13 Easy Ice Cream Recipes: The Yummiest Homemade Treats You Can Make

I still remember the first time I made one of my favorite ice cream recipes with my family on a hot summer afternoon. We didn’t even have an ice cream maker, so we shook the bag by hand until it froze and laughed every time it got too cold to hold. When we finally opened it, the ice cream wasn’t perfect, but it tasted like victory and summer in a bowl.

When I serve ice cream recipes, I love pairing them with desserts that make each scoop shine, like warm brownies, fresh fruit, cones, waffles, or pie slices. Sometimes I even build sundaes with caramel drizzle, nuts, and whipped cream. Honestly, no matter the season, a homemade scoop always feels like the sweetest way to celebrate anything.

13. Classic Vanilla Ice Cream

Classic Vanilla is one of the easiest ice cream recipes to enjoy anytime. It is creamy, sweet, and doesn’t require fancy ingredients. It is a timeless treat that pairs perfectly with fruits and chocolate sauce. Making this homemade ice cream is satisfying and only requires a few ingredients and a little patience.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Mix the sugar and milk together until the sugar dissolves completely.
  2. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract and stir gently.
  3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  4. Transfer to a container and freeze for 4 hours or until firm.

12. Chocolate Fudge Ice Cream

This recipe is a favorite because it combines rich chocolate flavor with gooey fudge swirls. It is creamy, smooth, and perfect for chocolate lovers. Making it at home gives you full control over the sweetness and chocolate intensity, resulting in a decadent dessert that kids and adults will enjoy.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 cup cocoa powder
  • ½ cup chocolate fudge chunks

Directions

  1. Whisk sugar and cocoa powder into the milk until smooth.
  2. Add heavy cream and stir gently.
  3. Pour into an ice cream maker and churn for 20–25 minutes.
  4. Fold in the fudge chunks, transfer to a container, and freeze for 4 hours.

11. Strawberry Swirl Ice Cream

Strawberry Swirl is fruity, creamy, and perfect for summer. By combining fresh strawberry puree with a creamy base, you can create beautiful swirls that look as good as they taste. It is an impressive yet simple way to add natural fruit flavor to your dessert menu.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup strawberry puree

Directions

  1. Mix sugar and milk until the sugar dissolves completely.
  2. Add heavy cream and vanilla extract and stir.
  3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn for 15 minutes.
  4. Fold in the strawberry puree and swirl gently.
  5. Freeze for 4 hours until firm.

10. Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

This flavor is incredibly refreshing and perfect for those who love the combination of mint and chocolate. Making it at home allows you to customize the amount of mint extract and chocolate chips. It’s a popular choice for summer parties and a fun project for the family.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 tsp peppermint extract
  • ½ cup chocolate chips

Directions

  1. Mix sugar and milk until dissolved completely.
  2. Add heavy cream and peppermint extract and stir gently.
  3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn for 20 minutes.
  4. Fold in the chocolate chips.
  5. Transfer to a container and freeze for 4 hours.

9. Cookies and Cream Ice Cream

Cookies and Cream is a hit at any party or family gathering. By folding crushed chocolate sandwich cookies into a rich base, you create a crunchy and sweet dessert. You can use your favorite type of cookies to make this treat exactly how you like it.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies

Directions

  1. Mix sugar and milk until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Add heavy cream and vanilla extract and stir.
  3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn for 20 minutes.
  4. Fold in the crushed cookies.
  5. Freeze for 4 hours until firm.

8. Salted Caramel Ice Cream

This recipe offers a luxurious flavor that is rich, sweet, and slightly salty. Golden caramel swirls throughout the creamy base make every bite feel sophisticated. It is a homemade dessert you’ll be proud to serve to friends and family.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ½ cup caramel sauce
  • ½ tsp sea salt

Directions

  1. Mix sugar and milk until dissolved completely.
  2. Add heavy cream and stir gently.
  3. Pour into an ice cream maker and churn for 20 minutes.
  4. Swirl in the caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt.
  5. Freeze for 4 hours until firm.

