Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Making ice cream at home can be both fun and rewarding. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you can create a creamy, delicious treat that rivals your favorite shop-bought brands. Let’s dive into how to make this classic vanilla ice cream!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• Optional: 1/2 cup of mix-ins like chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or fruit (for variation)

Equipment Needed:

• Ice cream maker (or a mixing bowl and a freezer)
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Medium-sized bowl

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ice Cream Base
   In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and salt until the sugar is completely dissolved. This usually takes about 2 minutes of whisking.

2. Add Vanilla Flavor
   Stir in the vanilla extract, mixing well to incorporate.

3. Chill the Mixture
   For best results, chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours. This helps the base to thicken slightly, ensuring a creamier texture.

4. Churn the Ice Cream
   Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, this will take around 20-25 minutes, depending on your machine.

5. Optional: Add Mix-ins
   Once the ice cream has reached soft-serve consistency, you can mix in any extras you like. Add chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or even some fresh fruit to give it a fun twist.

6. Freeze to Firm Up
   Transfer the ice cream into an airtight container and place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until it firms up to your desired consistency.

7. Serve & Enjoy!
   Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones, and enjoy the creamy, homemade goodness!

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Tips for Success:

• If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can place the mixture in a freezer-safe container and stir it every 30 minutes for the first few hours to prevent ice crystals from forming.
• Experiment with different flavors! Swap the vanilla extract for chocolate, almond, or mint extract to create your own signature flavor.

This easy homemade vanilla ice cream is perfect on its own or as a base for many creative variations. Enjoy crafting your own frozen treat!