20 Easy Homemade Ice Cream Recipes for Every Flavor

Making ice cream at home is a fun and delicious way to treat yourself. Whether you want a classic flavor or something more adventurous, these easy homemade ice cream recipes will satisfy your cravings. Here are 20 recipes to try, each bringing a unique flavor to your kitchen.

1. Classic Vanilla Ice Cream

Start with the basics! This creamy, rich vanilla ice cream is made with just a few simple ingredients but has a flavor that’s sure to delight.

Key Ingredients:

• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Vanilla extract
• Sugar

Recipe Method:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, heavy cream, and whole milk.
• Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved.
• Be careful not to let the mixture come to a boil.
• Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat.
• Stir in the vanilla extract until it is well combined.
• Pour the ice cream base into a heatproof bowl or container.
• Cover the container and chill the mixture thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
• Once chilled, pour the base into your ice cream maker.
• Churn the ice cream according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically for 20-25 minutes.
• Transfer the finished ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2-3 hours to firm up before serving.

2. Chocolate Ice Cream

For chocolate lovers, this indulgent ice cream offers a deep, rich cocoa flavor with a smooth, creamy texture.

Key Ingredients:

• Cocoa powder
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Sugar

Recipe Method:

• In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cocoa powder until no lumps remain.
• Gradually whisk in the whole milk to create a smooth chocolate paste.
• Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the mixture is warm and well combined.
• Slowly pour in the heavy cream, continuing to stir.
• Heat the mixture, stirring constantly, until it is steaming slightly and fully blended. Do not boil.
• Remove from the heat and pour the chocolate base into a separate bowl.
• Cover the bowl and chill the mixture completely in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours.
• Once the base is cold, give it a final whisk before pouring it into your ice cream maker.
• Churn according to the manufacturer’s directions until it reaches a thick, soft-serve consistency.
• Transfer the chocolate ice cream to an airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze until firm.

3. Strawberry Ice Cream

Fresh strawberries make this ice cream light, sweet, and tangy. Perfect for a summer treat or year-round enjoyment.

Key Ingredients:

• Fresh strawberries
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Sugar

Recipe Method:

• Wash, hull, and slice the fresh strawberries.
• In a bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with about half of the total sugar and let them sit for 30 minutes to release their juices.
• Puree about half of the strawberry mixture in a blender until smooth, leaving the other half in slices for texture.
• In a saucepan, combine the remaining sugar, heavy cream, and whole milk, warming over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
• Remove the cream mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly.
• Stir the strawberry puree into the cream base.
• Cover and chill the entire mixture in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
• Pour the chilled base into your ice cream maker and churn as directed.
• In the last few minutes of churning, add the remaining sliced strawberries.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 3 hours before serving.

4. Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

A refreshing minty flavor paired with rich chocolate chips makes this a favorite among ice cream fans.

Key Ingredients:

• Fresh mint leaves or mint extract
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Chocolate chips

Recipe Method:

• If using fresh mint, coarsely chop the leaves and add them to a saucepan with the heavy cream and whole milk.
• Warm the mixture over medium heat until it begins to simmer, then remove from heat, cover, and let the mint steep for 1 hour.
• Strain the cream mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove all the mint leaves, pressing on them to extract all the flavor.
• Return the mint-infused cream to the saucepan, add the sugar, and warm gently until the sugar dissolves. If using mint extract, add it now.
• Pour the base into a bowl and chill thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
• Once chilled, pour the base into your ice cream maker.
• Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• For a green color, add a drop or two of green food coloring to the base before churning.
• Add the chocolate chips during the last 5 minutes of the churning process.
• Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm.

5. Peach Ice Cream

This fruity and refreshing peach ice cream is a perfect treat for summer days, with the natural sweetness of ripe peaches.

Key Ingredients:

• Fresh or frozen peaches
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Sugar

Recipe Method:

• Peel and chop the peaches. If using frozen, let them thaw slightly.
• In a bowl, combine the chopped peaches with about half of the sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning. Let sit for 20 minutes.
• Puree about two-thirds of the peach mixture in a blender until smooth. Keep the rest chunky for texture.
• In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and the remaining sugar.
• Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved.
• Remove the cream base from the heat and stir in the peach puree.
• Cover and chill the peach ice cream base in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
• Pour the chilled base into an ice cream maker and churn until it thickens.
• During the last few minutes of churning, add the remaining chopped peaches.
• Transfer to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.

