Easy Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream: A Simple Recipe for a Delicious Treat

Nothing beats the rich, creamy taste of homemade vanilla ice cream. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy this classic dessert made right in your own kitchen.

This recipe is straightforward, doesn’t require an ice cream maker, and delivers fantastic results.

Let’s see how easy it is to make this homemade vanilla ice cream.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: To whip the heavy cream until it’s fluffy.
• Bread Pan: For freezing the ice cream mixture.

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Freeze Time: 6-8 hours
• Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 vanilla beans
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Whip the Cream

Start by adding 2 cups of heavy cream to a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer on high speed to whip the cream until it becomes light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to over-whip, as you want the cream to be soft and airy, not butter.

2. Combine Ingredients

Once the cream is whipped, add 1 14oz can of sweetened condensed milk and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract to the bowl. Gently fold these ingredients into the whipped cream using a spatula. Ensure you mix until there are no streaks remaining, and the mixture is uniform.

3. Prepare the Vanilla Beans

Take 2 vanilla beans and slice them lengthwise. Use the back of a knife to scrape out the tiny seeds inside. These seeds will add an intense vanilla flavor and attractive specks to your ice cream. Add the seeds to the cream mixture and stir well to distribute them evenly.

4. Freeze the Mixture

Pour the ice cream mixture into a bread pan. Smooth the top with a spatula, cover the pan with plastic wrap, and place it in the freezer. Allow the ice cream to freeze for 6-8 hours, or until it’s completely firm.

5. Serve and Enjoy

After freezing, your homemade vanilla ice cream is ready to be enjoyed. Scoop it into bowls or cones and savor the creamy, rich vanilla flavor.

Additional Tips and Notes

• Vanilla Bean Alternatives: If you can’t find vanilla beans or find them too expensive, you can use vanilla bean paste, which is available at Amazon, Walmart, or Michaels. Alternatively, you can skip the beans and simply add an extra tablespoon of vanilla extract (a total of 2 tablespoons).
• Storage: Keep any leftover ice cream covered in the freezer to maintain its texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This easy homemade vanilla ice cream recipe is perfect for those who love a rich, creamy dessert without the need for special equipment.

The combination of heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and real vanilla beans creates a luxurious treat that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or just to enjoy on a hot day, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and see how simple and delicious homemade ice cream can be!

Other Amazing Homemade Ice Cream Recipes

Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream

Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Mermaid Ice Cream

Frosted Circus Animal Ice Cream

Strawberry Ice Cream

Blueberry Ice Pops