Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream is an easy recipe that creates creamy and smooth ice cream quickly. With real vanilla flavor and a silky texture, this recipe makes a classic treat that is delicious paired with cake, cookies or pies.

Top view of vanilla ice cream in container with 3 scoops.

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This post was originally posted on 6/30/2020 and updated on 7/23/2025.

Why We Love This Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Creamy and smooth texture in every bite.
Easy to make, requires no eggs and no heating. Only simple ingredients and minimal steps.
Rich vanilla flavor that elevates it above store bought.
Customizable! Add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, cookie pieces, or fruit.
Pairs perfectly with cakes, pies, brownies, or fresh fruit.
Perfect for special occasions or just as a simple treat after family dinner.
Reliable recipe that delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results every time.

Ingredients for Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Heavy Whipping Cream
2% Milk
White Sugar
Pure Vanilla Extract
Vanilla Beans
Salt

Substitution Suggestions

Heavy Cream: For a very rich ice cream you can use all cream. However do not substitute the cream for anything else. This ice cream recipe needs the cream to make it creamy since it's not a custard based ice cream.
2% Milk: Whole milk or evaporated milk are great substitutes. I use 2% milk because it's what my family drinks so I always have some on hand.
Sugar: Honey, maple syrup, corn syrup or agave nectar can be used, but note that the flavor may change slightly.
Pure Vanilla Extract: You want to use pure extract in this recipe since it's the main flavor. Using imitation extract can leave the ice cream with an unpleasant after taste.
Vanilla Beans: If you can't find any vanilla beans in your local stores, you can try ordering them from Amazon or a kitchen specialty store. You can also substitute a tablespoon of vanilla bean paste.
Salt: Don't skip the salt. It balances out all the sweetness and flavor.

Homemade vanilla ice cream recipe ingredients.

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

First, read your instructional manual for your ice cream maker. My insert needs to be frozen, so I always keep it in the freezer so it is ready at a moments notice.
Next, scrape the seeds out of the vanilla beans. Take a sharp paring knife and slice lengthwise down the middle of the vanilla beans. Now using the point of the knife, scrape the beans out.
In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, vanilla seeds and salt until the sugar has dissolved.

Ice cream base in batter bowl with whisk.

Cover the bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Once the mixture is ready and chilled, follow your ice cream makers instructions. I have the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker and it's wonderful!
Once the churning time is done, the ice cream will be a soft serve consistency. You can serve the ice cream soft or for scoopable ice cream, add it to a freezer safe container, disposable carton with a lid or a simple loaf pan with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours. The cartons are great for gifting delicious ice cream.

Homemade vanilla ice cream being scooped out of container.

Serving Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Serve this creamy ice cream in your favorite ice cream cone, make it into a sundae or milkshake. It's also so delicious alongside cake, pie or cookies! You can also use the ice cream to make these yummy Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches.

Toppings and Variations

This homemade ice cream is delicious served plain, but making it into sundaes is also just as delicious! Here are some of our favorite toppings!

Top it with diced fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries or bananas. Those are our favorites! You can also use fruit sauce or jam. You can heat the jam a little bit and it will make a nice sauce.
Use up any candy bars or cookies you have laying around. Chop them up and add them to your ice cream. Chocolate chips are always good too!
Drizzle the ice cream with your favorite sauce. Chocolate, caramel and strawberry are delicious options.
Add some crunch with nuts. Use your favorite! Peanuts, cashews, almonds or pistachios are yummy options.
Don't forget the whipped cream and cherry and the end!

Homemade vanilla ice cream scoops in blue bowl.

Looking for some more homemade ice cream recipes? Don't miss my recipes for Strawberry Ice Cream or Red Velvet Ice Cream. So creamy and delicious!

Tips for Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Make sure the freezer bowl of your ice cream maker is frozen. Place it in the freezer at least 12 hours before making ice cream. I simply store it in the freezer at all times so its ready on a whims notice. If you have the extra space its a great way to never forget.
The ice cream mixture does not NEED to chill for 30 minutes, however the ice cream turns out with a more creamy texture when chilled first. Chilling it allows more air to incorporate while churning creating super creamy ice cream.
Before serving the scoopable ice cream let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes so it can be scooped more easily.

Heather's Favorite Tools for this Recipe

I have the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker and absolutely love it. I have also heard great things about the ice cream maker attachment for the Kitchenaid Mixer.
These nestled mixing bowls are my favorite! I used to be a Pampered Chef consultant so I really love there batter bowls too!
This ice cream scoop is the best. It makes dishing out hard ice cream easier.

Side view of vanilla ice cream in container with scoops on top.

Dessert Recipes to Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

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3.28 from 33 votes