Homemade Ice Cream Maker Recipe: The Ultimate Summer Treat

Nothing beats the rich, creamy taste of homemade ice cream. This homemade ice cream maker recipe delivers perfect results every time with just 5 simple ingredients. Whether you’re using an electric ice cream maker or a traditional machine, this guide will walk you through every step.

Easy Homemade Ice Cream Maker Recipe in 4 Simple Steps

Creamy homemade vanilla ice cream with just 5 ingredients! Perfect summer treat—easy ice cream maker recipe for rich, smooth results.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 1

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 sugar dissolves and 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 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

Makes 1 quart

Keyword homemade ice cream maker recipe, how to make homemade ice cream with ice cream maker, ice cream maker recipes

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The Perfect Ingredients for Your Homemade Ice Cream Maker Recipe

Great ice cream starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Heavy cream – The foundation for rich, creamy texture
• Whole milk – Never substitute with low-fat versions
• Cane sugar – For perfect sweetness
• Pure vanilla extract – Or vanilla bean paste for intense flavor
• Pinch of salt – Enhances all the flavors

For those exploring ice cream machine recipes, these ingredients form the perfect base for countless variations.

Choosing Your Ice Cream Maker

You have several options when it comes to equipment for your homemade ice cream maker recipe:

Electric Ice Cream Makers

These countertop models like the Cuisinart make ice cream making effortless. Most electric ice cream machine recipes require freezing the bowl for 12-24 hours before use.

Traditional Hand-Crank Machines

For a nostalgic experience, try a manual model. These require ice and rock salt but deliver excellent results.

Stand Mixer Attachments

Popular with KitchenAid owners, these attachments turn your mixer into an ice cream machine.

Learn more about choosing the perfect ice cream maker in our comprehensive guide.

Step-by-Step Homemade Ice Cream Maker Recipe

Follow these simple steps for perfect ice cream every time:

1. Prepare Your Equipment

Freeze your ice cream maker bowl at least 12 hours before starting. This is crucial for all ice cream maker instructions.

2. Make the Base

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until sugar dissolves completely – about 5 minutes.

3. Chill Thoroughly

Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate for 2+ hours. This step ensures your ice cream maker recipes easy to churn properly.

4. Churn to Perfection

Pour into your prepared ice cream maker. Churn according to manufacturer’s directions, typically 20-30 minutes.

For more creative ice cream recipes, check our Pinterest board.

Delicious Flavor Variations

Once you master this homemade ice cream maker recipe, try these tasty twists:

Chocolate Lover’s Dream

Add 1/2 cup cocoa powder to the warm base mixture before chilling.

Fresh Fruit Swirl

Fold in 2 cups pureed strawberries or peaches after churning.

Cookie Crunch

Mix in crushed cookies during the last 5 minutes of churning.

Discover more 4qt ice cream recipes and variations in our complete guide.

The Best Homemade Ice Cream Maker Recipes for Every Occasion

Making ice cream at home has never been easier with the right homemade ice cream maker recipe. Whether you prefer classic vanilla, rich chocolate, or exotic flavors, an ice cream maker ensures creamy, dreamy results every time. Below, we’ve compiled a collection of must-try ice cream maker recipes that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Classic Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Nothing beats the timeless taste of homemade vanilla ice cream. This homemade ice cream maker recipe uses real vanilla beans for an unbeatable flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds.
2. In a saucepan, heat the cream, milk, sugar, vanilla seeds, and salt until the sugar dissolves (do not boil).
3. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 30 minutes.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
5. Pour into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm.

Decadent Chocolate Fudge Ice Cream

For chocolate lovers, this rich and creamy ice cream maker recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, and cocoa powder over medium heat.
2. Once hot (not boiling), add chopped chocolate and stir until melted.
3. Remove from heat, stir in cream and vanilla, then chill for 4 hours.
4. Churn in your ice cream maker until thick and creamy.
5. Freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.

Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

This fruity and creamy homemade ice cream maker recipe combines fresh strawberries with a cheesecake twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

Instructions:

1. Blend cream cheese with sugar until smooth.
2. Add cream, milk, strawberry puree, and vanilla, then mix well.
3. Chill the mixture for 4 hours.
4. Churn in your ice cream maker until thick.
5. Layer with graham cracker crumbs before freezing.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Ice Cream

How to make homemade ice cream with ice cream maker like a pro? Follow these expert tips:

• Pre-chill your mixture: Always refrigerate the base for at least 4 hours before churning.
• Don’t overfill: Leave room for expansion in your ice cream maker.
• Add mix-ins at the end: Stir in nuts, chocolate chips, or fruit after churning.
• Freeze properly: Store ice cream in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals.

Cookie Dough Ice Cream

A crowd-pleasing ice cream maker recipe packed with chunks of edible cookie dough.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1 cup edible cookie dough chunks

Instructions:

1. Whisk cream, milk, brown sugar, and vanilla until sugar dissolves.
2. Chill for 4 hours, then churn in your ice cream maker.
3. Fold in chocolate chips and cookie dough before freezing.

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

A refreshing homemade ice cream maker recipe with a cool minty flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• Green food coloring (optional)
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks

Instructions:

1. Mix cream, milk, sugar, and peppermint extract until smooth.
2. Add a few drops of green food coloring if desired.
3. Chill, then churn in your ice cream maker.
4. Stir in chocolate chunks before freezing.

Dairy-Free Coconut Ice Cream

A creamy vegan-friendly ice cream maker recipe made with coconut milk.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans full-fat coconut milk
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Whisk coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
2. Chill for 4 hours, then churn in your ice cream maker.
3. Freeze until firm.

Final Thoughts

With these delicious ice cream maker recipes, you’ll never run out of ideas for how to make homemade ice cream with ice cream maker. Experiment with flavors, mix-ins, and textures to create your own signature desserts. Happy churning!