How to Make Vanilla Ice Cream

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This homemade ice cream is easy to make with just 4 ingredients: pure vanilla extract, milk, heavy whipping cream, and sugar. This American or Philadelphia-style ice cream makes for a brighter, more pronounced vanilla flavor.

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a parfait glass of vanilla ice cream on a back deck with a spoon on the side
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Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
5 mins
Additional Time:
2 hrs 20 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs 30 mins
Servings:
4

Homemade ice cream is incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. This vanilla ice cream recipe will quickly become a go-to in your repertoire. 

How to Make Ice Cream

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

Vanilla Ice Cream Ingredients

These are the four ingredients you’ll need to make this homemade vanilla ice cream recipe: 

  • Milk: This homemade vanilla ice cream starts with 2 ¼ cups of milk. 
  • Heavy whipping cream: A cup of heavy whipping cream comes next.
  • Sugar: White sugar sweetens things up. 
  • Vanilla: Two teaspoons of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. 

How to Make Homemade Ice Cream

Wondering how to make ice cream at home? We’ve got you covered. Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make vanilla ice cream at home: 

  1. Cook the milk, cream, and sugar until the sugar has dissolved.
  2. Transfer the mixture to a measuring cup, then add the vanilla extract. Chill overnight.
  3. Pour the mix into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's directions.
  4. Serve immediately or ripen in the freezer before serving.

How Long Does Ice Cream Last? 

Homemade ice cream won’t last as long as store-bought ice cream. Store your vanilla ice cream in an airtight storage container, recycled ice cream container, or zip-top freezer bag. Try to enjoy the ice cream within a few weeks for the best taste.

What to Serve With Ice Cream 

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

“Great base recipe,” raves Sweets4mysweet. “Have made it several times. You can add pretty much anything to it and it comes out great. I've added Creme de Menthe and mini chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and vanilla bean and they have all been wonderful!”

“Best recipe I have found for my ice cream maker,” says one Allrecipes community member. “It's a little soft when done, but sets up nicely after freezing for about an hour.”

“I will most definitely make this several more times,” according to RyelDavid. “If you sift about four tablespoons of cocoa powder, it makes delicious chocolate ice cream.”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ cups milk

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

  • ¾ cup white sugar

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Stir milk, cream, and sugar in a saucepan over low heat until sugar has dissolved. Heat just until the mixture is hot and a small ring of foam appears around the edge.

  2. Transfer cream mixture to a pourable container such as a large measuring cup. Stir in vanilla extract and chill mix thoroughly, at least 2 hours. (Overnight is best.)

  3. Pour cold ice cream mix into an ice cream maker, turn on the machine, and churn according to manufacturer's directions, 20 to 25 minutes.

  4. When ice cream is softly frozen, serve immediately or place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the ice cream and place in the freezer to ripen, 2 to 3 hours.

    a parfait glass of vanilla ice cream on a back deck with a spoon on the side

    RainbowJewels

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

425 Calories
25g Fat
46g Carbs
6g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 425
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 25g 32%
Saturated Fat 15g 77%
Cholesterol 93mg 31%
Sodium 79mg 3%
Total Carbohydrate 46g 17%
Total Sugars 44g
Protein 6g 12%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 200mg 15%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 255mg 5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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