Easy Ice Cream Recipes

Master homemade ice cream with this foolproof method passed down from generations and perfected in culinary school. These ice cream recipes deliver rich flavor and creamy texture your family will request again and again especially during summer parties, BBQs, and birthdays.

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Course: Dessert, Frozen Recipes, Summer Treat

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: classic vanilla, creamy ice cream, easy frozen dessert, homemade ice cream, ice cream recipes, summer recipes

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 10

Chilling + Freezing Time: 7

Total Time: 7 30

Servings: cup

Calories: 285kcal

Cost: $6.5

Equipment

1 Ice cream maker Churns mixture to create creamy texture
1 Digital thermometer Essential for custard temperature accuracy
1 Fine mesh strainer Removes any lumps for smooth base
2 Airtight containers Stores ice cream to maintain texture

Ingredients

▢ 2 cups heavy cream minimum 36% fat content
▢ 1 cup whole milk never use low-fat
▢ ¾ cup granulated sugar controls freezing point and sweetness
▢ 6 large egg yolks for custard base only
▢ 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract avoid artificial
▢ Fresh seasonal fruit optional, for flavor variations
▢ Quality chocolate cocoa powder or melted
▢ Natural extracts almond, mint, coconut
▢ Mix-ins added during final churning

Instructions

Make your custard base

Whisk egg yolks with sugar until pale. Heat cream and milk to 170°F, then slowly add to yolks while whisking constantly to prevent scrambling. Cook until mixture coats a spoon, then strain through fine mesh.

Chill completely

Refrigerate custard base for at least 4 hours or overnight. Cold base churns faster and creates smoother texture than warm mixtures

Churn in ice cream maker

Follow your machine’s instructions (usually 20–25 minutes) until the texture looks like soft-serve. Add mix-ins during the final 2 minutes of churning.

Freeze for perfect texture

Transfer ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for 4+ hours for scoopable consistency. This step improves texture and prevents ice crystals.

Let ice cream sit at room temp 5–10 minutes before scooping. Pair with brownies, berries, or build a sundae bar

Notes

The key to truly memorable ice cream recipes lies in the balance of technique and family tradition. This base lets you customize flavor and texture to fit summer moods, kids’ preferences, or grown-up elegance. A single bite transports you to birthday parties, backyard BBQs, or quiet evenings by the freezer with a spoon.

Nutrition