This four-ingredient classic vanilla ice cream is the absolute easiest and creamiest. Once you taste it, you will be hooked on this homemade ice cream recipe. With no artificial ingredients and total simplicity, there isn’t any reason not to make homemade ice cream.
You know, I really don’t like to toot my own horn, but this ice cream is just scrumptious. Just ask my family, as they are some ice cream-eating fools. This recipe is one of my favorites, as it really takes less than five minutes to prep and get it into the ice cream maker. Unlike custard base, this ice cream mixture does not use egg yolks, nor does it need to simmer or boil in a saucepan.
Have you tried any of my other ice cream flavors? Chocolate, strawberry, and raspberry ice cream (no churn) are some of our favorites. After all, summer is here, and what better way to cool down than a scoop of homemade ice cream?
Let’s Spill The Tea
- Cuisine style: American
- Taste and texture: creamy, rich, and vanillay (not sure that is even a word)
- Effort and skill: easy peasy
- Pros: It is always a huge hit no matter what time of the year it is
- Cons: someone always finds that scoop you hide in the back of the freeze
Four Ingredients For Great Vanilla Ice Cream
- Granulated sugar
- Half and half: which is half whole milk and half cream
- Heavy cream: or whipping cream
- Vanilla extract: the real thing
Recipe Variations
- Vanilla Chocolate Chip: Add 3 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chopped very fine or shaved.
- Cookies and Cream: Reduce sugar to 3/4 cup. When the ice cream has finished churning, stir in about 20 quartered chocolate sandwich cookies. I like to use Oreos because they are consistently delicious.
- Cookie Dough: Add 1 1/2 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chopped very fine and about 1 1/4 cups of edible cookie dough.
- Strawberry Vanilla: Add 1 cup of pureed strawberries to the mixture before churning and stir in 1 cup of finely chopped strawberries after churning.
Recipe Tips for Perfect Vanilla Ice Cream
- Spend the money and use pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste. It is the naturally occurring vanillin that gives it that real vanilla flavor.
- If adding chocolate, use a good-quality brand and chop it really fine, or better yet, shave it.
- Cover ice cream with plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals from forming. Spoon it into an airtight container, and always store it in the back of the freezer so it stays consistently cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have always used high-fat dairy products like heavy cream, whipping cream, half-and-half, and whole milk. Most non-dairy milks, such as oat, cashew, and soy, do not have enough fat. Coconut milk and coconut cream have enough fat, but I have never tried this recipe with them.
Check on the ice cream after 25 minutes to see if it is churned enough, as it is possible to over-churn ice cream. Stop churning at soft serve consistency. If churned too long it will become dense with more ice crystals.
Let’s Recap
- This is a quick and creamy vanilla ice cream that requires no cooking and no eggs.
- It is made in an electric ice cream maker with rock salt.
- Everyone loves this creamy vanilla treat.
Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups half and half
- 1 tablespoon real vanilla extract or 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- In large bowl whisk together sugar and half and half; until the sugar is dissolved. Whisk in vanilla and whipping cream. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturers recommendations.
- Check on ice cream after 25 minutes to see if it has churned enough. Do not over churn.
Notes
- Spend the money and use pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste. It is the naturally occurring vanillin that gives it that real vanilla flavor.
- For a creamy texture, always use dairy with high-fat content. Heavy cream, half-and-half, and whole milk are my go-to choices.
- Check on the ice cream after 25 minutes to see if it is churned enough, as it is possible to over-churn ice cream.
- If adding chocolate use a good quality brand and chop it real fine, or better yet, shave it.
- Cover ice cream with plastic wrap because it prevents ice crystals from forming. Spoon it into an airtight container, and always store ice cream in the back of the freezer so it stays consistently cold.
Hannah
🥰❤️
Tameka
I have been putting off making my own ice cream for so long I have to get on it. Thanks for the motivation.
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, enjoy!
Sonia W
I love making homemade ice cream with no artificial ingredients. It was easy and tasted so much better than store bought! Thanks for the recipe1
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Sonia!
Ntensibe Michael Edgar
Hhhhmmm….I was not familiar with the scent of vanilla, until recently. I hope to enjoy this ice-cream with as little sugar as possible.
LisaLisa
I will say, Vanilla is my favorite ice cream, and I haven’t made any fresh ice cream in years. I love how versatile vanilla ice cream is—you can dress it up with just about anything. I need to try your recipe!
Terri Beavers
There is nothing better than homemade vanilla ice cream on top of hot from-the-oven blueberry cobbler. Your recipe was delicious and easy which is always a plus with a busy household. I love that this does not require eggs. It’s a keeper for me.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Terri!
Khush
Vanilla ice cream is my favorite and I never tried it at home. Your recipe is simple to try. I am going to try it this weekend.
Nayna Kanabar
I love homemade icecream as you can create any flavour combination you like, I particularly like your recipe as it does not contain eggs.
Tammy E
Homemade ice cream is such a comforting treat for the summer months and a lot of fun to make also! It was delish!
Rebecca S
Great ice cream recipe. The kids loved it. It was so delicious and refreshing!
Karen W
Vanilla is my favorite ice cream flavor. I love how simple it is……Great recipe. Thank you so so much…
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Karen!
Samantha D
I do love vanilla ice cream it is my go to flavour. I do need to get an ice cream maker