There's nothing quite like homemade vanilla ice cream. Rich, creamy and delicious, it's an easy dessert and treat that's worth the time and effort.
And with just five ingredients - milk, cream, sugar, vanilla and salt - it's easy to make at home.
The key to success is to use good-quality ingredients and to let the mixture churn for long enough to reach the perfect consistency.

I have never made homemade ice cream before receiving this ice cream maker. My husband and I did this recipe together and it was so easy...and delicious!
You might be tempted to make ice cream sandwiches using my recipe for Jumbo Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies.
You definitely need to put a scoop of ice cream on top of Homemade Apple Pie, Peach Cobbler or my very favorite Apple Dump Cake.
Table of Contents
- Hamilton Beach Ice Cream Maker Recipes
- 4 Quart Ice Cream Maker Recipes
- Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Main Ingredients Needed:
- Step-by-Step Directions
- 1️⃣Combine the Ingredients
- 2️⃣ Add the Mixture to the Ice Cream Maker
- 4️⃣Storage Tips
- Favorite Ice Cream Toppings
- 🌟Try these recipes next...
- 💡Recipe FAQ
- 📇Recipe Card
- 💬 Comments
Hamilton Beach Ice Cream Maker Recipes
This post was originally sponsored by Hamilton Beach, however, all opinions, as always are my own.
To show you how easy it is to make homemade ice cream, I'm using the recipe that comes with the Hamilton Beach Ice Cream Maker.
4 Quart Ice Cream Maker Recipes
I thought for my very first homemade ice cream recipe, I should follow one of the 4 quart ice cream maker recipes included in the box. There are quite a few recipes included in the booklet that comes with the machine. I chose to make the homemade vanilla recipe today.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase after clicking on a link I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, click here.
Hamilton Beach Automatic Ice Cream Maker, 4More InformationMortons Salt Rock 4 Lb Pack OfMore InformationIce Cream Scoop with Trigger Ice CreamMore Information8oz Mini Ice Cream Containers with SiliconeMore Information
Main Ingredients Needed:
This is an overview of the ingredients and instructions. Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact quantities, detailed instructions and special notes.
- Granulated Sugar
- Whole Milk
- Heavy Whipping Cream
- Vanilla Extract
- Lemon Juice
- 8 lbs ice
- 3 cups rock salt
Step-by-Step Directions
1️⃣Combine the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, milk, cream, vanilla extract and lemon juice.
- Whisk until mixed through.

2️⃣ Add the Mixture to the Ice Cream Maker
- Pour the mixture into the canister, insert the dasher, and secure the lid tightly.
- Following the instructions in the manual, add the ice and rock salt to the machine and let the churning begin!
- After about 40 minutes, the machine will start to slow down.



Step 3: Chilling Homemade Ice Cream
- Look how delicious! Now comes the hard part...waiting.
- Put the ice cream into a freezer safe container and freeze for about one to two hours before serving.

4️⃣Storage Tips
Now that you've made the ice cream, let's talk a few different ways to store homemade ice cream:
- Freezer-safe plastic container
- Specially made ice cream containers
- Loaf pans - yes a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan you use bake bread in works great! Cover first with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.

More InformationMore InformationMore InformationMore Information
Favorite Ice Cream Toppings
Of course the ice cream is delicious just as it is, but it's always fun to add your favorite toppings:
- Chocolate sauce or fudge
- Homemade Strawberry Sauce
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Different colored sprinkles
- Homemade whipped cream

⭐Before You Begin! If you make this recipe, please leave a review and star rating. This helps my business thrive and continue providing FREE recipes.

🌟Try these recipes next...
The only thing missing from this dessert is a cookie or two! Here are a few yummy recipes that you might enjoy.
- Chocolate Sugar Cookies - oh my word...how about putting a scoop of this homemade vanilla ice cream between two chocolate sugar cookies? That sounds yummy, right?
- Or try this recipe for M&M Cookies to make an ice cream sandwich.
- Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies
More InformationMore InformationMore InformationMore Information
💡Recipe FAQ
Simply click the plus sign to read more about the questions you see below. If YOU have a question regarding this recipe, please let me know in the comment section.
Making ice cream at home is not a quick process. But it is truly worth the time it takes to make this delicious recipe.
I've only made this recipe using rock salt, but you can use Kosher salt. From the research I've done online, it seems that using regular table salt could give the ice cream a bitter taste. Rock salt is not hard to find or purchase. I ordered mine from Amazon. It was delivered in just a day!
📇Recipe Card
Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Easy Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe - smooth, creamy and so delicious! You'll love how easy this recipe is to make and keep cool on a hot summer day!
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Ice Cream Base
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 3 cups whole milk
- 6 cups whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
Ingredients for the Ice Cream Maker
- 8 lbs ice
- 3 cups rock salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, milk, cream, vanilla extract and lemon juice. Whisk until mixed through.
- Pour the mixture into the canister, insert the dasher, and secure the lid tightly.
- Place the canister into the center of the bucket. Assemble the motor over the canister with the dasher shaft inserted into the hole in the bottom of the motor.
- Turn the motor counter clockwise to lock the motor onto the bucket.
- Place the bucket into the sink.
- Plug in the power cord. Allow the mixture to churn for a couple minutes before adding ice to the bucket.
- Unplug the motor. Add about 2 inches of ice to the bottom of the bucket and sprinkle on about a ½ cup of the rock salt. Repeat the layers until the bucket is completely full.
- Plug the motor back in and allow the ice cream to churn for 20-40 minutes, or until the machine slows or stops on it's own. Keep an eye on it and add more ice as needed.
- Remove the canister. If you wish to mix in items such as fresh berries, chocolate, nuts, etc, do so now with a long-handled rubber spatula.
- Replace the lid, insert the storage plug, and put the canister into the freezer for 1-2 hours before serving.
Notes
This recipe should yield around 8 to 12 servings.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 639Total Fat: 45gSaturated Fat: 29gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 141mgSodium: 28356mgCarbohydrates: 56gFiber: 0gSugar: 57gProtein: 5g
The nutrition information is calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you, please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator.
This recipe has been updated since it first appeared in 2018 with new photos, information and a new printable recipe card that includes nutritional information. I hope you enjoy the updates as much as I enjoyed working on them!

