Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

This smooth and creamy rich vanilla ice cream takes less than five minutes to prepare for the ice cream maker. It has no artificial ingredients and is made with only wholesome natural ingredients. Be sure to read the section on recipe variations.

Course Dessert

Cuisine Americen

Keyword best vanilla ice cream, homemade vanilla ice cream, how to make vanilla ice cream

Prep Time 5

Servings servings

Calories 385kcal

Author Beth Pierce

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.

Nutrition