This Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream is a rich, creamy, and irresistibly smooth treat that’s incredibly easy to make with just four simple ingredients—no eggs or tempering required! Perfect for beginners or seasoned ice cream lovers, it’s a versatile base that pairs wonderfully with endless toppings or mix-ins. Whether served on its own or alongside your favorite dessert, this recipe is bound to become a household favorite.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

• 2 cups half-and-half cream

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine heavy cream, half-and-half, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until sugar is fully dissolved.

2. Pour the mixture into the cylinder of your ice cream maker, filling no more than two-thirds full.

3. Freeze according to your machine’s manufacturer instructions.

4. If you have leftover mixture, refrigerate it until your ice cream maker is ready to churn again.

5. Serve immediately for soft-serve texture, or transfer to a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace. Freeze 2–4 hours for a firmer consistency.

Nutrients (Per 1/2 cup serving)

• Calories: 308 kcal

• Fat: 22 g (14 g saturated)

• Cholesterol: 78 mg

• Sodium: 37 mg

• Carbohydrates: 23 g (23 g sugar)

• Fiber: 0 g

• Protein: 3 g

Simple Ingredients, Rich Results

There’s something almost magical about how a handful of everyday ingredients can transform into something so decadent. This ice cream relies on heavy whipping cream, half-and-half, sugar, and vanilla extract to deliver maximum flavor and texture with minimal effort. There’s no need to temper eggs or fuss with complicated steps—just mix, churn, and freeze.

The heavy cream brings that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth richness, while the half-and-half lightens the texture slightly for a perfect balance of creaminess and scoopability. Granulated sugar sweetens the mix just right, and the vanilla extract ties it all together with its familiar, comforting aroma.

Perfect for Beginners

One of the standout features of this recipe is that it’s incredibly beginner-friendly. There’s no need to worry about cooking custard, using a double boiler, or watching temperatures. The process is as easy as whisking the ingredients together and letting your ice cream machine do the rest. It’s a fantastic introduction to homemade frozen desserts for anyone who’s never tried making their own ice cream before.

Even if you don’t have an ice cream maker, there are still ways to adapt this recipe using no-churn methods. Simply mix the ingredients thoroughly, pour into a freezer-safe container, and stir every 30 minutes for a few hours until you reach a soft-serve consistency. It won’t be quite as airy as churned ice cream, but it will still be rich, flavorful, and refreshing.

A Blank Canvas for Creativity

This Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream is delicious on its own, but it also serves as the perfect base for a wide variety of mix-ins and flavor additions. Craving a chocolate twist? Add swirls of fudge or mini chocolate chips. Want a fruity burst? Fold in strawberries, peaches, or a ribbon of raspberry jam. Love texture? Try cookie crumbles, caramelized nuts, or chunks of brownies.

You can even experiment with flavoring the base itself. Try using vanilla bean paste for a deeper, speckled look and more intense vanilla taste. Or infuse the cream with a cinnamon stick, mint leaves, or even a splash of espresso before churning for a creative twist. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe one you can return to again and again with a new spin each time.

Ideal for Pairing with Other Desserts

One of the greatest joys of vanilla ice cream is how well it complements other desserts. It’s the perfect companion to warm fruit pies, fudgy brownies, chocolate lava cake, or grilled peaches. Its creamy texture and mellow flavor provide a cool contrast to warm, rich, or spiced desserts, balancing flavors and enhancing the overall experience.

It also shines when layered into sundaes or milkshakes, offering a versatile base that works beautifully with toppings like chocolate sauce, sprinkles, caramel drizzle, or whipped cream. You can even sandwich it between two cookies for a homemade ice cream sandwich, or serve a scoop alongside pancakes or waffles for a sweet brunch treat.

A Year-Round Favorite

While ice cream is often associated with summer, this vanilla recipe is delicious any time of year. During warmer months, it’s a refreshing way to cool down. In fall and winter, it provides a creamy counterpoint to seasonal desserts like apple pie, pumpkin crisp, or pecan bars. It also makes an excellent addition to holiday spreads, offering a familiar and universally loved flavor that balances out richer treats.

Because the base is neutral yet indulgent, it fits into any seasonal menu and is welcome at everything from casual backyard barbecues to elegant holiday dinners. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together, young and old, and always feels like a celebration.

Storage and Texture Tips

Once churned, this ice cream can be served immediately for a soft-serve texture that’s silky and light. For a firmer consistency, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for two to four hours. If stored for longer, it’s best to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping to soften slightly.

For best results, store it in an airtight container with a layer of plastic wrap or parchment paper pressed directly against the surface to prevent ice crystals from forming. This helps preserve the creamy texture and fresh flavor for up to two weeks—though it’s so good, it’s unlikely to last that long.

Health and Nutritional Considerations

Like any classic dessert, this ice cream is an indulgence, but it’s one made from recognizable, whole ingredients. Each half-cup serving offers around 308 calories, with 22 grams of fat and 23 grams of sugar. While it’s certainly a treat, it’s a more wholesome alternative to many store-bought varieties that can contain artificial stabilizers, gums, and preservatives.

Because the ingredients are straightforward, it’s also easy to adapt for dietary preferences. You can try swapping out some of the dairy with coconut cream or almond milk for a dairy-free version. Sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia can be tested as alternatives for a lower-sugar option. Customizing this recipe to suit your needs is not only possible but encouraged.

Fun for the Whole Family

Making homemade ice cream can be a fun activity for the whole family. Kids can help stir the ingredients, pour the base into the machine, and watch the transformation as it churns. It’s a hands-on way to teach basic cooking skills, patience, and the joy of making something from scratch.

Letting everyone pick their own toppings or create custom sundaes turns dessert time into an interactive experience. It’s the kind of kitchen memory that sticks with kids—and adults—for years.

Economical and Delicious

Store-bought premium ice creams can be pricey, especially when you’re buying gourmet flavors or small-batch brands. Making your own vanilla ice cream is not only more economical, but it also gives you control over quality, ingredients, and flavor. You’ll find that the cost per serving is significantly lower, especially when using ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about serving a dessert that you made yourself—knowing exactly what went into it and being able to tailor it to your taste.

Conclusion

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream is a timeless dessert that’s simple to make, endlessly adaptable, and incredibly satisfying. With just four ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a rich, creamy treat that rivals anything you’d find in a premium ice cream shop. Whether enjoyed on its own, paired with other desserts, or transformed with mix-ins and toppings, this recipe is a true classic that belongs in every home cook’s repertoire.

Perfect for beginners and seasoned pros alike, it’s a go-to dessert that fits any occasion—from casual family dinners to festive celebrations. So dust off your ice cream maker, grab a few pantry staples, and get ready to churn up something truly special. One taste of this Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream, and you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again.