6. Coffee Ice Cream

For coffee lovers, this ice cream has a strong, rich coffee flavor and a creamy base, making it the perfect pick-me-up dessert.

Key Ingredients:

• Brewed coffee or espresso
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Sugar

Recipe Method:

• In a saucepan, combine the sugar, heavy cream, and whole milk.
• Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
• In a separate bowl, dissolve instant espresso powder in a few tablespoons of the warm cream mixture to make a smooth paste.
• Stir the espresso paste back into the main saucepan. Alternatively, stir in strongly brewed coffee.
• Remove the pan from the heat.
• Pour the coffee-infused base into a bowl.
• Cover and chill thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours.
• Once cold, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker.
• Churn for 20-30 minutes, or until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm, about 3-4 hours.

7. Cookies and Cream Ice Cream

A beloved favorite, cookies and cream combines creamy vanilla ice cream with crunchy, chocolate cookie pieces.

Key Ingredients:

• Chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Sugar

Recipe Method:

• First, prepare the vanilla ice cream base.
• In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar.
• Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.
• Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and pour into a bowl.
• Chill the vanilla base in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
• While the base is chilling, coarsely chop or crush the chocolate sandwich cookies and set them aside.
• Pour the chilled vanilla base into your ice cream maker and churn according to the instructions.
• During the last 5 minutes of churning, slowly add the crushed cookies to the ice cream maker.
• Continue to churn just until the cookies are evenly distributed.
• Transfer the finished ice cream to a freezer container and freeze for at least 3 hours to harden.

8. Salted Caramel Ice Cream

This creamy ice cream features the perfect balance of sweet caramel and a touch of sea salt, creating an irresistible flavor.

Key Ingredients:

• Caramel sauce
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Sea salt

Recipe Method:

• In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar (if your caramel sauce is not very sweet).
• Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
• Remove the pan from the heat and let the base cool.
• Once cool, stir in about half of the caramel sauce and a generous pinch of sea salt into the base.
• Cover and chill the mixture completely in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
• Pour the chilled base into your ice cream maker and churn until thickened.
• Once the ice cream is churned, transfer it to a freezer-safe container.
• As you transfer it, layer the ice cream with swirls of the remaining salted caramel sauce.
• Use a knife or spatula to gently swirl the caramel through the ice cream.
• Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.

9. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream

For those who love raw cookie dough, this ice cream combines it with a creamy vanilla base and chocolate chips.

Key Ingredients:

• Cookie dough (eggless)
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Sugar

Recipe Method:

• Prepare your favorite eggless cookie dough recipe. Roll it into small, bite-sized balls and freeze them for at least 1 hour.
• Make a classic vanilla ice cream base by warming heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar until the sugar dissolves.
• Stir in vanilla extract and let the base cool.
• Chill the vanilla base thoroughly in the refrigerator for 4 hours or more.
• Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker.
• Churn according to the machine’s directions.
• During the last 5 minutes of churning, add the frozen cookie dough balls.
• Also add mini chocolate chips at the same time for extra chocolatey flavor.
• Churn just long enough to mix the additions evenly.
• Transfer the ice cream to a freezer container and freeze until solid.

10. Lemon Sorbet

This refreshing and tangy lemon sorbet is the perfect dairy-free alternative to ice cream, with a tart citrus flavor that’s incredibly refreshing.

Key Ingredients:

• Fresh lemon juice
• Water
• Sugar

Recipe Method:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water.
• Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved.
• Once the sugar is dissolved, you have created a simple syrup.
• Remove the simple syrup from the heat and let it cool completely to room temperature.
• While it cools, squeeze enough fresh lemons to get the required amount of juice.
• Stir the fresh lemon juice into the cooled simple syrup.
• For extra flavor, you can also add the zest of one lemon.
• Chill the sorbet base in the refrigerator for at least 2-4 hours.
• Pour the chilled lemon mixture into your ice cream maker.
• Churn for 15-20 minutes, or until it has the consistency of a thick slushy, and freeze until firm.

11. Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream

This fruity and creamy combination of raspberry sauce and vanilla ice cream is as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Key Ingredients:

• Fresh raspberries
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Sugar

Recipe Method:

• First, make the raspberry sauce by combining fresh raspberries, a few tablespoons of sugar, and a squeeze of lemon juice in a saucepan.
• Cook over medium heat, mashing the berries, until the sauce thickens. Strain to remove seeds and chill completely.
• Next, prepare the vanilla ice cream base by heating heavy cream, milk, and sugar until the sugar dissolves.
• Add vanilla extract to the base and chill it thoroughly in the refrigerator.
• Pour the chilled vanilla base into your ice cream maker and churn until thick.
• Once churned, spoon a layer of the ice cream into a freezer-safe container.
• Drizzle a layer of the chilled raspberry sauce over the ice cream.
• Repeat the layering process until you have used all the ice cream and sauce.
• Use a knife to gently swirl the layers together once for a ripple effect.
• Freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.

12. Banana Ice Cream

Made with ripe bananas, this sweet and creamy ice cream has a natural fruit flavor and is perfect for anyone looking for a healthier dessert.

Key Ingredients:

• Ripe bananas
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Sugar

Recipe Method:

• Peel very ripe bananas and mash them thoroughly in a bowl until mostly smooth.
• Stir in a tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent the bananas from browning.
• In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar (use less sugar as the bananas are sweet).
• Warm the cream mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
• Remove from the heat and let the base cool slightly.
• Whisk the mashed bananas into the cream base until well combined.
• Cover and chill the banana mixture in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
• Pour the chilled base into an ice cream maker.
• Churn according to the manufacturer’s directions until it is thick and creamy.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm.

13. Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream

For a unique and flavorful ice cream, matcha green tea offers a delicate, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with a creamy base.

Key Ingredients:

• Matcha powder
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Sugar

Recipe Method:

• In a small bowl, sift the matcha powder to remove any lumps.
• Add a few tablespoons of the whole milk to the matcha powder and whisk to form a smooth, vibrant green paste.
• In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, the rest of the whole milk, and the sugar.
• Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
• Whisk the matcha paste into the warm cream mixture until it is fully incorporated.
• Do not allow the mixture to boil.
• Pour the green tea base into a bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
• Once completely cold, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker.
• Churn until thick and creamy, about 20-25 minutes.
• Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for at least 3 hours to set.

14. Coconut Milk Ice Cream

Dairy-free and rich in flavor, coconut milk ice cream is smooth, creamy, and perfect for those with dietary restrictions.

Key Ingredients:

• Coconut milk
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract

Recipe Method:

• Use full-fat canned coconut milk for the creamiest result.
• In a saucepan, combine the coconut milk and sugar.
• Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar has completely dissolved.
• Do not let the coconut milk boil, as it can separate.
• Remove the pan from the heat.
• Stir in the vanilla extract and a tiny pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
• Pour the base into a container and chill thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours.
• The coconut fat may solidify at the top; simply whisk the mixture well before churning.
• Pour the chilled base into your ice cream maker and churn as directed.
• Freeze in a covered container for at least 4 hours until firm.

15. Pistachio Ice Cream

This ice cream features finely ground pistachios, creating a nutty, creamy, and slightly salty flavor that’s simply irresistible.

Key Ingredients:

• Pistachio nuts
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Sugar

Recipe Method:

• Use shelled, unsalted pistachios. Reserve a handful and chop them for mixing in later.
• Place the rest of the pistachios in a food processor and grind them into a fine, paste-like consistency.
• In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar.
• Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
• Whisk in the pistachio paste until it is well combined.
• For a deeper flavor, you can add a small amount of almond extract.
• Pour the base into a bowl, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
• Once chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker.
• Churn until the ice cream is thick and creamy.
• During the last few minutes of churning, add the chopped pistachios, then transfer to a container and freeze.

16. Cinnamon Ice Cream

Spicy, sweet cinnamon mixed with creamy ice cream makes this flavor perfect for cozy, cool evenings.

