Soft Ice Cream
This homemade soft ice cream recipe delivers creamy, smooth, and perfectly soft ice cream every time. With just a few simple ingredients—milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla extract—you can create a delicious treat that's perfect for a warm day or anytime you’re craving something sweet. Customize the flavor by adding chocolate, fruit, or nuts for extra fun and texture. The process is easy and can be done with minimal equipment, making it a must-try for ice cream lovers!
Equipment
- Ice Cream Maker – 1 unit
- Mixing Bowl (1 large, any material)
- Measuring Cups & Spoons (for ingredients)
- Freezer-safe Airtight Container (1 unit, for storage)
Ingredients
- 2 cups 480 ml Heavy Cream
- 1 cup 240 ml Whole Milk
- 3/4 cup 150 g Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon 5 ml Vanilla Extract
- Optional add-ins: chocolate chips fruit puree, crushed cookies, etc.
Instructions
Prepare the Ice Cream Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the sugar has dissolved completely. For extra flavor variations, add any mix-ins like fruit purees or melted chocolate now. Chill the mixture in the fridge for at least 2 hours to cool it down.
Churn the Ice Cream
- Pour the chilled ice cream base into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your machine. Typically, it will take about 20-30 minutes to churn the mixture into soft-serve consistency. Keep an eye on it—when the ice cream is thick and creamy, it’s ready.
Freeze for Firmness
- Transfer the soft ice cream into a freezer-safe airtight container and smooth out the top. Freeze for 2-4 hours or until the ice cream firms up but remains soft and scoopable.
Serve & Enjoy
- Once your ice cream is ready, scoop it into cones or bowls and top with your favorite toppings, like sprinkles, chocolate sauce, or fresh fruit. Enjoy your homemade soft ice cream!
Notes
- Chilling the Base: For the smoothest texture, make sure your ice cream base is thoroughly chilled before churning. You can even chill it overnight.
- Customizing Flavors: Feel free to add flavor extracts (like chocolate, mint, or almond) or mix-ins such as cookie crumbles or fresh fruit after churning to add a personal touch to your ice cream.
- Storage: To store leftovers, keep the soft ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It’s best consumed within 1-2 weeks to maintain its creamy consistency.
- No Ice Cream Maker?: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can freeze the base in a shallow pan, then stir every 30 minutes until it reaches a smooth consistency, helping break up ice crystals.