Do you want to know how to make easy ice cream? Usually to make simple ice cream, you only need a few ingredients. You also don't need to use an ice cream maker! Once you know the basic techniques and ingredients, you can experiment and make your own ice cream with the flavor you want.
Ingredients
Simple Ice Cream (Classic)
- 500 milliliters of milk
- 500 milliliters heavy cream (heavy cream)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 120-170 grams of sugar
- 120-180 milliliters flavoring agent, such as chocolate syrup, caramel, or nut butter (optional)
- 130-180 grams of additives, such as chocolate chips or cookie chips (optional)
Thick and Soft Ice Cream
- 500 milliliters heavy cream
- 400 grams of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Additional ingredients, such as chocolate chips, marshmallows, etc. (optional)
Banana Ice Cream
- 4-5 bananas, peeled and cooled
- Peppermint or vanilla extract (optional)
- 1-2 tablespoons cocoa powder (optional)
- Dark chocolate chip or strawberry (optional)
Coconut Milk
- 850 milliliters coconut milk
- 120-180 grams of honey or agave nectar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
Step
Method 1 of 4: Making Classic Ice Cream
Step 1. Pour milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract and sugar into a blender
If you want to add a liquid flavor enhancer, such as chocolate syrup, you'll also need to add it at this stage.
Add a soft filling, such as chocolate syrup
Step 2. Mix all ingredients until smooth
Make sure all the ingredients are evenly mixed.
Step 3. Put the crunchy additives in the blender and mix all the ingredients again
Now, you can add some extra ingredients, like chocolate chips, cookie chunks, or even strawberries. Turn on the blender several times until the ingredients are mixed with the ice cream mixture.
If you want to add fruit, you can mix them until the mixture is really soft
Step 4. Pour the ice cream mixture into the container
Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap so the ice crystals don't damage the dough.
Step 5. Refrigerate the dough for 6-8 hours
For a smoother texture, stir the dough every hour or so.
Step 6. Use a spoon to serve the ice cream and refrigerate the remaining ice cream
This ice cream can last up to 2 weeks if refrigerated in the freezer.
Method 2 of 4: Making Thick and Soft Ice Cream
Step 1. Beat the heavy cream for 3-4 minutes until there is a dough that curls up at the end of the whisk
Pour heavy cream into a mixer and beat on high speed. This way, you will get a thick and creamy ice cream base.
If you don't have an electric mixer, you can use a food processor with a sieve
Step 2. Combine the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract in a large bowl
Make sure the bowl is also large enough to hold the heavy, whipped cream.
Step 3. Combine the whipped heavy cream with the sweetened condensed milk mixture using a spatula
Keep stirring the mixture until smooth.
Step 4. Try adding some extra ingredients
Add any additional ingredients or flavorings and mix with a spatula. However, be careful not to stir it too often to maintain the softness of the ice cream. There are several additional ingredients that you can add to the ice cream mixture:
- To make mint and chip ice cream, add a few drops of peppermint extract and a handful of chocolate chips.
- To make S'mores ice cream, add small marshmallows, crushed Graham crackers, and chocolate chips.
- To make cookies-n-cream ice cream, add 8 crushed Oreos (or other layered biscuits).
Step 5. Pour the dough into the container and cover the top of the container with aluminum foil
The paper can maintain the softness of the ice cream, and prevent the formation of ice crystals on the surface of the ice cream.
You can also pour the batter into a small cup or bowl to make a ready-to-serve dessert
Step 6. Freeze ice cream for 4-6 hours, then serve
Once the ice cream has frozen, you can scoop it out and serve it in a small bowl. If there is enough ice cream left, put the remaining ice cream back in the freezer.
Method 3 of 4: Making Banana Ice Cream
Step 1. Peel and freeze 4-5 bananas overnight
The more ripe the bananas you use, the tastier your ice cream will be.
Step 2. Cut the bananas into small pieces and put them in a food processor
Prepare banana pieces with a size of about 1.5-2 centimeters. If the banana is too large, it can actually clog the food processor.
Step 3. Blend the bananas for 40-60 seconds until the mixture becomes thick and creamy
Don't mix it too long so the bananas don't melt.
Step 4. Add the flavoring ingredients and stir the mixture again for 10-15 seconds
After that, the ice cream is ready to eat. However, you can still add additional ingredients, such as chocolate chips. There are a few ideas you can follow to make delicious ice cream:
- To make mint and chocolate chip ice cream, add a few drops of peppermint extract and a handful of chocolate chips.
- To make chocolate ice cream, add 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder.
- To make strawberry ice cream, add chopped strawberries and a few drops of flavor enhancer.
Step 5. Serve the ice cream immediately, or freeze it to enjoy later
Use an ice cream scoop to serve the ice cream in a small bowl. If you don't enjoy it right away, transfer the ice cream to a cold-resistant container and store it in the freezer. Banana ice cream can last for 2 days. However, since this ice cream is made from bananas, keep in mind that it can turn light brown in color.
Method 4 of 4: Making Coconut Milk
Step 1. Mix the ingredients in a blender until smooth for 30 seconds
You can also whisk it in a bowl until all the ingredients are evenly mixed.
Step 2. Pour the dough into the ice cream maker and freeze according to the instructions in the manual
Each machine has a slightly different process or mechanism so make sure you follow the specific instructions for the machine you are using.
If you don't have an ice cream maker, transfer the dough to a special container and chill in the freezer for 6-8 hours. Stir the dough with a spoon once every hour. Keep in mind that the texture of coconut milk ice cream will not feel so soft
Step 3. Transfer the dough to a container and freeze for (at least) 1 hour
It is recommended that you freeze the ice cream for 4-6 hours. Freezing for 4-6 hours makes the ice cream more "ripe". In addition, the texture and taste will feel better.
If you're not using an ice cream maker, you can take the ice cream out of the freezer after the first freeze time is over
Step 4. Serve the ice cream using a spoon and store the rest in the freezer
If the ice cream feels too hard, place it on the table and let it melt for 15 minutes. This coconut milk ice cream can last for 1-2 weeks if refrigerated in the freezer.
Tips
- If you want to make peppermint ice cream, add a few drops of green food coloring.
- Garnish the ice cream with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, colorful sprinkles, and maraschino cherries to make your homemade ice cream a delicious yet enticing dessert.
- Experiment with additional ingredients for your ice cream, such as chocolate chips, colorful chocolate sprinkles, chocolate sauce, and more.
- Classic (simple) ice cream recipes can be a great choice for teaching kids how to work in the kitchen.
- If the ice cream is too sweet, add a little salt to the mixture before you freeze it. The added salt can reduce the sweetness of the ice cream.
