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.
Made with just five simple ingredients, this recipe churns up perfectly in a 4-quart ice cream maker and is delicious served on its own or with your favorite desserts.
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This post was originally sponsored by Hamilton Beach in 2018. It has been updated, and all opinions and experiences are my own.
Table of Contents
- Recipe at a Glance
- Hamilton Beach Ice Cream Maker Recipes
- 4 Quart Ice Cream Maker Recipes
- Main Ingredients Needed:
- Step-by-Step Directions
- Chilling Homemade Ice Cream
- Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Storage Tips
- Recipe FAQ's
- Cookie Recipes to Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream
- LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
- 🗒️Shopping List
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 💬 Comments
Recipe at a Glance
Prep: 5 min | Churn: 30 min | Chill: 2 hrs or longer | Difficulty: Easy | Servings: 8
Main Ingredients: whipping cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice
Why You’ll Love It: Made with simple ingredients and churned in a 4-quart ice cream maker for a rich, creamy texture.
Best For: Summer desserts, family gatherings, and serving with pies, cobblers, and other homemade treats.
Equipment Needed: 4-Quart Ice Cream Maker, Rock Salt
Hamilton Beach Ice Cream Maker Recipes
To show you how easy it is to make homemade ice cream, I'm using one of the recipes included with the Hamilton Beach 4-quart ice cream maker.
4 Quart Ice Cream Maker Recipes
If you're new to making homemade ice cream, the recipe booklet included with a 4-quart ice cream maker is a great place to start.
It includes several classic flavors and easy-to-follow instructions. For my first batch, I chose the homemade vanilla ice cream recipe because it's simple, creamy, and perfect for serving on its own or with your favorite desserts.
Main Ingredients Needed:
Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. Find the exact amounts and click the Instacart button to easily add them to your cart – all in the printable recipe card below!
Step-by-Step Directions
This section includes step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through the recipe. For the complete printable version, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, add the sugar, milk, cream, vanilla extract, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Whisk the ingredients together until well mixed.
Step 2: Carefully pour the mixture into the ice cream canister. Insert the dasher and secure the lid tightly.
Step 3: Now, follow the instructions in your machine's manual to add the ice and rock salt. Start the churning process and let it work its magic!
Step 4: After about 40 minutes, you'll notice the machine starting to slow down, signaling your delicious ice cream is almost ready.
Chilling Homemade Ice Cream
Step 5: 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.
Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
✔️ DO keep extra ice and rock salt nearby so you can replenish the bucket as needed during churning.
❌ DO NOT skip the freezer time after churning; the ice cream needs time to firm up for the best scooping texture.
Storage Tips
Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed fresh, but proper storage will help keep it creamy and delicious for days to come:
- 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.
Recipe FAQ's
To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!
While the preparation only takes a few minutes, homemade ice cream needs time to churn and freeze. Plan on about 30 minutes for churning in the ice cream maker and at least 2 hours of freezing time before serving. For the best texture, many people prefer to freeze it overnight.
Whether you need rock salt depends on the type of ice cream maker you're using. Traditional 4-quart ice cream makers often require a mixture of ice and rock salt around the canister to help the ice cream freeze properly. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific machine.
Ice cream makers that use ice and salt typically call for ice cream salt or rock salt. The salt helps lower the freezing temperature of the ice, allowing the ice cream mixture to freeze as it churns.
Rock salt or ice cream salt is recommended because the larger crystals melt more slowly and work best in traditional ice cream makers. While table salt can be used in a pinch, it dissolves more quickly and may not provide the same results.
Cookie Recipes to Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream
A scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream turns an ordinary cookie into a special dessert. Try one of these cookie recipes the next time you're serving homemade ice cream.
- 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 would taste great with homemade vanilla ice cream spread between the two yummy layers.
- You might be tempted to make ice cream sandwiches using my recipe for Jumbo Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies.
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🗒️Shopping List
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📖 Recipe Card
Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Equipment
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 to 40 minutes, or until the machine slows or stops on its own. Add additional ice and rock salt as needed during churning.
- Remove the canister. If desired, stir in mix-ins such as fresh berries, chocolate chips, cookie pieces, or chopped nuts using a long-handled rubber spatula.
- Replace the lid, insert the storage plug, and place the canister in the freezer for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
Tips
- Use cold milk and whipping cream for the best texture and consistency.
- Mix the ingredients until the sugar is completely dissolved before pouring the mixture into the ice cream maker.
- Keep extra ice and rock salt nearby so you can replenish the bucket as needed during churning.
Storage & Make Ahead
- Transfer the finished ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Store covered in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
- Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping if it becomes too firm.
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!
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!