This homemade vanilla ice cream recipe is the BEST summer treat! With only 5 ingredients, it couldn't be easier to make. Just remember to freeze the bowl of your ice cream maker at least 12 hours before you plan to churn the ice cream. See the post above for mix-in and topping suggestions!
Prep time: PT30M
Total time: PT150M
Rating
4.85 stars (177 reviews)
Keywords
Homemade ice cream, Homemade ice cream recipe, Homemade vanilla ice cream, how to make homemade ice cream, how to make ice cream
Ingredients
1½ cups heavy cream
1½ cups whole milk
⅔ cup cane sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon sea salt
Categories
Dessert
Cuisine
American
Steps
In a medium saucepan, combine the cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Warm over medium-low heat, whisking often, for 5 minutes, or until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warmed through.
Pour into a heatproof bowl, cover, and chill for 2 hours or overnight.
Remove the chilled ice cream base from the fridge and whisk well. Churn in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically 20 to 30 minutes. The ice cream will be soft after churning. For firmer ice cream, transfer to an airtight container and freeze for 2 to 4 hours before serving.
Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month. If the ice cream is too firm to scoop straight from the freezer, let sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften.
Reviews
Sherri on 2026-09-07 19:19:50 (5 stars): Recipe comes out perfectly as written!!! So simple yet so delicious!!! You can also use as a base for other flavors. For example, swap 1/2 of vanilla extract for mint extract when making batter and add chopped chocolate (or York Peppermint Chips) during last 5 minutes of churning for the best mint chocolate chip you’ve ever had. If you want it green, stir in 1/2 tsp food coloring after taking batter out of fridge (right before churning).
Used Lactaid whole milk a few times and didn’t notice a difference.
Lisa on 2026-08-18 21:14:11 (5 stars): Very good! Will be my new go to recipe for vanilla ice cream
Thank you!
Amanda on 2026-07-30 09:43:18 (5 stars): This recipe is amazing. The ice cream tasted so pure. My family can’t wait for me to make it again. Thank you!
Bostyn on 2026-07-30 09:38:38 (5 stars): I’m made three different batches and I’m making more me and my whole family love it.
Kerri on 2026-07-08 22:58:17 (5 stars): I have made this recipe so many times and it’s always a winner. It’s simple and quick. I’ve been adding a little twist each time like fruit or candy bars when churning. There are so many ways you can make it your own!
Victoria on 2026-07-01 12:44:39 (5 stars): Delicious recipe! So simple without using egg yolks. Will be making again!!
Katy on 2026-06-28 19:47:56 (5 stars): I have made this every week for a month now. It is so simple. The only thing I did differently was use 2 cups of cream and 1 cup of milk. It is sooo good. My husband loves it. I won't buy store bought again.
Nola on 2026-05-21 09:09:03 (5 stars): I love it!!!
Pam on 2026-05-21 09:04:14 (5 stars): My go-to ice cream recipe. So simple, so quick I use a Cuisinart freezer, takes about 30 minutes to churn. I don't use any heat to dissolve the surgar as stirring it for a 5-10 minutes in the creamy mixture usually does the trick. I also add the contents of 1 vanilla bean for extra vanilla deliciousness. (I really don't think it's toooo sweet) Serve with fresh summer berries and a slice of Preppy Kitchens best banana cake.. YUM
Juliette on 2026-04-21 14:20:56 (5 stars): What happens if you don’t have an ice cream maker? Can you use a mixer electric or blender as an alternative?
