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Ever wonder how to make ice cream without all the hassle? For most types of simple ice cream, you only need a handful of ingredients, and you don't even need an ice cream maker! Once you know the basics, you can experiment with inventing your own ice cream flavors.


Ingredients

  • 2 cups (475 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 14-ounce can (397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, marshmallows, etc. (optional)

Basic Ice Cream [1]

  • 2 cups (475 milliliters) whole milk
  • 2 cups (475 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • ½ to ¾ cup (115 to 170 grams) white, granulated sugar
  • ½ to ¾ cup (120 to 180 milliliters) flavoring, such as chocolate syrup, caramel, or peanut butter (optional)
  • ¾ to 1 cup (130 to 175 grams) add-ins, such as: chocolate chips or crushed cookies (optional)

Banana Ice Cream [2]

  • 4 to 5 bananas, peels and frozen
  • Peppermint or vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (optional)
  • Handful of dark chocolate chips or strawberries (optional)
  • 3 ½ cups (820 milliliters) full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/3 to ½ cup (115 to 175 grams) honey or agave nectar
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla extract


Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Making Basic Ice Cream

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  1. Combine 2 cups (475 milliliters) whole milk, 2 cups (475 milliliters) heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ to ¾ cup (115 to 170 grams) white, granulated sugar in your blender. [3]
    • Make sure all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Simple Ice Cream
    Now is the time to add in some extra goodies, such as chocolate chips, crumbled cookies, or even sliced fruit. Pulse the blender a few times until the new ingredients are just mixed in.
    • If you are adding fruit, you can blend it until completely smooth.
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  3. Cover the container with a lid or a sheet of plastic wrap to protect it from getting any ice crystals.
  4. For fluffier ice cream, stir the mixture every hour or so.
  5. The ice cream will last for about 2 weeks in the freezer.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Making Banana Ice Cream

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Simple Ice Cream
    The more ripe the bananas are, the better your ice cream will turn out.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Simple Ice Cream
    You want the banana chunks to be about ½ inch (1.27 centimeters). If they are too big, they may clog up your food processor.
  3. Do not over-blend your ice cream, or it will start to melt.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Simple Ice Cream
    At this point, your ice cream is ready to eat, but you can take it a step further by adding some goodies, such as chocolate chips. Here are some yummy ideas to get you started: [4]
    • To make mint-chip ice cream, add a few drops of peppermint extract and a handful of dark chocolate chips.
    • To make chocolate ice cream, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder.
    • To make strawberry ice cream, toss in a handful of sliced strawberries and a few drops
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Simple Ice Cream
    Scoop the ice cream out into small serving bowls using an ice cream scoop. If you aren't going to eat it right away, transfer it into a freezer-safe container and put it into the freezer; it will last for about two days. Keep in mind that because this ice cream is made from bananas, it will turn a light brown after some time.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Making Rich and Creamy Ice Cream

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  1. Pour the heavy cream into a mixer, and beat on high. This will give you a thick, creamy base for your ice cream. [5]
    • If you don't have an electric mixer, you can use a food processor fitted with whisks.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Simple Ice Cream
    Make sure that the bowl is large enough to hold the beaten heavy cream as well.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Simple Ice Cream
    Keep folding and stirring until it is evenly combined. [6]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Simple Ice Cream
    Gently fold in your desired additions or flavorings with a spatula. Be careful not to over-mix, or your ice cream will lose its fluffiness. Here are some ideas to get you started: [7] [8]
    • To make mint-chip ice cream, add a few drops of peppermint extract and a handful of mini chocolate chips.
    • To make S'mores ice cream, add some mini marshmallows, crumbled graham crackers, and some chocolate chunks.
    • To make cookies-n-cream ice cream, add 8 crushed Oreo cookies (or similar sandwich cookies).
  5. [9] The foil will help keep the ice cream soft, and prevent ice crystals from forming.
    • You can also pour the mixture into individual cups or bowls to make small, ready-to-serve desserts. [10]
  6. [11] Once the ice cream is frozen, you can scoop it out into small bowls using an ice cream scoop. If there are any leftovers, put them back into the freezer.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Making Coconut Cream Ice Cream

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Simple Ice Cream
    [12] You can also whisk them together in a bowl until everything is evenly combined.
  2. Every ice cream maker will be a little different, so make sure that you follow the directions for your specific maker.
    • If you don't have an ice cream maker, transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for 6 to 8 hours. Stir it with a spoon every hour. Keep in mind that the ice cream won't be as creamy. [13]
  3. Freezing the ice cream for 4 to 6 hours would be recommended, however. [14] This allows the ice cream to "ripen." It will improve its texture and flavor.
    • If you are not using an ice cream maker, then you cam simply pull your ice cream after the initial freezing time.
  4. If it is too hard, let it soften for about 15 minutes on the counter. The ice cream will last 1 to 2 weeks in the freezer.
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Community Q&A

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Add New Question
  • Question
    Which flavor should I use in making banana ice cream?
    Community Answer
    Depends on your personal preference, but ginger works well, as does cocoa or nutmeg.
  • Question
    What type of cream is used?
    Community Answer
    Heavy cream works the best.
  • Question
    Can I use double cream instead of heavy cream?
    Community Answer
    Yes, because double cream and heavy cream are very similar. Double cream just has a higher fat percentage.
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      Things You'll Need

      Basic Ice Cream

      • Blender or food processor
      • Freezer-safe container

      Rich and Creamy Ice Cream

      • Electric mixer
      • Bowl
      • Whisk
      • Spatula
      • Freezer-safe container
      • Foil or wax paper

      Banana Ice Cream

      • Food processor
      • Spatula
      • Freezer-safe container (optional)

      Coconut Cream Ice Cream

      • Blender
      • Ice cream maker (optional)
      • Freezer-safe container

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make simple ice cream, begin by blending 2 cups of heavy cream, 2 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and 1/2 cup of sugar until the mixture is smooth. Next, add any extras you want in your ice cream, like chocolate chips or sliced strawberries, and pulse the blender a few more times. Then, pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and cover it with a lid. Freeze the mixture for 8 hours, then enjoy! For tips on making an even richer, creamier ice cream with sweetened condensed milk, read on.

      Did this summary help you?
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 298,671 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Rocky Bocci

        Jun 11, 2022

        "Great! I made this while incredibly sick and delirious and vomited into a trash can a few times while making it, ..." more
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