Introduction
Is there anything more quintessential to summertime than indulging in a creamy scoop of ice cream? It’s a treat that transcends all ages and cultures, from classic vanilla to unique and exotic flavor combinations. But while there are endless varieties available in the store, there’s something truly special about homemade ice cream.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know to make delicious homemade ice cream from scratch. We’ll cover classic recipes, techniques for both ice cream makers and doing it by hand, unique flavor combinations, and even healthier alternatives. Get ready to impress your friends and family with the perfect scoop, every time.
4 Classic Homemade Ice Cream Recipes You Can Make From Scratch
Let’s start with the classics: vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and mint chocolate chip. These tried and true flavors are sure to please any crowd, and making them at home is easier than you think.
Vanilla Ice Cream
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
2. Remove from heat and let cool in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
Chocolate Ice Cream
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
2. Remove from heat and let cool in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
Strawberry Ice Cream
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, strawberries, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
2. Remove from heat and let cool in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– Green food coloring (optional)
– 1 cup chopped chocolate or chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, peppermint extract, and food coloring (if using). Heat over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
2. Remove from heat and let cool in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. During the last 5 minutes of churning, add the chopped chocolate or chocolate chips.
5. Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
DIY Ice Cream: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Delicious Treats
Making ice cream at home can be done in a few different ways: using an ice cream maker or doing it by hand. Let’s explore each method.
Ice Cream Maker
Using an ice cream maker is the easiest and most foolproof way to make ice cream at home. Just make sure your ice cream maker bowl is frozen and ready to use before you start.
Instructions:
1. Prepare your ice cream mixture according to your chosen recipe.
2. Pour the mixture into the frozen ice cream maker bowl.
3. Churn the mixture according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually around 20-30 minutes.
4. Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
By Hand
Making ice cream by hand takes a bit more effort, but it can be a fun and rewarding experience. This method involves pouring your ice cream mixture into a container, freezing it, and then stirring it every 30 minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.
Instructions:
1. Prepare your ice cream mixture according to your chosen recipe.
2. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container, such as a loaf pan.
3. Freeze the mixture for 2-3 hours, or until the edges start to freeze.
4. Use a fork or whisk to whisk the frozen edges into the center of the container, breaking up any ice crystals that have formed.
5. Repeat step 4 every 30 minutes until the ice cream is evenly frozen and has the desired consistency.
6. Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
How to Make Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker
Don’t have an ice cream maker? No problem! There are a few different ways you can make ice cream without one.
Plastic Bag Method
This method involves using two plastic bags and some ice and salt to create a makeshift ice cream maker.
Instructions:
1. Prepare your ice cream mixture according to your chosen recipe.
2. Pour the mixture into a small plastic bag, seal it tightly, and then place it inside a larger plastic bag.
3. Fill the larger bag with ice and salt, seal it tightly, and then shake the bag for around 10-15 minutes.
4. Remove the small bag from the larger bag and scoop out the ice cream.
Freezer Method
This method involves placing your ice cream mixture in a freezer-safe container and stirring it every 30 minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.
Instructions:
1. Prepare your ice cream mixture according to your chosen recipe.
2. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container, such as a loaf pan.
3. Freeze the mixture for 2-3 hours, or until the edges start to freeze.
4. Use a fork or whisk to whisk the frozen edges into the center of the container, breaking up any ice crystals that have formed.
5. Repeat step 4 every 30 minutes until the ice cream is evenly frozen and has the desired consistency.
Blender Method
This method involves blending your ice cream mixture until it reaches the desired consistency.
Instructions:
1. Prepare your ice cream mixture according to your chosen recipe.
2. Pour the mixture into a blender.
3. Blend the mixture on high speed until it is smooth and creamy, around 2-3 minutes.
4. Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
The Ultimate Guide to Unique Homemade Ice Cream Flavors
Now that you’ve mastered the classic flavors, it’s time to get creative. There are endless flavor combinations to explore, and making your own ice cream allows you to customize it to your tastes.
Avocado and Lime
– 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 ripe avocados, peeled and mashed
– Juice of 2 limes
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, avocados, lime juice, and salt. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
2. Remove from heat and let cool in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
Honey Lavender
– 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons dried lavender buds
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, honey, lavender buds, and salt. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
2. Remove from heat and let cool in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
Maple Bacon
– 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup real maple syrup
– 8 strips of bacon, cooked and chopped
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, maple syrup, bacon, and salt. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
2. Remove from heat and let cool in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
Healthier Homemade Ice Cream Alternatives
While traditional ice cream is delicious, it’s often loaded with sugar and fat. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try using some of these alternative ingredients in your homemade ice cream.
Banana Ice Cream
– 4 ripe bananas, peeled and frozen
– 1/4 cup almond milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine the frozen bananas, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
2. Blend the mixture until it is smooth and creamy, around 2-3 minutes.
3. Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
Coconut Milk Ice Cream
– 2 cans full-fat coconut milk
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the coconut milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
2. Remove from heat and let cool in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
Almond Milk Ice Cream
– 2 cups almond milk
– 1/2 cup arrowroot starch
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the almond milk and arrowroot starch until smooth.
2. Add the sugar and heat over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer.
3. Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract.
4. Let cool in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled.
5. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.