Who doesn’t love a scoop of creamy, homemade ice cream? Whether you’re craving a classic vanilla, a rich chocolate, or a fruity, refreshing treat, making ice cream at home is easier than you think! This recipe is my base for vanilla, but you can add in any kind of mix-in’s or flavors that you prefer! In my opinion and many others, homemade ice cream is nutrient dense with amazing simple ingredients: milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks, vanilla, and sea salt. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, I highly suggest trying one of my no churn recipes! They are so delicious, enjoy!
What you need for simple homemade ice cream + substitutions:
- Heavy cream- Heavy cream is a key ingredient here. This is what makes it rich and creamy and delicious. I try to buy organic heavy cream when I can, and I love the Horizon brand, but any one works.
- Whole milk- Whole milk is going to give you the best flavor here. I love using our local raw milk, but if I buy store bought I love Maple Hill or Super Kalona if you can find it!
- Granulated sugar- I love to use regular sugar here. You can totally also use raw honey or maple syrup! Every option has a delicious flavor, and it just depends on what you’re going for.
- Egg yolks- Preferably I prefer to use 6 egg yolks, because it gives you such a rich texture. It also adds amazing nutrients to this ice cream! However, I’ve added just 4 before and it’s worked just fine so if you can’t use 6 just use 4 and then save those egg whites to add to your scrambled eggs for extra protein.
- Vanilla extract- This just adds that perfect vanilla hint. If you want to really level it up, use vanilla beans!
- Sea salt- Sea salt brings out the flavor in the ice cream. I never bake without it!
Tips for making it:
- You will need an ice cream maker for this recipe! I have this one and I absolutely love it. I use it ALL THE TIME. It’s totally worth it
- I LOVE these containers that I found on Amazon! Mine are a pastel color which they don’t seem to have anymore, but they have other colors that are cute too! I usually use 2 containers to store my ice cream and these work great and help prevent them from getting freezer burn!
- Highly suggest changing up your mix-in’s! You can do vanilla as the base and then when the ice cream is almost done, I love pouring in mix-in’s at the end and let it mix for a few more minutes. Highly suggest my sourdough brownies, regular brownies, chocolate chip cookie dough or baked cookies, oreos, you name it.
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Alright, let’s get to making it! Enjoy!
Simple Homemade Ice Cream
Who doesn’t love a scoop of creamy, homemade ice cream? Whether you’re craving a classic vanilla, a rich chocolate, or a fruity, refreshing treat, making ice cream at home is easier than you think! This recipe is my base for vanilla, but you can add in any kind of mix-in's or flavors that you prefer! In my opinion and many others, homemade ice cream is nutrient dense with amazing simple ingredients: milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks, vanilla, and sea salt. If you don't have an ice cream maker, I highly suggest trying one of my no churn recipes! They are so delicious, enjoy!
Servings 6
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk (or 1½ cups heavy cream + 1½ cups whole milk)
- ¾-1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 egg yolks (can use 4 or 5)
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- 1-2 tsp vanilla extract
To make it chocolate:
- ⅓ cup cocoa or cacao powder (add in the blender with everything to make it chocolate!)
Mix-in Ideas:
- brownie chunks
- cookie dough or cookies
- oreos
- chocolate chips
- peanut butter
Instructions
- In a blender, add in all the ingredients. Blend until everything is incorporated. (If you want a chocolate base, add the cocoa or cacao powder in here!)
- Pour your mixture into your prepared ice cream machine. Make sure to freeze the ice cream container that churns for at least 24 hours before making the ice cream to ensure it works!
- Churn for 25-30 minutes until thick and creamy! It'll be like soft serve consistency at this point. You can eat it now, but you can also store it in the freezer for 4 or more hours to let it harden with more of an ice cream consistency!
- Optional: add mix-in's in the last minute or two and blend until they are incorporated! Ideas: sourdough brownie chunks, regular brownies, cookie dough or cookies, chocolate chips, oreos. You name it! I've even mixed in leftover cake! Enjoy!
Notes
Storing: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month!