Recipe | The Easiest Vanilla Ice Cream Ever

I am absolutely positive that every ice cream fanatic needs four things: an ice cream maker, this ice cream scoop, this ice cream container (or two?), and 3 basic ice cream recipes (vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate). Once you have that on lock, you can make pretty much any ice cream you could ever dream up. And if you’re like me, you DREAM about ice cream.

So today, I am introducing you to the EASIEST vanilla ice cream EVER. There’s no cooking, it’s only four ingredients, and literally takes 5 minutes (not including churn time). I use this ice cream maker, which is 1.5 quarts and has two bowls, so you are always prepared to whip up some ice cream (I keep one bowl in the freezer and one in the cabinet – every time I get the frozen out, I pop the room temp into the freezer). I also use a KitchenAid stand mixer, but you could sub a hand mixer or a good old fashioned whisk.

The Easiest Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Ever

• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1.5 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

1. Plop the sugar in your KitchenAid Stand Mixer, add your milk, and mix on low until the sugar has dissolved (I like to use the whisk attachment)
2. While continuing to mix, add in heavy cream
3. Add vanilla and continue to mix until just combined
4. Get your ice cream maker ready
5. Turn that puppy on, pour in your mixture, and let it churn for around 30 minutes (double check your maker’s instructions on this)
6. After the ice cream has thickened up, turn off your maker and spoon your ice cream into a freezer safe container
7. Pop it in the freezer and let it freeze overnight
8. SERVE!

Now, this ice cream is PERFECT just like this, especially when served on the side of a warm brownie or a freshly baked pie, BUT if you want to spice it up, here are a few ideas:

• Andes Mint: 1/2 tsp mint extract + 1 cup coarsely chopped Andes Mints
• Regular Ol’ Mint Ice Cream: 1/2 tsp mint extract + 1 cup chocolate chips
• Oreo: 1 cup coarsely chopped Oreos (or you can take a hammer to a plastic bag full)
• Peanut Butter Cup: 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter + 1/2 cup coarsely chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
• Matcha: 2-3 tbsp matcha powder to taste
• Coffee: 2 tbsp instant coffee granules
• Chocolate Chunk: 1 cup coarsely chopped chocolate

I would love to know what other creative ice cream flavors you come up with from this recipe, so please let me know in the comments! I hope you enjoy!