Key Ingredients:

• Ground cinnamon
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Sugar

Recipe Method:

• For the best flavor, use 2-3 whole cinnamon sticks.
• In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and cinnamon sticks.
• Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
• Once it begins to simmer, remove from the heat, cover, and let the cinnamon sticks steep for 1-2 hours.
• Remove the cinnamon sticks. If using ground cinnamon, whisk it into the warm base now.
• Pour the base into a bowl and chill thoroughly in the refrigerator.
• Once cold, give the base a good whisk.
• Pour it into your ice cream maker and churn as directed.
• The ice cream will be a light tan color.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm. It pairs wonderfully with apple pie.

17. Chocolate Hazelnut Ice Cream

Inspired by the popular spread, this ice cream blends the rich flavor of chocolate and hazelnuts into one indulgent treat.

Key Ingredients:

• Hazelnut paste or Nutella
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Sugar

Recipe Method:

• In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and a small amount of sugar (adjust based on the sweetness of your spread).
• Warm the mixture over medium heat.
• Add the chocolate hazelnut spread to the warm cream mixture.
• Whisk until the spread has completely melted and the base is smooth and uniform.
• Do not allow the mixture to boil.
• Pour the base into a bowl, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours.
• Once the base is very cold, pour it into your ice cream maker.
• Churn until it reaches a thick, creamy consistency.
• For extra texture, add chopped toasted hazelnuts during the last few minutes of churning.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm.

18. Mango Sorbet

This tropical sorbet is made with fresh mango puree, creating a refreshing and sweet treat for any occasion.

Key Ingredients:

• Fresh mangoes
• Water
• Sugar

Recipe Method:

• First, prepare a simple syrup by heating water and sugar in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves completely.
• Let the simple syrup cool to room temperature.
• Peel ripe mangoes and cut the flesh away from the pit.
• Place the mango flesh in a blender or food processor and puree until completely smooth.
• Combine the mango puree with the cooled simple syrup.
• Stir in a tablespoon of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavor.
• Chill the sorbet base in the refrigerator for at least 2-4 hours.
• Once chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker.
• Churn until it becomes a thick and smooth sorbet.
• Transfer to a container and freeze for at least 3 hours before serving.

19. Cherry Almond Ice Cream

The tartness of cherries combined with the nutty flavor of almonds makes this ice cream a unique and tasty treat.

Key Ingredients:

• Fresh or frozen cherries
• Almond extract
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk

Recipe Method:

• Pit and coarsely chop the cherries.
• In a small saucepan, cook the cherries with a few tablespoons of sugar until they soften and release their juices. Let this cherry sauce cool completely.
• Prepare the ice cream base by warming heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar in a separate saucepan until the sugar dissolves.
• Remove the cream base from the heat.
• Stir in the almond extract.
• Chill the almond-flavored base in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
• Pour the chilled base into your ice cream maker and churn until it begins to thicken.
• In the last 5-10 minutes of churning, add the cooled cherry sauce and chopped cherries.
• Continue churning just until the cherry mixture is swirled through.
• Transfer to a freezer container and freeze until firm.

20. Butter Pecan Ice Cream

This rich and buttery ice cream is studded with roasted pecans for a delightful crunch and sweet flavor.

Key Ingredients:

• Butter
• Pecan nuts
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk

Recipe Method:

• First, toast the pecans. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet and add the chopped pecans.
• Toast over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Set aside to cool.
• In a saucepan, melt the remaining butter until it starts to brown slightly, giving it a nutty aroma.
• Whisk in brown sugar, heavy cream, and whole milk into the browned butter.
• Warm the mixture, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
• Stir in a splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
• Pour the base into a bowl and chill thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
• Once cold, pour the base into your ice cream maker.
• Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Add the cooled, toasted pecans during the last few minutes of churning, then freeze until firm.

Conclusion

Whether you’re in the mood for a classic flavor or something more exotic, these 20 homemade ice cream recipes are sure to satisfy any craving. With a mix of fruity, nutty, and indulgent flavors, each one brings something special to the table. Grab your ice cream maker and start experimenting with these delicious recipes today!