To make ice cream at home, here is a straightforward method for classic vanilla ice cream:
Ingredients
- Heavy cream
- Whole milk
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla (vanilla bean, extract, or paste)
- Salt
Basic Steps
- Prepare the Ice Cream Base
Combine cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Warm and whisk the mixture for about 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is heated through but not boiling
- Chill the Mixture
Pour the warm mixture into a heatproof bowl, cover it, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling improves flavor and texture
- Churn the Ice Cream
Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually for 20 to 30 minutes. The ice cream will be soft-serve consistency immediately after churning
- Freeze to Firm Up
Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for 2 to 4 hours to firm up for easier scooping
No Ice Cream Maker Options
If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can still make ice cream using these methods:
- Two-Ingredient Method: Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks, then fold in sweetened condensed milk and flavorings. Freeze until firm
- Plastic Bag Method: Seal the ice cream mixture in a small bag, place it inside a larger bag filled with ice and salt, and shake until frozen
- Freeze and Stir Method: Freeze the mixture in a shallow dish, stirring vigorously every 30 minutes until frozen
- Blender or Food Processor Method: Freeze the base solid, then blend until smooth before refreezing
These methods allow you to make creamy ice cream without specialized equipment. This approach yields creamy, flavorful ice cream with simple ingredients and can be adapted with various flavors or mix-ins as desired
