Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream: A Sweet Summer Staple

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There’s something timeless about homemade ice cream—simple, creamy, and just sweet enough to bring a little joy to any summer day. Whether it’s scooped into cones for sticky-fingered kids or served alongside a fresh cobbler at your next backyard dinner, this recipe is one of our homestead favorites.

The best part? You only need a few real, wholesome ingredients—and no mystery additives.

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Simple Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 3 cups whole milk
• 3 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract (the better the quality, the better the flavor!)
• ½ teaspoon salt

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Equipment:

• Ice cream churn or ice cream maker
• Whisk
• Large mixing bowl or pot
• Freezer-safe container with lid
• Optional: Silicone spatula

Directions:

1. Whisk it up: In a large bowl or pot, combine all the ingredients. I usually give mine a quick heat on the stove to make sure the sugar melts. Or, you can whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved—this may take a couple minutes. Don’t rush it—this step helps ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
2. Chill (optional but helpful): If you have time, refrigerate the mixture for an hour or two. Starting with a cold base helps the ice cream churn faster and fluffier.
3. Churn: Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Most machines take 20–30 minutes to reach soft-serve consistency.
4. Freeze: For a firmer scoop, transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 2–4 hours.

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Tips & Add-Ins:

• Swirl in fruit jams(Peach Butter), crushed cookies, or chocolate chips just before transferring to the freezer.
• Add fresh berries on top for a patriotic treat (hello, 4th of July!).
• Want it eggier? This recipe is egg-free for simplicity, but you can swap in a custard-style base if you prefer.

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Why We Love It:

This ice cream is everything we want in a summer dessert—simple, nostalgic, and rich in flavor without being overly sweet. It’s perfect on its own or dressed up for a celebration.

Whether you’re serving it at your next family gathering, or just as a treat after a long day of homesteading, this is a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.