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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
Stored in an airtight, insulated ice cream container it will last for a couple of weeks.
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.
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.
lele says
Can you make this recipe with out a ice cream maker?
Leigh Anne says
I have only ever made it with an ice cream maker.
Tabitha says
I couldn’t get my ice cream to churn in my Kitchenaid ice cream maker. I’ve made lots of ice cream recently and none of them have had this problem. It seemed like there was more liquid in this recipe than others I’ve made. Thoughts?
Leigh Anne says
Not sure what you mean by churn? The mixture wouldn’t thicken up? I have used this recipe for decades and it is a family favorite. Sorry it didn’t work for you, not sure what the problem is, could something be up with your ice cream maker?
Lily says
This ice-cream looks soooo yummy!and delicious! Great post 🙂 x
It’s never too late for ice cream. 😉 One of my favorite flavors!! ????
Mandy says
Looks delicious! If my ice cream maker is only 1.5 qts would it work to make 3/4 of this recipe?
Leigh Anne says
Mandy, You bet, that should work fine.
Allanna says
My favourite ice cream is vanilla too!!!!!!!!! If there’s a vanilla option for anything, there’s a 99% chance I’ll take that over chocolate 😉
Leigh Anne says
Yeah for Team Vanilla!