10 Homemade Ice Cream Recipes You'll Want to Make All Summer

Nothing captures the joy of summer quite like a scoop of homemade ice cream. Whether it's a timeless vanilla recipe, a rich chocolate indulgence or a refreshing fruit-based treat, homemade ice cream brings fresh flavors and creamy textures that are hard to beat.

Making ice cream at home is easier than many people think. With a few quality ingredients and simple techniques, it's possible to create delicious frozen desserts that rival those from your favorite ice cream shop.

Here are ten homemade ice cream recipes worth adding to your summer menu.

1. Classic Vanilla Ice Cream

A true classic that never goes out of style. Smooth, creamy vanilla ice cream serves as the perfect base for countless toppings and desserts.

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Whisk together the milk, sugar and salt until dissolved. Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Refrigerate for at least two hours before churning in an ice cream maker. Freeze for 3–4 hours before serving.

If you're wondering what "churning" means, here's a quick explanation:

2. Rich Chocolate Ice Cream

Perfect for chocolate lovers, this recipe combines cocoa powder and dark chocolate for an intensely rich and creamy dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¾ cup sugar
• 100g dark chocolate, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Heat the milk, cocoa powder and sugar until smooth. Stir in the melted chocolate and allow the mixture to cool. Add the cream and vanilla before churning and freezing.

3. Fresh Strawberry Ice Cream

Made with ripe strawberries, this fruity favorite is light, refreshing and bursting with natural flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh strawberries
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

Blend the strawberries with sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Combine with the cream and milk, chill thoroughly, then churn and freeze.

4. Cookies & Cream Ice Cream

A family favorite featuring crunchy chocolate cookies folded into creamy vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 10 chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed

Instructions

Mix the cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla. Chill, churn until thick, then gently fold in the crushed cookies before freezing.

5. Mango Ice Cream

This tropical dessert is naturally sweet and incredibly refreshing.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe mangoes
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Instructions

Blend the mangoes until smooth. Mix with the condensed milk and lime juice before folding into whipped cream. Freeze for at least six hours.

6. Coffee Ice Cream

A smooth espresso-flavored dessert that's perfect for coffee enthusiasts.

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Dissolve the espresso powder in warm milk. Add the sugar until dissolved, then stir in the cream and vanilla. Chill, churn and freeze.

7. Pistachio Ice Cream

Creamy pistachio ice cream offers a sophisticated flavor with a delicate nutty finish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup shelled pistachios
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Blend the pistachios with a little milk until smooth. Combine with the remaining ingredients, chill, churn and freeze.

8. Lemon Cheesecake Ice Cream

Tangy lemon and creamy cheesecake combine to create a refreshing dessert with a rich texture.

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup softened cream cheese
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• Zest of one lemon
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ cup crushed graham crackers

Instructions

Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the condensed milk, lemon juice and zest. Fold in whipped cream, then stir through the crushed crackers before freezing.

9. Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

A refreshing combination of cool mint and chocolate chips that's perfect for warm weather.

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• ¾ cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

Combine all ingredients except the chocolate chips. Chill thoroughly, churn, then add the chocolate chips during the final few minutes before freezing.

10. Salted Caramel Ice Cream

Sweet caramel paired with flaky sea salt creates a perfectly balanced dessert that's both rich and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt

Instructions

Prepare a caramel by melting the sugar until golden. Stir in the butter and cream, then allow it to cool. Combine with the remaining cream, milk and sea salt before churning and freezing.