Ice cream is a delicious treat that is loved by people of all ages. While you can easily find ice cream at your local store or ice cream parlour, there is something special about making your own at home. Homemade ice cream is a delicious and special treat that can be made with a few simple ingredients.
One of the things that makes homemade ice cream special is the use of fresh and high-quality ingredients, which give it a rich and creamy flavor. Unlike store-bought ice cream, homemade ice cream is not processed and does not contain any preservatives or artificial additives.
You can regulate the amount of sugar that goes into your ice cream and make it less sweet or sweeter when you make it at home. Or you can simply use sweeteners and other alternatives to customize your dessert based on your preferences. Also, you can create unique flavours that may not typically be available in stores. For example, you could try making lavender honey ice cream, blueberry basil ice cream, or even bacon ice cream. The possibilities are endless, and you can let your creativity run wild.
Here are six quick and easy ice cream recipes that you can make in the comfort of your own kitchen.
1. No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream
No-churn vanilla ice cream is a quick and easy frozen dessert that's perfect for any occasion. You can also add different flavours or mix-ins to the base recipe to create your own custom flavours. This is a classic recipe that is easy to make and requires only three ingredients.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups of heavy cream
• 1 can (3 ounces) of sweetened condensed milk
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
Preparation:
• In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
• Pour the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract into the bowl and gently fold them into the whipped cream until fully incorporated.
• Pour the mixture into a large, freezer-safe container with a lid.
• Cover the container with the lid and freeze for at least 6 hours, or until the ice cream is firm and scoopable.
2. Chocolate Ice Cream
For all the chocolate lovers out there, a scoop of this rich and creamy ice cream may be the ideal dessert option for many people after a meal or anytime of the day. Chocolate ice cream is a versatile and delicious dessert that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
It can be used to make a delicious sundae by adding toppings such as whipped cream, chocolate syrup, cake, and chopped nuts. Or you can simply blend the chocolate ice cream with milk and ice into a thick milkshake that children especially enjoy.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups of heavy cream
• 1 cup of whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
Preparation:
• In a large saucepan, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined.
• Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
• Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until chilled.
• Once the mixture is chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.
• Transfer the ice cream to a container and freeze for at least 2 hours or until firm.
3. Strawberry Ice Cream
Strawberry ice cream is a delicious and refreshing dessert that is perfect for warm weather or any time you're in the mood for a sweet treat. What's special about this recipe is the use of fresh strawberries, which allows you to add an extra dose of nutrition to children’s diets as most kids enjoy a scoop of strawberry ice cream.
This strawberry ice cream can also be paired with a variety of other desserts and served along with cakes or pies. It can also be used as a filling for homemade ice cream sandwiches or blended with milk to make a thick shake.
When it comes to toppings for strawberry ice cream, there are many options to choose from. including whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and chocolate syrup. For a more unique twist, you could try topping your strawberry ice cream with crumbled graham crackers, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a sweet and tangy flavour combination.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup of whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation:
• In a blender or food processor, puree the strawberries until smooth.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and pureed strawberries until well combined.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until chilled.
• Once the mixture is chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.
• Transfer the ice cream to a container and freeze for at least 2 hours or until firm.
4. Coffee Ice Cream
Coffee ice cream is a delicious and creamy dessert that combines the robust flavour of coffee with milk, vanilla, and cream, which is perfect for coffee lovers. The coffee ice cream can also be used to make a variety of refreshing coffee-based drinks, such as frappes, cold coffee, and more.
When it comes to toppings for coffee ice cream, some classic options include chocolate chips, crushed cookies, chocolate sauce or whipped cream. For a more unique twist, you could try topping your coffee ice cream with a drizzle of caramel sauce, crushed nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm and cosy flavour.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon instant coffee or espresso powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large egg yolks
Preparation:
• In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, salt, and instant coffee or espresso powder. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to steam and simmer around the edges.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot cream mixture into the bowl with the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
• Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture and stir to combine.
• Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly with a spatula or wooden spoon, until it thickens and coats the back of the spatula (about 5-10 minutes).
• Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl to remove any lumps or chunks.
• Stir in the vanilla extract and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
• Once the mixture has cooled, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Churn the chilled mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
• Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
5. Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Mint chocolate chip ice cream is a classic flavour that combines the cool, refreshing taste of mint with the rich, creamy texture of chocolate chips. What's different about this recipe is the use of fresh mint leaves to infuse the ice cream with a natural mint flavour. Plus, it's easy to make at home with simple ingredients, so you can enjoy this classic flavor anytime you want!
Ingredients:
• 2 cups of heavy cream
• 1 cup of whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Preparation:
• In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to steam and simmer around the edges.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the peppermint extract.
• Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Churn the chilled mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
• Add the chocolate chips to the ice cream maker during the last minute of churning to evenly distribute them throughout the ice cream.
• Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
6. Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
Cookies and cream ice cream is a delicious blend of vanilla ice cream and chunks of cookies, such as Oreo or coconut cookies. The cookies are blended into the ice cream, creating a smooth and creamy texture with chunks of cookies throughout.
It's a classic flavour that's sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. One of the biggest differences between homemade cookie cream ice cream and store-bought versions is the quality of the ingredients. With homemade ice cream, you get to use natural ingredients of high quality, like cream, whole milk, sugar, and cookies, whereas store-bought versions may contain artificial flavours, thickeners, stabilizing agents, and preservatives that are not suitable for health.
Here is a recipe for you to try and enjoy:
Ingredients:
• 2 cups of heavy cream
• 1 cup of whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (such as Oreo cookies)
Preparation:
• In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to steam and simmer around the edges.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
• Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Churn the chilled mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
• Add the crushed cookies to the ice cream maker during the last minute of churning to evenly distribute them throughout the ice cream.
• Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
Making homemade ice cream is a fun and delicious activity that you can enjoy with your family and friends. With these quick and easy recipes, you can satisfy your sweet tooth without leaving your home. So go ahead and try out these recipes; you will not regret it!