If you love sweet treats, then this Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is perfect for you. It is simple, creamy and full of rich vanilla flavor. Many people think ice cream is hard to make, but it is very easy.
You only need a few basic ingredients and a little time. This ice cream tastes much better than store ice cream. You also know exactly what goes inside.
In this post, I will show you how to make Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream step by step. You will also learn the best ingredients for Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream and some helpful tips. Let’s make a cold, sweet treat you will love.
My Experience With This Recipe
I grew up loving vanilla ice cream. It was the flavor I always picked first. When I made my own for the first time, I was shocked. It tasted creamy, soft and so fresh. The vanilla smell filled my kitchen. Every bite felt special.
Now I make this recipe often in summer. My family loves it. It is fun to make and even more fun to eat. Once you try this recipe, you will want to make it again.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 4 hours (including freezing)
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 290 kcal per serving

Equipment List
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Ice cream maker (optional)
- Plastic container
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rubber spatula
Ingredients You Need for Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 egg yolks
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Warm the Milk
Heat milk and sugar in a saucepan. Stir slowly until warm and sugar fully melts.
2. Beat the Egg Yolks
Whisk egg yolks in a bowl. Mix until smooth and light. Keep stirring to avoid lumps.
3. Temper the Eggs
Pour warm milk into egg yolks slowly. Stir nonstop to prevent cooking the egg mixture.
4. Cook the Custard
Return mix to the pan. Heat gently until thick. The mix should coat the spoon.
5. Add Vanilla Flavor
Remove from heat. Add vanilla and salt. Stir well and let it cool down slowly.
6. Chill the Mixture
Place the mixture in the fridge. Chill for one hour. Cold mix freezes much better.
7. Freeze the Ice Cream
Add the cold mix to the ice cream maker. Churn until soft and creamy.
8. Freeze Until Firm
Move ice cream to a container. Freeze for two hours until firm and scoopable.
Recipe Tips
- Use high-quality vanilla for strong flavor.
- Do not boil the custard or it may curdle.
- Chill the mixture well before freezing.
- Stir the ice cream every 30 minutes if you freeze without a machine.
- Keep ice cream covered to avoid ice crystals.
Nutrition Information
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Carbs | 28 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Sugar | 27 g |
Serving Suggestions
Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream tastes great on its own. But you can also serve it with warm brownies, apple pie, cookies or fresh fruit.
A drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel sauce also makes it amazing. You can even use it in milkshakes or ice cream sandwiches.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Chocolate brownies
- Fresh berries
- Apple crumble
- Waffles
- Banana slices
- Chocolate chip cookies
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store your ice cream in a freezer-safe container. Keep the lid tight to prevent freezer burn. It stays fresh for one week.
Ice cream does not need reheating, but you can soften it. Leave the tub at room temperature for ten minutes before scooping.

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 egg yolks
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Warm the Milk
- Heat milk and sugar in a saucepan. Stir slowly until warm and sugar fully melts.
Beat the Egg Yolks
- Whisk egg yolks in a bowl. Mix until smooth and light. Keep stirring to avoid lumps.
Temper the Eggs
- Pour warm milk into egg yolks slowly. Stir nonstop to prevent cooking the egg mixture.
Cook the Custard
- Return mix to the pan. Heat gently until thick. The mix should coat the spoon.
Add Vanilla Flavor
- Remove from heat. Add vanilla and salt. Stir well and let it cool down slowly.
Chill the Mixture
- Place the mixture in the fridge. Chill for one hour. Cold mix freezes much better.
Freeze the Ice Cream
- Add the cold mix to the ice cream maker. Churn until soft and creamy.
Freeze Until Firm
- Move ice cream to a container. Freeze for two hours until firm and scoopable.
Notes
- Use high-quality vanilla for strong flavor.
- Do not boil the custard or it may curdle.
- Chill the mixture well before freezing.
- Stir the ice cream every 30 minutes if you freeze without a machine.
- Keep ice cream covered to avoid ice crystals.
FAQs about Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
1. Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes. Freeze the custard in a shallow dish. Stir every 30 minutes for three hours. This breaks ice crystals and creates smooth texture.
2. Can I use vanilla bean instead of extract?
Yes. Vanilla bean gives stronger flavor. Split the bean, scrape seeds, and cook it with the milk for better taste.
3. Why is my ice cream icy instead of creamy?
The mix may not have chilled enough. Warm mix forms ice crystals. Also freeze the container before adding ice cream.
4. Can I replace heavy cream with low-fat milk?
You can, but the texture will be less creamy. Heavy cream gives richness and smooth texture.
5. How long can I store homemade ice cream?
You can store it for up to one week. After that, the texture may change and become icy.
Conclusion
This Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is simple, creamy and full of fresh flavor. Now you know how to make Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream at home with easy steps.
You also learned the best ingredients for Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream and useful tips. This dessert is perfect for hot days, parties or late-night cravings. Try it once and enjoy a sweet, cold treat made with love.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.


















Leave a Review