Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Why Make This Recipe

Making your own ice cream at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. Homemade vanilla ice cream is creamy, rich, and packed with vanilla flavor. Plus, using just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dessert that is not only delicious but also free of preservatives. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic treat with your family and friends.

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream (cold)
• 1 cup (240 ml) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with a mixer until stiff peaks form (about 3–4 minutes).
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Make sure it is well combined.
3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture. Be careful not to stir too hard; you want to keep it light and fluffy!
4. Pour the mixture into a loaf pan or an airtight container. Cover it well and place it in the freezer for at least 6 hours or overnight.
5. When ready to enjoy, scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones, and dig in!

How to Serve Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

You can serve homemade vanilla ice cream in a variety of ways. It’s great in a simple bowl or cone, but you can also use it as a topping for desserts like pie, brownies, or fruit. Add some chocolate syrup, sprinkles, or fresh fruit on top for a fun twist.

How to Store Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Store your homemade vanilla ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It can last for about 2 weeks. To keep it fresh, make sure to cover the surface with plastic wrap before sealing the lid. This helps prevent ice crystals from forming.

Tips to Make Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

• Use cold heavy cream for the best texture.
• Don’t overmix when folding in the whipped cream. A gentle hand helps keep the ice cream light and fluffy.
• For a richer flavor, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This makes it easier to scoop.

Variation

You can customize this recipe by adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or fruit. Just fold them in gently before freezing for a tasty twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different flavor of extract?
Yes, you can substitute vanilla extract with other extracts like almond or mint for different flavors.

2. Do I need an ice cream maker for this recipe?
No, this recipe does not require an ice cream maker. It’s easy to make with just a bowl and a mixer!

3. Can I make dairy-free ice cream?
Yes! You can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free sweetened condensed milk to make a dairy-free version of this ice cream.