudge

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa
• 4 oz chopped bittersweet chocolate
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Summer Peach Bourbon

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 1/2 cups pureed ripe peaches
• 2 tbsp bourbon
• 3/4 cup honey
• 1 tsp lemon juice

The Science Behind Heavy Cream’s Superiority

Understanding why homemade ice cream heavy whipping cream works so well requires a quick chemistry lesson:

Pro Tips for Heavy Cream Ice Cream Success

1. Temperature Matters: Chill your base for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) before churning
2. Fat Balance: Maintain 14-16% total fat content for ideal texture
3. Sugar Ratio: Use 16-22% sugar by weight to prevent iciness
4. Churn Smart: Stop churning when it reaches soft-serve consistency
5. Hardening Phase: Let ice cream “cure” in freezer for 2-4 hours before serving

No-Churn Heavy Cream Ice Cream Recipes

For those without an ice cream maker:

3-Ingredient Magic

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Method: Whip cream to stiff peaks, fold in other ingredients, freeze in loaf pan for 6 hours.

Troubleshooting Common Heavy Cream Ice Cream Issues

Grainy Texture

Usually indicates large ice crystals—try adding 1 tbsp vodka or 1 tsp xanthan gum

Too Hard

Reduce sugar slightly or add 2 tbsp corn syrup to the base

Buttery Mouthfeel

Your cream may have been over-whipped before churning

Advanced Heavy Cream Ice Cream Techniques

The Philadelphia-Style Shortcut

Skip the eggs with this simple formula:

• 3 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla
• 1/8 tsp salt

The Custard-Based Gold Standard

For ultra-creamy results:

1. Heat 2 cups heavy cream + 1 cup milk to 170°F
2. Temper 6 egg yolks with 3/4 cup sugar
3. Combine and cook to 180°F
4. Strain and chill overnight

Seasonal Heavy Cream Ice Cream Variations

Winter: Eggnog Spice

Add to any custard base:

• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp bourbon

Spring: Strawberry Basil

For 2 cups pureed strawberries add:

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 tbsp balsamic reduction

Equipment Recommendations

To maximize your homemade ice cream heavy whipping cream results:

• Churners: Cuisinart ICE-21 (affordable) or Breville Smart Scoop (premium)
• Storage: Aluminum ice cream tubs with silicone seals
• Tools: Infrared thermometer for perfect custard temps

Nutritional Considerations

While heavy cream creates incredible texture, be mindful that a 1/2 cup serving of premium ice cream can contain:

• 250-300 calories
• 16-20g fat
• 20-25g sugar

For lighter options, try blending heavy cream with Greek yogurt or using monk fruit sweetener.

The Final Scoop

While you can make ice cream without heavy cream, the difference in quality is immediately noticeable. By understanding how fat content affects texture and experimenting with different ice cream recipes, you’ll be able to customize your perfect frozen treat—whether that’s an ultra-rich custard or a lighter Philadelphia-style.