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This homemade vanilla ice cream is my go to ice cream recipe. I use it as a starting point for all my favorite flavored ice creams.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
Because it’s the best homemade ice cream recipe ever!!
I am a plain jane when it comes to ice cream, my husband calls me boring but I love a good, simple vanilla ice cream. Every once in a while I will add a topping to it, maybe a few sprinkles but I love it plain the most. I have used this ice cream recipe for years and years. This recipe is the starting point for many of the other ice cream recipes here on the blog but it is definitely a stand alone ice cream! The taste and flavor are amazing.
Ingredients Needed
- Milk. I use a combination of whole milk, heavy whipping cream and half and half. If you are unable to buy half and half where you live you can replace it with equal amounts of milk and heavy cream.
- Sugar.
- Vanilla Extract.
- Salt.
Tips from Leigh Anne
- The key to a good vanilla ice cream is of course the type of vanilla that you use. Pure Vanilla Extract can be expensive but this ice cream is the time to splurge and use the good stuff. Since vanilla is your main flavor in this ice cream, you want it to be a good one. I always use pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste when making this ice cream.
How to Make Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
- Mix together all ingredients in a bowl, whisking together and pour into ice cream machine.
- Churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Put ice cream into an insulated ice cream container like this and allow it to firm up in the freezer. You can enjoy it immediately but it will have more of a soft serve ice cream texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will homemade ice cream last in the freezer?
Stored in an airtight, insulated ice cream container it will last for a couple of weeks.
Do I have to use an ice cream maker?
This homemade ice cream recipe is designed to be made in an ice cream maker and is not meant to be a no churn ice cream.
What kind of ice cream maker do you use?
I use a Cuisinart 2 qt. ice cream maker. I then transfer the ice cream into this insulated ice cream container to let the ice cream harden up.
Favorite Ice Cream Add Ins
If I am going to add anything into my ice cream one of my favorite things is to add on are some sprinkles! Sprinkles just make me happy. Other choices include:
- Mini Chocolate Chips
- Crushed up Oreos or other cookies
- Waffle Cone pieces
- Mini M & Ms
- Toffee Bits
- Malted Milk Balls or other candy
Some of our other favorite ice cream based desserts include:
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Vanilla Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups half & half half cream, half milk
- 1 1/2 Tbsp pure vanilla use the good stuff
- 2 cups whipping cream
Instructions
- Mix together all ingredients and pour into 2 qt. ice cream maker.
- Follow manufacturer’s directions.
- After ice cream has set up, stir in add in (mini chocolate chips, crushed cookies etc.)
Tips & Notes:
Recommended Products
Nutrition Facts:
This recipe was originally posted in August 10, 2012.
Romy Greenwood says
Just a quick review…
We tried the straight vanilla ice cream. Great texture. We happened to double the recipe. Flawless and yummy.
This is the recipe I will stick with. Ziplist is a tremendous help to me for organizing and experimenting with recipes. It has transformed me into a bit of a chef.
Thank you!
Ginger says
Welcome to my world. When I read all your posts about such amazing weather, it is hard to imagine. I live here in Mesa, and we live through this awful heat year after year, and stay here. 🙂 I’m curious if you son was part of the “mega wedding event” or you guys had your own “normal” wedding and reception. Our niece was married today and we were outside for pictures after the ceremony and we were dripping by the time we were done. I hope you make it back to your cool world. If you come here again, come in Nov., Dec., Jan., Feb. March, it is beautful!!!
Leigh Anne says
Truly not sure how people live in Arizona in the summer! We were not part of the “Big Fat Mormon Wedding” but our sealing was in between two of theirs. They must have all been at lunch because we didn’t see any of them. We only took a group shot outside and then the bride and groom took a few – the rest of us got in our air conditioned cars!!
Heidi says
That looks so yummy! Gonna have to make it with the kids! Congratulations to you and your family today as your family grows with a new daughter. Wishing you all the best. Can’t wait to see the pictures of the carnival wedding.
Bonnie@WhatAboutPie says
oh. my. gosh!!!! that looks sooooo good! my mouth is watering!
nancy says
Thank you for taking the time to post the vanilla ice cream recipe (I was one of those pesky people bothering you for the recipe!!!) . I can’t wait to make it this weekend. My thoughts are with you and your family today ~~~much joy and love are being sent you way!!!