This Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream is so much better than store-bought! Just 4 ingredients come together to create a rich, smooth, creamy ice cream with the perfect amount of vanilla flavor.

Homemade vanilla ice cream in a tub with an ice cream scoop.

I didn’t know ice cream could get better until I started making it homemade. Seriously. And this Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream is the perfect introduction into the world of homemade ice cream.

This recipe is as simple as can be, requires just a couple of basic ingredients, and takes almost no hands-on time. It’s so much better than store-bought and just about as easy as running to the store to grab a carton!

Why You’ll Love Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Simple and quick. You need 4 basic ingredients and a few quick minutes to whip this ice cream up.
Perfect flavor. This homemade ice cream is rich, sweet, and creamy and infused with just the right level of vanilla flavor.
Customizable. Serve this ice cream plain or add in your favorite mix-ins.

Ingredients

Milk and Cream: We’re using a combination of whole milk and heavy cream as the base for our ice cream. I don’t recommend any milk or cream substitutes. You need all of that fat to create the richest flavor and creamiest texture.
Sugar: To sweeten, of course!
Vanilla Extract: I recommend pure vanilla extract to keep it simple but still add authentic vanilla flavor. If you’re looking for a recipe using whole vanilla bean, check out my vanilla bean ice cream recipe instead.

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

This homemade ice cream takes just a few minutes to mix up! The hardest part is waiting for it to freeze! Here’s a summary of the recipe:

Step One: Combine milk and sugar using your mixer at low speed. Stir in table cream and vanilla.

Steps to make homemade vanilla ice cream.

Step Two: Transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker, then churn for 25 minutes.
Step Three: Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours.

Helpful Kitchen Tools

These kitchen tools will help you make this recipe.

Ice cream maker – I used a Cuisinart Pure Indulgence Ice Cream Maker.
Ice cream scoop
Mixer
Ice cream containers for freezer

What to Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream

While you can totally serve this vanilla ice cream plain, it sure is fun to dress it up with all your favorite toppings! Try it topped with hot fudge sauce, butterscotch sauce, chopped nuts, whipped cream, fresh berries, strawberry sauce, chocolate shavings, you name it.

It’s also perfect served plain next to a warm serving of winter cherry cobbler or apple crisp or in a rootbeer float!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use full fat ingredients. Full fat milk and cream are key for the best texture. I don’t recommend subbing them out for anything else.
Churn it well. Plan for 25 minutes of churning time so the ice cream is nice and creamy.
Leave plenty of time to freeze. I list a minimum of 2 hours, but I recommend longer to make sure the texture of the ice cream is just right. I usually shoot for 6 hours of freezing time before serving.
Store in the back of the freezer. Ice cream stored in the back of the freezer tends to last longer since it’s not as affected by the temperature changes as you open and close the door.

Variations

I love to keep this vanilla ice cream plain and simple, but you can totally customize and play around with add-ins and flavors. Here are just a few ideas:

Brownie bits
Chopped cookies or Oreos
Chopped candy bars
Sprinkles
M&Ms
Chocolate chips

Really though, the possibilities here are endless!

Storage Instructions

Homemade ice cream can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.

When you’re ready to serve, set the ice cream out on the counter for 10 minutes or so to let it soften just a bit.

Does Vanilla Ice Cream Need Eggs?

Nope! While there are a lot of recipes that create a custard base using egg, I don’t find it necessary. This homemade vanilla ice cream comes out perfectly rich, smooth, and creamy without the added ingredient.

More Homemade Ice Cream Recipes You’ll Love

You’ll also like this Ice Cream Pie and Orange Sherbet.

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If you make the recipe, rate it on the recipe card below and tag me on Instagram and use #simplystacie. I like sharing the photos on my Instagram stories!

A tub of vanilla ice cream with an ice cream scoop.

Rate this Recipe

4.33 from 46 votes