7. Coffee Ice Cream

Coffee Ice Cream is bold, sweet, and perfect for anyone who loves the taste of a cold brew in dessert form. It is simple to adjust the coffee strength to your preference, making it a delicious homemade treat that rivals any coffee shop dessert.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp instant coffee granules
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Dissolve the sugar and coffee in the milk completely.
  2. Add heavy cream and vanilla extract and stir.
  3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn for 20 minutes.
  4. Transfer to a container and freeze for 4 hours.

6. Mango Sorbet

This mango sorbet is fruity, refreshing, and a great light dessert option. It is naturally vegan-friendly and dairy-free, using ripe mangoes to provide a vibrant color and smooth texture. It is a perfect summer treat that looks beautiful on any table.

Ingredients

  • 4 ripe mangoes, peeled and chopped
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Directions

  1. Blend mangoes with sugar, water, and lemon juice until smooth.
  2. Pour the mixture into a container and freeze for 2 hours.
  3. Stir halfway through freezing to ensure a smooth texture.
  4. Serve chilled.

5. Peanut Butter Swirl Ice Cream

Nutty and creamy, this ice cream is a dream for peanut butter lovers. The sweet and slightly salty swirls provide an unbeatable homemade flavor. It is a simple yet delicious way to create a high-quality frozen treat at home.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ½ cup peanut butter

Directions

  1. Mix sugar and milk until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Add heavy cream and stir gently.
  3. Pour into an ice cream maker and churn for 20 minutes.
  4. Swirl in the peanut butter.
  5. Freeze for 4 hours until firm.

4. Pistachio Ice Cream

Pistachio ice cream is elegant, nutty, and subtly sweet. By using finely chopped pistachios, you get a unique texture and flavor that is perfect for special occasions. It is a sophisticated dessert that is surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup chopped pistachios

Directions

  1. Mix sugar and milk until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Add heavy cream and vanilla extract and stir.
  3. Pour into an ice cream maker and churn for 20 minutes.
  4. Fold in the chopped pistachios.
  5. Freeze for 4 hours.

3. Banana Ice Cream

This is a great way to use up leftover ripe bananas. It is naturally sweet and flavorful, and if your bananas are ripe enough, you can even reduce the extra sugar. It’s a healthy-ish frozen dessert that kids absolutely love.

Ingredients

  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ¾ cup sugar

Directions

  1. Mash bananas until smooth.
  2. Mix with sugar and milk until well combined.
  3. Add heavy cream and stir gently.
  4. Pour into an ice cream maker and churn for 20 minutes.
  5. Freeze for 4 hours until firm.

2. Coconut Ice Cream

Tropical and refreshing, this coconut ice cream uses coconut milk to create a smooth, lightly sweet profile. You can add shredded coconut for extra texture. It is a perfect treat for a summer afternoon or a tropical-themed dinner.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups coconut milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ½ cup shredded coconut

Directions

  1. Mix sugar with coconut milk until dissolved.
  2. Add heavy cream and stir gently.
  3. Pour into an ice cream maker and churn for 20 minutes.
  4. Fold in the shredded coconut.
  5. Freeze for 4 hours until firm.

1. Rocky Road Ice Cream

Rocky Road is the ultimate indulgent treat, packed with marshmallows, nuts, and chocolate chunks. It offers a wonderful contrast between creamy ice cream and crunchy/chewy mix-ins. It is a decadent and rewarding recipe that everyone will love.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • ½ cup chopped nuts
  • ½ cup chocolate chunks

Directions

  1. Mix sugar and milk until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Add heavy cream and stir gently.
  3. Pour into an ice cream maker and churn for 20 minutes.
  4. Fold in marshmallows, nuts, and chocolate chunks.
  5. Freeze for 4 hours until firm.

CONCLUSION

Ice cream recipes are more than just frozen desserts—they’re moments of joy, laughter, and togetherness. From classic vanilla to bold flavors like rocky road and mango sorbet, each scoop brings comfort, nostalgia, and a little celebration in every bite. Whether served simply or dressed up with toppings, homemade ice cream always turns ordinary days into sweet memories.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *