Our Favorite Recipes for Homemade Ice Cream

Hot summer days are all the excuse needed to treat yourself to an overflowing scoop of cold ice cream. With indoor dining closed due to pandemic restrictions, you can still enjoy a cold, creamy treat in Montebello. If you don’t feel like ordering takeout from Baskin Robbins or Menchie’s , why not make your own? Try these three homemade ice cream recipes for some delicious, at-home icy treats. 

No Machine Needed

Don’t worry if you don’t have one of those iconic ice cream machines. This easy recipe for a delicious vanilla ice cream won’t require one. 

Start by placing a freezer-safe shallow bowl or pan in the freezer. In another large bowl, combine two cups of heavy whipping cream, two cups of half-and-half, one cup of sugar, and two teaspoons vanilla extract. Mix until the sugar dissolves. The more it dissolves, the creamier the ice cream. 

Transfer the mixture into the cold pan and return to the freezer for 30 minutes. When the edges begin to freeze, take the pan out and mix the ice cream using a hand mixer. Return to the freezer and repeat the process every 30 minutes until it is firmly frozen—i.e., about five times. Once the ice cream is firm, grab a scoop, serve, and enjoy!

A Chocoholic’s Delight

Chocolate is always a tasty remedy when life gets particularly rough. That’s especially true during a pandemic, right? There’s nothing better than when you can combine the healing qualities of chocolate with a batch of homemade ice cream. Try this chocolate ice cream recipe . 

Combine 3/4 cup of sugar, one cup of milk, a 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and two tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, and bring it to a simmer. In a small bowl, whip three lightly beaten egg yolks and gradually add in a 1/2 cup of the simmering liquid to temper the eggs. Then pour the mixture into the saucepan. Return the pan to the stove and heat until thick. Do not boil. 

Once thick, let the mixture cool. Once cooled, stir in two cups of heavy whipping cream and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Following the directions, add the mixture to your ice cream maker and let the magic happen. You’ll soon be enjoying a rich batch of homemade ice cream guaranteed to satisfy any chocolate craving. 

Kid-Approved Recipe

Do you live with little chefs in the making who love lending a hand in the kitchen? With only five simple ingredients, this ice cream recipe will be perfect for them . 

Pour one cup of half and half in a small Ziploc bag and add a 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla and one tablespoon of sugar. Seal the bag, making sure to remove any excess air. In a larger bag, add in a 1/4 teaspoon of salt and enough ice to fill the bag. Place the small bag into the larger bag and add more ice on top and seal. Next, let those little chefs take over. Have them shake the bag for at least six minutes. (You might need to dig out some gloves as the bag will get really cold.) After six minutes, remove the small bag, rinse it under cold water, and open to see the finished product. The icy-looking mixture will soften after being stirred a bit with a spoon. 

Whether you are looking for a simple, chocolatey, or kid-friendly recipe, we have your ice cream needs covered! Before spooning the creamy goodness in your mouth, be sure to mix in ingredients like chopped candy bars, berries, chocolate chips, sprinkles, and sauces like caramel and hot fudge. Don’t forget the whipped cream!