No-Cook Homemade Classic Vanilla Ice Cream
This foolproof vanilla ice cream recipe requires zero stovetop cooking, making it one of the easiest homemade frozen treats you can pull off. All you need is a handful of basic staples and a standard ice cream maker to create rich, smooth vanilla ice cream that tastes far fresher than most store-bought options.
Yield: 8 servings (≈ 1 quart) | Prep time: 10 minutes | Total chill + freeze time: 7+ hours
Ingredients
2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 cups half-and-half cream
¾ cup granulated white sugar
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Measure and gather all your ingredients ahead of time to keep the mixing process simple and organized.
Add both the heavy whipping cream and half-and-half to a large mixing bowl, then whisk the two together until fully combined.
Gradually stir the sugar into the cream mixture, whisking continuously until the sugar dissolves completely and no grit settles at the bottom of the bowl. Once blended, mix in the vanilla extract until it distributes evenly through the base.
Cover the mixing bowl tightly, then chill the ice cream base in the refrigerator until it is thoroughly cold. This step is key for a smooth, non-icy texture, so plan for a minimum of 3 hours of chill time. You can also prep the base up to 3 days in advance for extra convenience.
When you are ready to churn, remove the chilled base from the fridge and give it a quick whisk to reblend any ingredients that separated while chilling.
Pour the chilled base into your ice cream maker, and churn following the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific device. This typically takes around 20 minutes, and will leave you with a soft-serve consistency ice cream.
Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight, freezer-safe container. For an extra smooth finish, press a piece of parchment paper directly against the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming before sealing. Freeze for approximately 4 hours, until the ice cream is firm enough to scoop and serve.
