Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Name: Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 1-1/4 quarts.
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 2 cups half-and-half cream; 1 cup sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

We don't want to brag, but as far as vanilla ice cream recipes go, this one is the best. And with only four ingredients, it just might be the easiest, too. No ice cream maker? No problem. Just follow the directions below to learn how to make homemade ice cream by hand. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Ingredients

2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 cups half-and-half cream
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

Combine all ingredients, stirring to dissolve sugar completely. Fill cylinder of ice cream maker no more than two-thirds full; freeze according to manufacturer's directions. (Refrigerate any remaining mixture until ready to freeze.) Serve immediately or store in covered containers in freezer.

Editor's Note: For raspberry or strawberry ice cream, substitute 2 cups fresh or frozen berries for 1 cup half-and-half. Puree berries in a blender or food processor; stir into the other ingredients before freezing.
Editor's Note: To prepare recipe without an ice cream maker, place a 13x9-in. dish in freezer until cold. Prepare cream mixture as directed; transfer to prepared dish. Freeze until edges of mixture begin to set, 20-30 minutes. Using a hand mixer, beat mixture until smooth. Freeze, covered, until firm, about 3 hours longer, beating again every 30 minutes.

Test Kitchen Tips

To create a luscious treat that’s rich in antioxidants, add some finely chopped dark chocolate to the ice cream.

You can make a similar recipe in a coffee can.

Nutrition Facts

1/2 cup: 308 calories, 22g fat (14g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 37mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.

Originally published as Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream in Crafting Traditions July/August 1995

Reviews

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Average Rating:

Audrey

Dec 25, 2018

I just have to refute’ the review by ‘ecoterre’ below. This is a fantastic recipe and is a go to favorite. 1) This recipe is NOT frozen custard. It is an ice cream. Hence it does not call for eggs. 2) Use a good quality vanilla extract so the flavor is reflected. If you want to add vanilla bean, go ahead! I have! It’s great! 3) You can’t review a recipe you haven’t even tried. 4) Don’t be put off by the review from ‘ecoderre’, They don’t know what they are missing.
ecoderre

Dec 10, 2018

Not a custard base! Vanilla extract not vanilla bean. Nope, won't even try it!
Kristine

Nov 15, 2018

This recipe is the greatest! All you need is a mixer and container to freeze in! My son has stomach issues and regular ice cream from the store makes him sick! When I make this ice cream he has no issues and I can make his favorite! I put green food coloring with a couple drops of peppermint and mix away and you can put in freezer let get firm and stir in choc chips and have choc chip mint!
Joanne

May 24, 2018

All I can say is this is great stuff! Making more for the grand babies ????
Nicola

May 21, 2018

Love this recipe, its defo the best! My kids devoured it, me and my husband hardly got any lol!
Alexander

Apr 25, 2018

This was the very first ice cream I ever made. I substituted a little Colombian coffee liqueur for a half cup of the half-and-half. I can’t eat dairy, but 4 people including a chef tried it and everyone thought it was magical. Next time I would cut the vanilla in half and add 1 cup of Bailey’s in lieu of some half-and-half.Simple, delicious, and almost fool proof.I would give it 6 stars for simplicity alone if I could.Philadelphia stlye ice cream may take a little longer to churn (this took half hour plus) but well worth the wait.I would recommend thos to everyone!
Dolly

Mar 3, 2018

vanilla ice cream...more like heaven. This ice cream was Jesus himself. Maybe next time i invite the whole block over. I invited all my friends (1) over and she liked it sm.
JK

Feb 3, 2018

Experimenting with recipes and methods is all about learning new techniques and mastering your ice cream making to get the most amazing ice cream as a final product. If you still don’t own a ice cream maker, make use of features at Ice Cream Guide.
CHARITO

Jan 21, 2018

Super easy, and tastes really good! Made it in my Nostalgia electric ice cream maker following the instructions on my machine, and it froze to perfect consistency. Wonderfully creamy with a very home made vanilla taste. First time I used my machine and first time making ice cream, will definitely be sticking to this recipe.
aicenhour

Dec 10, 2017

We really like this simple vanilla ice cream recipe. I normally make enough batches to fill my 6 quart ice cream maker for birthday parties. It’s so easy and everyone loves it!