Go Back
Homemade vanilla ice cream in a wooden bowl next to a ice cream scoop with sprinkles around on a cutting board

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Homemade vanilla ice cream with only four simple ingredients is sure to be a hit on those hot summer days. Make this in an electric ice cream maker, and you have dessert ready in less than 60 minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Freeze Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 2 quarts
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 3/4 C half & half
  • 1 1/3 C granulated sugar
  • 1 3/4 C whipping cream I don't use heavy, just regular
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Equipment

  • 1 electric ice cream maker 2 qt capacity
  • 1 large bowl
  • spatula, measuring cups & spoons, etc

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, pour the half and half. Add the sugar and stir well. This will take several minutes for the sugar to dissolve into the half and half. Don't rush this. The ice cream won't turn out right if you don't dissolve your sugar completely. This should take 3-4 minutes of stirring.
  2. Add the whipping cream and stir. Add the vanilla and stir.
  3. Carefully pour mixture into ice cream maker container. Follow ice cream maker's instructions. {for mine, I just push start. I stop it about 55 minutes or when it starts to really slow down in churning; the full time is 60 minutes}
  4. Remove ice cream from container using a spatula, and pour into a freezer safe container. Let harden several hours. BUT if you can't wait, you can serve immediately, it will just be more like a soft serve ice cream.

Notes

Homemade ice cream melts FAST.  So, once you are done scooping, put it right back in the freezer.