KitchenAid Ice Cream Attachment Recipe: The Ultimate Guide
Making homemade ice cream with your KitchenAid stand mixer just got easier. This KitchenAid ice cream attachment recipe delivers rich, creamy results every time. Whether you’re new to ice cream making or looking to perfect your technique, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Learn how long to churn ice cream for the perfect texture, discover pro tips for using your KitchenAid attachment, and master this simple yet delicious base recipe that works with any flavor combination.
What You’ll Learn

Easy KitchenAid Ice Cream Attachment Recipe in 3 Steps
Ingredients
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar 3.9 ounces / 110 grams, separated
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk 12.7 ounces / 360 grams
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream 12.7 ounces / 360 grams
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- Additional mix-ins of your choice up to 16 ounces
Instructions
- Freeze the KitchenAid Ice Cream Churner attachment in the back of the freezer for 14-16 hours.
- Whisk the egg yolks and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a medium bowl until pale yellow. Lift the whisk to check for a ribbon-like consistency before proceeding.
- Combine whole milk, heavy cream, the remaining 1/4 cup (55 grams) of sugar, and vanilla bean paste in a medium sauce pot. Stir well and heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until foamy or until the mixture reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
- Lower the heat to low. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks. Whisk to temper the yolks. Repeat this three more times to warm the yolks. Pour the yolk mixture into the pot.
- Increase the heat to medium-low while stirring constantly. Mix the custard until it coats the back of a spoon and reaches 170°F on an instant-read thermometer.
- Strain the mixture through a mesh sieve into a bowl. Press cling wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a film from forming. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 12-16 hours to chill.
- Remove the frozen KitchenAid attachment from the freezer and pour in the custard when ready to churn. Churn for 20-30 minutes until the ice cream reaches a thick, soft-serve consistency.
- Fold in your mix-ins gently, then transfer the ice cream to a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- Cover and freeze for 2-3 more hours until firm, then serve.
Notes
Why Use a KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker?
The KitchenAid ice cream attachment transforms your stand mixer into a powerful ice cream churner. Unlike bulky standalone machines, this compact attachment saves space while delivering professional-quality results.
For more kitchen appliance tips, check out our complete guide to essential baking tools.
Key Advantages:
- Fits any KitchenAid stand mixer
- Makes up to 2 quarts of ice cream
- Easy to clean and store
- More affordable than standalone ice cream makers
The Perfect KitchenAid Ice Cream Attachment Recipe
This base recipe works perfectly with your KitchenAid attachment. The custard-style base creates exceptionally creamy texture while allowing for endless flavor variations.
Essential Ingredients:
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Discover more essential baking recipes in our comprehensive collection.
How Long to Churn Ice Cream for Best Results
One of the most common questions is how long to churn ice cream in the KitchenAid attachment. The ideal churning time is 20-30 minutes, depending on your desired consistency.
Churning Timeline:
- 0-10 minutes: Base begins to thicken
- 10-20 minutes: Soft-serve consistency
- 20-30 minutes: Firm, scoopable texture
Remember that how long to churn ice cream KitchenAid models need may vary slightly based on your freezer temperature and the recipe’s fat content.
Professional Tips for KitchenAid Ice Cream
These expert techniques will help you master recipes for KitchenAid ice cream maker attachments:
- Freeze the bowl for at least 15 hours before use
- Chill your ice cream base thoroughly before churning
- Don’t overfill the attachment – leave room for expansion
- Add mix-ins during the last 5 minutes of churning
For more baking expertise, explore our professional kitchen techniques guide.
Delicious Flavor Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic KitchenAid ice cream attachment recipe, try these popular variations:
Chocolate Lover’s Dream:
- Add 1/2 cup cocoa powder to warm milk mixture
- Stir in chocolate chunks during last 5 minutes
Strawberry Swirl:
- Puree 2 cups fresh strawberries with 1/4 cup sugar
- Swirl into churned ice cream before freezing
Share your creations on Pinterest and tag us!
KitchenAid Ice Cream Attachment Recipe: Classic Vanilla Bean
Nothing beats the rich, creamy taste of homemade vanilla bean ice cream. With your KitchenAid ice cream attachment, achieving gourmet-quality results is effortless. Here’s a foolproof recipe:
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
- 5 large egg yolks
Instructions:
- Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape seeds into a saucepan. Add pod, cream, milk, half the sugar, and salt.
- Heat over medium until steaming (do not boil). Remove from heat, cover, and steep for 30 minutes.
- Whisk egg yolks with remaining sugar until pale. Slowly temper with warm cream mixture.
- Return to saucepan and cook on low, stirring constantly, until thickened (170°F). Strain.
- Chill overnight. Churn in KitchenAid attachment 20-25 minutes until soft-serve consistency.
- Transfer to an airtight container and freeze 4+ hours before serving.
How Long to Churn Ice Cream in KitchenAid: Timing Guide
Perfect texture depends on precise churning times. Here’s what to expect with your KitchenAid ice cream maker:
Ice Cream Type | Churn Time | Final Texture |
---|---|---|
Standard custard base | 18-22 minutes | Soft-serve consistency |
Sorbet | 15-18 minutes | Light and fluffy |
Gelato | 25-30 minutes | Dense and elastic |
Low-fat recipes | 12-15 minutes | Less creamy, more icy |
Pro Tips:
- Always pre-freeze the bowl 15+ hours at 0°F
- Base temperature should be 40°F or colder
- Stop churning when ice cream reaches the “pulling away” stage
- Over-churning causes butter-like separation
Recipes for KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker: 5 Must-Try Varieties
1. Salted Caramel Pretzel
Sweet-salty perfection with crunchy texture.
- 1 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup crushed pretzels
- 1 tsp flaky sea salt
Churn base for 15 minutes, swirl in toppings during last 2 minutes.
2. Mint Chocolate Chip
Cool, refreshing classic with premium ingredients.
- 2 tbsp peppermint extract (not mint extract)
- 1 cup chopped 70% dark chocolate
- Green food coloring (optional)
3. Roasted Strawberry Buttermilk
Tangy-sweet summer delight.
- Toss 2 cups strawberries with 1/4 cup sugar, roast at 375°F for 25 minutes
- Blend with 1 cup buttermilk, strain
- Mix with standard base and churn
4. Espresso Chip
Coffee lover’s dream with intense flavor.
- 2 tbsp instant espresso powder
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp Kahlúa (optional)
5. Vegan Coconut Matcha
Dairy-free green tea sensation.
- 2 cans full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tbsp matcha powder
- 1/2 cup agave syrup
- 1 tsp xanthan gum (for texture)
Advanced Techniques for KitchenAid Ice Cream Success
Texture Troubleshooting
- Too icy: Add 1 tbsp vodka or 1/2 tsp guar gum
- Too hard: Increase sugar by 2 tbsp or use corn syrup
- Grainy: Ensure complete sugar dissolution before churning
Flavor Infusion Methods
- Cold infusion: Steep tea/herbs in cold base for 24+ hours
- Fat washing: Infuse cream with browned butter or bacon fat
- Alcohol extraction: Soak citrus zest in liquor before adding
Storage Solutions
Preserve quality with these methods:
- Press parchment directly onto surface before freezing
- Use shallow containers for faster freezing
- For long storage, vacuum-seal portions
Seasonal Recipe Rotation
Fall: Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup crushed gingersnaps
Winter: Peppermint Bark
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chunks
- 1 tsp peppermint oil (not extract)
Spring: Lavender Honey
- 2 tbsp culinary lavender
- 1/2 cup local honey
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
Summer: Mango Chile Lime
- 2 cups pureed ripe mango
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper