When the heat is on, the last thing anyone wants to do is turn on the oven or stovetop. Staying cool becomes the top priority in hot weather. One simple way to stay refreshed while enjoying a tasty treat is by serving homemade ice cream. Whether you have an ice cream maker or not, read on for some homemade ice cream recipes to beat the heat.
Why Make Homemade Ice Cream?
Many people are intimidated at the thought of making their own ice cream. Why make something at home when it’s so easy to purchase pre-made ice cream from the store?
Here are a few benefits to making your own ice cream at home:
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You can customize your recipe: From the base ingredients to the flavors, spices, and mix-ins, homemade ice cream allows for complete customization!
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Make lower-calorie and vegan options: Home chefs know exactly what ingredients are in their ice cream, which means they can make lower-calorie or vegan recipes that work best for them.
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You control the portion sizes: With homemade ice cream, you can make as much or as little as you want to fit the size of your crowd. Making a single-serving recipe will help you avoid overeating.
Ingredients Needed for Homemade Ice Cream
Making homemade ice cream does not require any special ingredients. Start with a basic recipe for ice cream and add flavors as you wish. Unfortunately, many people will never get to experience delicious homemade premium ice cream, because they think it is too difficult to make. The truth is, most recipes are very easy to make with a few simple ingredients.
Here’s an overview of common ingredients found in homemade ice cream recipes:
• Milk: Whole or 2% milk is generally used as the liquid in an ice cream recipe. Milk helps to give ice cream its creamy texture.
• Heavy cream: Also known as whipping cream, heavy cream is used to add richness and flavor to homemade ice cream recipes.
• Eggs: Richer ice cream recipes often call for the inclusion of eggs, which help keep the ice cream from being too icy or hard.
• Sugars: Sugar helps to sweeten the ice cream, making it taste great.
• Flavoring: Flavoring such as extracts, spices, and purees are used to add flavor to ice cream recipes.
• Salt: Adding a pinch of salt to your recipe helps to enhance the flavor of the other ingredients.
• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese helps to create an ultra-smooth texture that makes homemade ice cream even richer.
Basic Ice Cream Recipe
Before you can get creative with flavors, it’s important to learn the basics of how to make an ice cream base. This basic recipe for homemade ice cream is a creamy, delicious treat and perfect for adding variations.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups of half and half
• 4 eggs
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
Instructions:
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In a medium saucepan, heat half and half until it is hot but not boiling.
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In a separate bowl, beat together eggs and sugar until the mixture is thick and light yellow in color.
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Gradually add the hot half and half to the egg and sugar mixture, stirring constantly.
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Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
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Remove pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
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Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least two hours.
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Once chilled, proceed with freezing the ice cream following your ice cream maker’s instructions.
Baked Alaska Ice Cream Recipe
Baked Alaska is a retro dessert that is making a comeback. Combining meringue, ice cream and cake, this recipe for Baked Alaska is sure to be a showstopper in your dessert lineup.
Ingredients:
• 2 pints of your favorite flavor of ice cream
• 1 cake, cut into 4-inch rounds
• 4 large egg whites
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons warm water
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a SilChill® baking mat.
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Place a disc of cake onto the parchment paper.
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Top the cake with a scoop of ice cream.
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Place the baking sheet into the freezer until the ice cream is frozen solid.
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Preheat oven to 475 degrees F.
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In a medium-large bowl, beat egg whites, sugar and warm water together until soft peaks form.
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Add vanilla extract and continue to beat the mixture until stiff peaks form. The peaks should be glossy and should hold their shape.
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Remove the baking sheet from the freezer.
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Using a spatula or a spoon, generously spread meringue onto the ice cream and cake. Make sure the meringue reaches all the way to the edge of the cake.
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Place the ice cream cake in the preheated oven and bake for 4-5 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.
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Remove from oven and serve immediately.
Mango Lassi Ice Cream Recipe
Mango lassi is a refreshing summer drink, and this recipe makes it even better by freezing it into an ice cream. Using simple ingredients and a blender, you can make this delicious treat in no time.
Ingredients:
• 2 large ripe mangos, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Instructions:
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Place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
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Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and place it in the freezer for about 3 hours, stirring the ice cream after 1 hour.
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Serve with a sprinkle of ground cardamom and lime slices.
No-Churn Pistachio Ice Cream Recipe
This recipe requires no ice cream maker or churning. Instead, it uses a simple base of whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk, as well as a can of crushed pistachio nuts for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 can (14-ounce) of sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup chopped pistachios, plus more for garnish
Instructions:
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In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
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Add in sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and chopped pistachios. Beat until combined.
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Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.
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Allow the ice cream to thaw for 10 minutes before serving.
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Sprinkle with additional chopped pistachios and enjoy.
We hope these delicious ice cream recipes have inspired you to make homemade ice cream. With these recipes up your sleeve, you can beat the heat in style and have plenty of creamy, cool, homemade treats to enjoy all summer long!
