Forget those expensive store-bought tubs! This frosty ice cream recipe is incredibly easy, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a taste sensation that will leave you wanting more. It's the perfect quick dinner dessert, a delightful treat for a hot summer day, or a fun activity for the whole family. Get ready to experience the creamy, dreamy goodness of homemade ice cream, made surprisingly simple. This recipe is ideal for those looking for easy recipes, healthy meals (you can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your dietary needs), and delicious dishes that are surprisingly quick to prepare. Let's dive into this simple, yet impressive, homemade cooking adventure!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Chill the Ingredients
Before you begin, chill your heavy cream, milk, and mixing bowl in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the ice cream freeze faster and results in a smoother texture.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In your chilled mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and salt until the sugar is completely dissolved. You can use a hand mixer or whisk by hand; both will work perfectly.
Step 3: Add Flavoring
Stir in the vanilla extract. You can experiment with other flavors here; the options are endless!
Step 4: Freeze the Mixture
Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container. Cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Step 5: Freeze and Stir (Optional)
Place the container in the freezer. For the creamiest texture, every hour for the first three hours, take the ice cream out and stir it vigorously to break up any ice crystals. This step is optional, but highly recommended.
Step 6: Enjoy!
After at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, your frosty ice cream is ready! Let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before scooping to make it easier to serve.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Ice Cream:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of your ice cream will directly reflect the quality of your ingredients.
- Don't over-mix: Over-mixing can incorporate too much air, resulting in a less dense ice cream.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet ice cream, reduce the sugar to ½ cup.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to get creative! Add cocoa powder for chocolate ice cream, berries for fruit ice cream, or even peanut butter for a unique twist.
Variations:
- Chocolate Frosty: Add ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the mixture.
- Strawberry Frosty: Blend 1 cup of fresh strawberries into the mixture before freezing.
- Coffee Frosty: Stir in 2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: High
- Protein: Moderate
- Sugar: High
This simple homemade ice cream recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. It's a healthier alternative to store-bought options, and the customization possibilities are endless. Enjoy this delicious treat and impress your family and friends with your homemade cooking skills!