Homemade Soft Serve Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

🔥 KITCHEN FINDS

3 Clever Kitchen Gadgets Worth Checking Out

These handy little gadgets make cooking easier — and they're actually pretty cool.

This Kitchen Gadget Sprays AND Pours Oil

One bottle for spraying, pouring and keeping cooking oil close at hand.

Check It Out on Amazon →

This Weird Little Tool Slices Watermelon for You

Slice, cube and grab watermelon with one ridiculously simple little gadget.

Check It Out on Amazon →

Mix & Pour Pancake Batter Without the Mess

Mix the batter right in the bottle, then squeeze it straight onto the griddle.

Check It Out on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Homemade soft serve vanilla ice cream is the perfect treat for warm days, offering a creamy texture and delightful flavor that brings childhood memories rushing back. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create this delicious dessert in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether enjoying it in a classic waffle cone or served in a bowl, this soft serve is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade soft serve vanilla ice cream recipe is simple, accessible, and fun to make. It allows you to enjoy a classic dessert without the need for an ice cream machine. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite toppings!

• Quick and easy to prepare.
• Made with wholesome ingredients.
• Perfect for warm weather and gatherings.
• Customizable with various toppings.
• Great for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Waffle cones for serving
• Sprinkles or your choice of toppings

How to Make Soft Serve Vanilla Ice Cream

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved and all ingredients are well incorporated.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours, or until it is thoroughly chilled.
3. Once chilled, pour the mixture into a blender or use an immersion blender to blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. If you have an ice cream machine, pour the blended mixture into the machine and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft serve consistency.
5. If you don’t have an ice cream machine, pour the mixture into a large, shallow dish and place it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork to break up ice crystals. Repeat this process until the ice cream is soft-serve consistency, about 2-3 hours.
6. Once the ice cream is ready, use a spatula to scoop it into the waffle cones. Top with sprinkles or your favorite toppings.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade soft serve vanilla ice cream!

Tips for the Best Results

• Ensure all ingredients are well chilled before mixing to achieve a creamier texture.
• If using an ice cream machine, don’t over-churn, as this can lead to a firmer consistency instead of soft serve.
• For a smoother texture, blend the mixture longer until it is fully combined.

Easy Variations

• Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.
• Mix in crushed cookies or candy pieces for added texture and flavor.
• Experiment with different extracts, such as almond or coconut, for unique flavor profiles.
• Swirl in fruit purees or chocolate sauce before serving.

What to Serve With It

• Fresh fruit, like strawberries or bananas, for a refreshing contrast.
• Hot fudge or caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
• Crushed cookies or nuts for added crunch.
• Whipped cream to top off your soft serve.

Storage and Reheating

📚 RECIPE LOVER FINDS

Love Trying New Recipes? Check These Out

Save your favorites, discover something different, or make meal planning a whole lot easier.

❤️ Love This Recipe? Save Your Favorites

Keep all those recipes you actually want to make again together in your own recipe book.

See It on Amazon →

🔥 Yep, Snoop Dogg Has a Cookbook

From Crook to Cook brings Snoop's spin to comfort food, classics and seriously fun recipes.

Check It Out on Amazon →

🥗 100+ Meals You Can Make Ahead

Simple make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meals for making the week way easier.

See It on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Homemade soft serve ice cream is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week. To serve again, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before scooping.

Recipe Card