How to Make Ice Cream with an Ice Cream Machine
Nothing beats homemade ice cream on a hot summer day. If you’ve ever wondered how to make ice cream with an ice cream machine, you’re in for a treat. This guide will walk you through everything from basic vanilla to creative flavor twists.

Easy Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe (Krups Ice Cream Maker)
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream or regular cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2-3/4 cups sugar see note
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Add-in options of your choice
Instructions
- Whisk all ingredients together and follow your ice cream machine’s instructions. For toppings or mix-ins, add them in the last minute of churning, stir by hand, or layer them manually. Freeze until firm.
Notes
Table of Contents
- Why Make Ice Cream at Home?
- Basic Ice Cream Recipe
- Choosing Your Ice Cream Machine
- Krups Ice Cream Machine Recipes
- 5 Qt Ice Cream Maker Recipes
- Professional Tips
Why Make Ice Cream at Home?
Store-bought ice cream can’t compare to homemade. You control the ingredients, avoid preservatives, and create custom flavors. Plus, it’s fun!
Learn more about dessert making in our comprehensive guide to homemade treats.
Basic Ice Cream Recipe
This simple formula works in any machine:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Mix ingredients, chill for 2 hours, then churn according to your machine’s instructions.
Variation Ideas
- Chocolate: Add 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- Strawberry: Blend in 1 cup pureed berries
- Cookies & Cream: Mix in crushed cookies after churning
Choosing Your Ice Cream Machine
Different machines suit different needs:
Freezer Bowl Models
Affordable and great for beginners. The bowl must freeze for 24 hours before use.
Compressor Models
More expensive but don’t require pre-freezing. Perfect for frequent use.
Attachment Models
Like the KitchenAid ice cream bowl. Convenient if you already own the mixer.
Discover more about kitchen appliances in our detailed reviews.
Krups Ice Cream Machine Recipes
These recipes work perfectly in Krups machines:
French Vanilla
Use the basic recipe but substitute 1/2 cup honey for sugar. Adds rich flavor.
Mint Chocolate Chip
Add 1 tsp peppermint extract and 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips during last 5 minutes of churning.
Peanut Butter Swirl
Layer peanut butter between scoops of vanilla ice cream when transferring to storage container.
For more inspiration, check our Pinterest board with creative ice cream ideas.
How to Make Ice Cream with an Ice Cream Machine
Making homemade ice cream with an ice cream machine is easier than you think. Whether you’re using a Krups ice cream maker or another brand, the process is simple and rewarding. Follow these steps to create creamy, delicious ice cream at home.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
The base for most ice creams includes:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract (or other flavorings)
- Pinch of salt
Step 2: Prepare the Ice Cream Base
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk until the sugar dissolves. For richer flavor, heat the mixture gently (do not boil) to infuse flavors like vanilla bean or cocoa.
Step 3: Chill the Mixture
Refrigerate your base for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This ensures optimal texture when churning.
Step 4: Churn in Your Ice Cream Machine
Pour the chilled mixture into your Krups ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer instructions (typically 20-30 minutes). The ice cream will thicken to a soft-serve consistency.
Step 5: Freeze to Firm Up
Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for 2-4 hours before serving for scoopable texture.
Krups Ice Cream Machine Recipes
Classic Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Heat all ingredients (except extract) until steaming. Steep 30 minutes, strain, add extract, chill, then churn.
Chocolate Fudge Ripple
- Standard vanilla base
- 1/2 cup chocolate syrup
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (add to base)
Churn vanilla-chocolate base, then layer with syrup when transferring to storage container.
Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
- 1.5 cups cream
- 1 cup milk
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup strawberry puree
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
Blend all ingredients (except crumbs) until smooth. Chill, churn, then fold in crumbs before freezing.
Recipes for Krups Ice Cream Maker
No-Churn Coffee Toffee
- 2 cups heavy cream, whipped
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tbsp instant espresso
- 1 cup crushed toffee bits
Fold all ingredients together and freeze. No machine needed!
Vegan Coconut Matcha
- 2 cans coconut milk (full fat)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp matcha powder
- 1 tsp vanilla
Blend ingredients, chill overnight, then churn in Krups machine.
Boozy Bourbon Pecan
- Standard vanilla base
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1 cup toasted pecans
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Add bourbon to base before churning. Layer with pecans and caramel when storing.
Pro Tips for Ice Cream Success
1. Temperature Matters
Always chill your base thoroughly – at least 4 hours. Warmer mixtures take longer to freeze and may develop ice crystals.
2. Pre-Chill Your Machine
For Krups ice cream makers with freezer bowls, ensure the bowl is completely frozen (usually 24 hours). Keep it stored in the back of your freezer where temperatures are coldest.
3. Don’t Overfill
Fill your ice cream maker no more than 2/3 full to allow for proper expansion during churning.
4. Add Mix-Ins at the Right Time
Stir in chunks, swirls, or crunchy additions during the last 5 minutes of churning or when transferring to storage containers.
5. Storage Solutions
Use shallow, airtight containers to minimize ice crystal formation. Press parchment paper directly onto the surface before freezing.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Ice Cream Too Soft?
- Ensure freezer bowl was fully frozen
- Chill base longer before churning
- Freeze finished product longer before serving
Ice Cream Too Hard?
- Add 1 tbsp alcohol (like vodka) to base
- Increase sugar slightly (sugar lowers freezing point)
- Add 1 tbsp corn syrup to base
Grainy Texture?
- Strain base before chilling
- Ensure sugar is fully dissolved
- Don’t overchurn (stop at soft-serve stage)
Advanced Techniques
Custard-Based Ice Creams
For ultra-creamy results, try a cooked custard base:
- Heat cream/milk with flavorings
- Temper egg yolks with hot liquid
- Cook to 170°F (thick enough to coat spoon)
- Strain, chill, then churn
Philadelphia-Style Ice Creams
Simpler, egg-free version:
- No cooking required
- Faster to prepare
- Lighter, more pronounced flavors
Seasonal Specialties
Pumpkin Spice (Fall)
- Add 1 cup pumpkin puree to base
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp each ginger, nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cloves
Peppermint Stick (Winter)
- Add 1 tsp peppermint extract
- Fold in crushed candy canes
- Optional chocolate swirl
Mango Sorbet (Summer)
- 3 cups mango puree
- 3/4 cup simple syrup
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Equipment Care Tips
Cleaning Your Krups Machine
- Unplug and let cool completely
- Wipe exterior with damp cloth
- Wash removable parts in warm, soapy water
- Dry thoroughly before storage
Storage Recommendations
- Keep freezer bowl in sealed bag when stored
- Store machine in dry place
- Wrap cord neatly to prevent damage
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