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

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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.

Reviews

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Average Rating:

Catharina

Dec 25, 2019

I made this ice cream and we fell in love . It’s so easy to make and delicious too .it is a favorite go to meal. I will definitely be making it my go to recipe for ice cream. 5 stars.
Linda

Aug 4, 2019

For those who want a less like whip cream. Use only 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream 1 1/2 cups of half and half 1c. Of whole milk It works quite well
Holly

Jul 30, 2019

It was very good and i will be making it again
meeerylou

Jul 20, 2019

Tasted like whipped cream. Very fluffy and fatty. I will look for a different recipe for ice cream.
Kathleen

Jul 17, 2019

The first time I made this, I had some vanilla bean. Which I used in conjunction with the extract. What a beautiful rich and creamy ice cream. All the family raved.
Nathan

Jul 5, 2019

This tasted great and was super easy to make!
Cathy

Jun 30, 2019

I made this per the instructions in this recipe and ended up with frozen whipped cream topping. No joke! You could have opened a tub of CoolWhip straight out of the freezer, and you wouldn’t be able to tell them apart. I want ice cream, not frozen whipped cream, I should have known better by the high fat ratio in the ingredients. Wasted money and time.
Karen

May 26, 2019

Wonderful, flavorful, easy recipe! Everyone loved it! I will keep this as our favorite ice cream recipe.
Deb E

May 15, 2019

Well it looks like ecoderre May be making a fool of themselves. Comparing this recipe to a frozen custard is like comparing Chicago deep dish pizza to New York thin crust. They are very different styles. I actually made this recipe and couldn’t be happier. Simple, pure and no apologies to vanilla extract. Delicious!!
nightskystar

Apr 7, 2019

I agree with Audrey. Ecoderre should not post a review without trying a recipe. This is what i did. I first made the recipe for my family, as written. They gave it 5 stars. I follow a ketogenic diet, and have found ways to modify most things so that I can eat them. I used the basic recipe. Substituted allulose (a natural sweetener) for the sugar, and full fat coconut milk for the half and half. Its WONDERFUL!!! Make this your own. add in chocolate chips. berries. some caramel ice cream topping (or make your own) use flavorings. etc. You wont be sorry!!! Everyone in my house is happy. Carbers and non carbers alike. THANK YOU FOR THIS EXCELLENT RECIPE!