We grew up enjoying homemade ice cream all summer. Myself and all my siblings would get excited when we saw my dad bring out the homemade ice cream maker. But, it was a slow torture because it would take all day to make! We had the kind of ice cream maker that you use actual ice and rock salt. Loud and messy. But wow, it tasted so good. I personally love homemade ice cream right out of the ice cream maker, runny like a milkshake, the kind that you could use a straw if you wanted. Today I am sharing our new ice cream maker, and our four ingredient ice cream recipe, that only takes 30 minutes. Bonus, you make your ice cream right on your kitchen counter. It is a simple pleasure my kids really enjoy too!

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Would I be lying if I told you the color of this ice cream maker didn’t sell me? Yes I would. It is so cute and I knew my family would LOVE it! And it makes homemade ice cream in about 30 minutes!!! Four ingredients and you have ice cream. You do have to freeze the inner bowl for 12 hours, which is fine if you just alway keep it in the freezer ready to go!

This 4 ingredient homemade ice cream recipe is perfectly smooth, and has a creamy consistency, with the best vanilla flavor. It tastes just as creamy as the old fashioned version, but is quicker and requires less work (no simmering on the stove top beforehand). You do need an ice cream maker to follow the recipe.

Most ice cream makers require that you freeze the bowl the night beforehand, so don’t forget! It needs to be COLD before getting started. I store my bowl in the freezer so I can grab it whenever I’m in the mood for ice cream!

I love a classic vanilla ice cream because its so easy to customize to something different just by adding some mix-in’s. Last week we added smashed Oreo’s and the kids loved it!

This week I crumbled up those ever tempting Cookie Butter cookies from Trader Joe’s and it was seriously so good. You could easily add fruit too. Now I want to try graham crackers and raspberries!

I really like this ice cream maker because you can basically take it all apart to easily wash in your dishwasher. And there are three settings, ice cream, sorbet or gelato.

This recipe tastes delicious with your favorite toppings mixed into the vanilla base. Churn the mixture until it’s reached the consistency of frozen yogurt, then add in the extras until smooth.

If you like soft serve (like me!!!) you can enjoy it immediately after churning. For a consistency that’s scoop-able and firm, you’ll want to freeze the ice cream for at least a few hours after it is done in the ice cream maker.

I probably don’t even need to mention it, but this Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream is a pretty much a dream come true for topping any pie, brownie, crisp or cobbler! PS- find these cute glass ice cream cups HERE and our gold flatware HERE.

You can scoop your homemade ice cream into a cone or serve in a bowl with your favorite toppings. Keep it light and refreshing with some fresh fruit or make it more indulgent by topping it with some hot caramel and chopped pecans. No matter what topping you choose, it will taste incredible!

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

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Servings 1.25 quart

Ingredients

2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 cups whole milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups mix-in's! crushed cookies, fresh smashed berries, chopped up candy or nuts, etc. *optional

Instructions

Prep your ice cream machine according to directions. Some machines require you to freeze the bowl first and others you will need to have ice and rock salt.
Turn on machine and let it start to churn. Slowly add all ingredients into your ice cream maker bowl, while it is churning (we did not mix separately beforehand). Keep it churning until it looks like frozen yogurt (about 25-35 minutes). * Follow instructions for your specific machine.
If you are adding in cookies or any mix-in's, wait until the last 10-15 minutes to add.
If you want ice cream to be scoop-able you’ll want to freeze the mixture for at least a few hours.
Dish into bowls when ready to serve. Add desired toppings and enjoy.