vanilla ice cream

A Guide to Making Classic Vanilla Ice Cream

Vanilla ice cream, a timeless favorite, is simpler to make than you think. Here’s a basic recipe plus tips to elevate it.

Start with the base: 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 tbsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk sugar into the milk until dissolved, then stir in cream and vanilla. For richer flavor, use a vanilla bean: split one, scrape seeds into the mixture, and add the pod.

Chill the base for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to let flavors meld. Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to instructions—usually 20–30 minutes until thickened. For no-churn versions, whip 2 cups cold cream to stiff peaks, fold in 1 sweetened condensed milk and 1 vanilla extract, then freeze for 6 hours.

Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or fruit during the last 5 minutes of churning. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. The key? Quality ingredients and patience—homemade vanilla ice cream is worth the wait!