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 is no reason not to make homemade ice cream.
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 a custard base, this ice cream mixture does not use egg yolks and does not 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?
Ingredient Notes and Substitution
- Granulated Sugar: You can substitute honey or maple syrup in a 1:1 ratio.
- Half and Half: This is a mixture of equal parts whole milk and cream.
- Heavy Cream: You can substitute whipping cream.
- Vanilla Extract: Use the pure stuff or substitute the liquid for vanilla paste.
How to Make Vanilla Ice Cream
- In a large bowl, whisk together the half-and-half and sugar. Mix in the vanilla and whipping cream. Pour into the ice cream maker.
- Check on the ice cream after 25 minutes.
Recipe Variations
- Vanilla Chocolate Chip: Add 3 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate, chopped very fine or shaved.
- Cookies and Cream: Reduce sugar to ¾ 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 1½ ounces of semi-sweet chocolate, chopped very fine, and about 1¼ 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.
Preparation Tips
- 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 very finely, or, better yet, shave it.
- Cover the 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.
More Summer Desserts
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 a 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 manufacturer's recommendations.
- Check on the ice cream after 25 minutes to see if it has churned enough. Do not over-churn.
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!