Pamela says
Omgoodness this is such a delicious and easy Vanilla ice cream recipe ! ♥️♥️♥️
Will definitely be my go too , I have to say the lemon juice through me off because it’s how I make my diy buttermilk ( milk- lemon juice ) I’m glad I trusted and went for it .. so good 😊
I used half and half instead of whole milk and of course the heavy cream as instructed also scraped a vanilla bean into the mixture and added crushed mini Oreo cookies when it was finished
Thank you for the great recipe !
Lois says
Thank you! Your additions to the recipe sound delicious!
Jennifer says
Thanks for sharing this 🙂
Kurt Heninger says
I used 4 cups of milk, 4 cups 1/2 +1/2 and 4 cups heavy cream 4 cups of sugar and 2 tsp vanilla 1tsp salt ,,,turned out awesome, thanks for the recipe
Lois says
Sounds delicious!
Tammy says
I'm making basically this same recipe for the 4th. We love homemade ice cream. Well, actually we love it too much!! 😁
Lois says
We love this recipe as well. My husband keeps asking for us to make it and I think we might over the 4th when our kids come home! Thank you for visiting!
Vanessa says
I've never made home made ice cream before but this does make it look simpler than I thought it was.
Lois says
This was my first time as well. I was surprised how easy and delicious it is!!!
Joanne says
That sounds delicious! I have only made ice cream a time or two; we got an ice cream attachment for our stand mixer last year and really enjoyed how creamy it was.
Lois says
Ohhhh...I need to look at that!! Thanks for visiting!
Ngan Tran says
I love manila so much, especially in ice-cream. I think that I can combine vanila with other fruits such as strawberry, mango, cherry, apple.....to make many new flavors
Let's try it.
Joanna says
How many servings does this recipe make? I am having a cookout with about 20 people and trying to decide if I should double it and if my ice cream maker will even have room to double the ingredients. Thank you!
Lois says
This recipe should make 8 to 12 servings. Please check your email as I sent you an email as well earlier this morning. Thank you for visiting.
LYNN ADAMS says
Hi Joanna,
I hope to make this recipe for about 25 people and serve it tomorrow evening! Will probably add some very sweet dried blueberries along with some not so sweet peaches or raspberries. Would appreciate your suggestions, especially on proportions. Many thanks!
Erlene says
My oldest daughter loves vanilla ice cream. This is perfect for the summer 🙂
Liz says
I made this and put golden Oreos in it! To.die.for!!!!! Thanks so much!!
Also wondering if you ever include the nutritional facts with your recipes?
Lois says
I love the Oreos in the ice cream! What a yummy idea. Thank you so much for visiting and leaving a comment. I sent you an email regarding the nutritional information for my recipes. Thank you!
Tammie Brooks says
Can cream cheese be added for cheese cake ice cream?
Lois says
That's a different recipe. You need to follow a recipe specifically for Cheesecake Ice Cream.
Codi says
This recipe was a real hit.🍨 I may try to add it to our offerings at the next catering job we do. Where do you get the inspiration for your recipes? I struggle with coming up with unique recipes.🌟
Maria says
This ice-cream looks soooo yummy!and delicious! Great post 🙂 x
It’s never too late for ice cream. 😉 One of my favorite flavors!! 🍨
Lois says
Yes! Ice Cream is enjoyed year round in our house! Thanks for visiting!
Lily says
These all looks so good!! I actually got an ice cream maker for my birthday few years ago, and I ain’t gonna use it until I move out, and this really inspired me! 🙂 can’t wait til I can start making my own ice creams, because I also love it all year around 😀
Linda on Poinsettia Drive says
Thank you sharing your link on the Classy Flamingos Blog Party we've enjoyed it. Come back soon. poinsettiadr.com
Ann says
This looks so amazing🙌🏻 Thanks so much for sharing w/ Wall to Wall DIY Wednesday🤗
Lois says
Thank you for visiting! Love joining your parties.
Linda Quigley says
Oh my which one first. I think that I would start off with vanilla with lots of toppings for my Grandchildren. While I am making that first batch, I would be searching for lots of Ice Cream flavors and types. I would also want to try and make some gelato,
Kenia says
I would make charcoal ice cream.
Brenda Haines says
First I would make marionberry ice cream sandwiches. Thanks for the chance!
Lois says
I have never heard of that flavor! Sounds yummy. Thanks for joining!
Cheryl Rahkonen says
I would make pistachio ice cream.
Lois says
Thanks for visiting and joining!
Anjum Chopra says
Hi..i am just seems to be lucky to find this blog.You have excellent content here.I have just gone through how to make home made vanilla ice cream,this is just amazing.I will try this today at home.
Lois says
Thanks for visiting and joining!
KATHY STODOLAK says
I would love to try a chocolate with caramel ribboned through it.
Lois says
Oh that sounds amazing!
marissa c says
I would make peppermint ice cream which is my favorite!
Lois says
That's one of my favorites too! Thanks for joining!
J says
With all the cherries in season now, I would definitely make cherry ice cream with loads of big fat cherries in it with dark chocolate. Yum!
Lori Ferrante says
I would be making ice cream for my family!! We really like ice cream, although each of us have a different favorite!! I would like to make Coffee with dark chocolate covered almonds!!
Lois says
I need to go find dark chocolate covered almonds! They sound amazing! Thanks for joining!
Christina Almond says
I would love to make some lemon ice cream--sounds so summery and refreshing! I love citrus flavors!
Lois says
Oh those sound so yummy and refreshing!!! Thanks for joining!
Dee says
I would make banana ice cream as I remember it so fondly from childhood!
Lois says
I've never had banana ice cream. Sounds delicious. Thank you for entering!
Ron says
I've also never had home made ice cream. Vanilla would be the perfect start, but what I'm craving is a copycat recipe for Baskin-Robbins Pralines & Cream.
Lois says
That sounds yummy too! Thanks for joining!
Dandi D says
I would make some double chocolate ice cream!
Lois says
That sounds delicious! Thanks for visiting and entering!
Kathy Schultz says
Strawberry ice cream!
Lois says
Yummy!!!
Edye says
I'd make this ice cream! 😀
Lois says
Let me know if you ever do! Thanks for visiting!
Joel says
Rocky. Road icream Or. Cocanut. Mango Yogurt
Lois says
Those all sound yummy! Thanks for visiting!
Maureen says
Anything with chocolate for my husband. He would love love chocolate rocky road.
Lois says
That sounds yummy! I want to try a different flavor next too! Thanks Maureen!