15 DIY Ice Cream Recipes to Beat the Heat

When the summer sun blazes and temperatures soar, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a cold, creamy treat to beat the heat. Making your own ice cream at home is not only fun but also allows you to get creative with flavors and ingredients. Whether you’re a fan of classic vanilla or adventurous enough to try something new like matcha or avocado, these DIY ice cream recipes are sure to cool you down and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Classic Vanilla Ice Cream

Combine 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, 3/4 cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar is fully dissolved. Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which typically takes about 20-25 minutes. Once churned, transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving to allow it to firm up.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream

In a bowl, mix 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the sugar is dissolved. Fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of edible cookie dough pieces. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually for about 20-25 minutes. Once churned, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours before enjoying.

Strawberry Ice Cream

Start by pureeing 1 pound of fresh strawberries with 3/4 cup of sugar in a blender until smooth. In a mixing bowl, combine the strawberry puree with 2 cups of heavy cream and 1 cup of whole milk, stirring until well mixed. Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn as per the manufacturer’s instructions, typically for about 25-30 minutes. Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for a few hours before serving to achieve the desired consistency.

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, 3/4 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Add a few drops of green food coloring if desired for a classic look. Stir in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips. Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually for about 20-25 minutes. Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm, at least 2 hours.

Salted Caramel Ice Cream

Heat 1 cup of sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it melts and turns a deep amber color, stirring occasionally. Carefully add 1 cup of heavy cream (the mixture will bubble up) and stir until smooth. Combine this caramel with 1 cup of whole milk, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically for about 25-30 minutes. Freeze in a container for several hours before serving.

Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream

Whisk 2 tablespoons of matcha powder with 1/2 cup of sugar in a bowl until well combined. Add 2 cups of heavy cream and 1 cup of whole milk, mixing until smooth. Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn as per the manufacturer’s instructions, usually for about 20-25 minutes. Once churned, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for several hours to allow the ice cream to firm up.

Cookies and Cream Ice Cream

Crush 1 cup of Oreo cookies and set aside. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, 3/4 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the sugar is dissolved. Stir in the crushed cookies. Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically for about 20-25 minutes. Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.

Mango Sorbet

Blend the flesh of 2 ripe mangoes with 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of water in a blender until smooth. Pour the mango mixture into your ice cream maker and churn until it thickens, usually about 20-25 minutes. Transfer the sorbet to a freezer-safe container and freeze for a few hours before serving to allow it to firm up.

Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream

Blend 3 ripe bananas, 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter, and 1/2 cup of milk in a blender until smooth and creamy. Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually for about 20-25 minutes. Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for a creamy, peanut buttery treat.

Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream

Puree 1 cup of fresh raspberries with 1/4 cup of sugar in a blender until smooth. In a mixing bowl, combine the raspberry puree with a mixture of 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, and 3/4 cup of sugar, stirring well. Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically for about 20-25 minutes. Once churned, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for a few hours before serving.

Lemon Sorbet

In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of water, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn until smooth, usually about 20-25 minutes. Transfer the sorbet to a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm, at least 2 hours.

Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Blend 1 cup of fresh blueberries with 1/4 cup of sugar until smooth. In a large mixing bowl, combine the blueberry puree with 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, 3/4 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir in 1/2 cup of crumbled graham crackers. Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually for about 25-30 minutes. Freeze for several hours before serving.

Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ice Cream

Combine 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, 3/4 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder in a mixing bowl, whisking until smooth. Stir in 1 cup of brownie chunks. Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn as per the manufacturer’s instructions, typically for about 25-30 minutes. Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for a few hours before serving.

Coconut Ice Cream

Mix 1 can of coconut milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a large bowl until smooth and well combined. Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually for about 20-25 minutes. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for several hours. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes before serving.

Avocado Ice Cream

Blend 2 ripe avocados, 1 cup of whole milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, 3/4 cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of lime juice in a blender until smooth and creamy. Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn until thick and creamy, typically for about 20-25 minutes. Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for a few hours before serving.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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