Sweet Cream Ice Cream is the ultimate treat for those who love a creamy, rich, and indulgent dessert. With its smooth texture and delicate sweetness, this ice cream is a perfect balance of flavor that shines on its own or serves as an excellent base for endless customizations. Whether enjoyed plain or topped with your favorite sauces, fruits, or mix-ins, Sweet Cream Ice Cream is incredibly versatile, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Best of all, its simplicity ensures that anyone, even beginners, can whip up a batch and savor the timeless joy of homemade ice cream.
Sweet Cream Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients
- Heavy Cream (2 cups)
- The key to the ice cream’s rich and creamy texture. Use fresh, high-quality heavy cream for the best results. Avoid whipping cream with added stabilizers if possible.
- Whole Milk (1 cup)
- Adds a lighter texture and balances the richness of the heavy cream. Whole milk is recommended for its creaminess, but you can experiment with lower-fat milk for a lighter version.
- Granulated Sugar (¾ cup)
- Provides the perfect amount of sweetness. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the quantity slightly. For a unique flavor, you can substitute granulated sugar with cane sugar or honey.
- Vanilla Extract (Optional – 1 teaspoon)
- While traditional sweet cream ice cream doesn’t include vanilla, adding a small amount of vanilla extract can enhance the flavor and add a subtle aroma.
- Salt (Pinch)
- Just a pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the ice cream.
This simple list of ingredients combines to create a classic sweet cream ice cream base that’s versatile and easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins or toppings!
Instructions for Making Sweet Cream Ice Cream
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Prepare the Ice Cream Base
- In a large mixing bowl, pour 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, and ¾ cup of granulated sugar.
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. If you’re using vanilla extract (optional), add 1 teaspoon at this stage.
- Use a whisk or hand mixer to blend the ingredients thoroughly. Make sure the sugar is completely dissolved for a smooth texture. You can test this by rubbing a little of the mixture between your fingers; it should feel silky without granules.
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Chill the Mixture
- Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture to an airtight container.
- Place it in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and ensures the mixture is cold, which helps with efficient churning.
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Churn the Ice Cream
- Once the mixture is well-chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific machine.
- Churn the mixture until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes, depending on the machine.
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Add Mix-Ins (Optional)
- If you want to customize your ice cream, add mix-ins like chocolate chips, crushed cookies, fruit, or caramel swirls during the last 5 minutes of churning. This allows the mix-ins to distribute evenly without sinking to the bottom.
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Freeze to Set
- Once the ice cream has reached the desired consistency, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Smooth the top with a spatula and cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap.
- Place the container in the freezer for at least 2-4 hours to firm up the ice cream to a scoopable consistency.
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Serve and Enjoy
- Scoop the sweet cream ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy it as is, or garnish with toppings like fresh berries, chocolate syrup, or sprinkles.
- For a more decadent treat, pair it with pies, cakes, or warm brownies.
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Store Leftovers
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer. To prevent ice crystals, press a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container.
- Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed within 1-2 weeks for optimal freshness.
Enjoy the creamy, dreamy delight of homemade Sweet Cream Ice Cream, perfect for any occasion!
Sweet Cream Ice Cream Recipe
Equipment
- Ice Cream Maker (or an alternative method for no-machine ice cream)
- Mixing Bowls:
- Whisk or Hand Mixer
- Freezer-Safe Container:
- Measuring Cups and Spoons:
- Plastic Wrap (optional, for covering the mixture during chilling)
- Spatula (for smoothing the ice cream before freezing)
Ingredients
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- ¾ cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (optional)
- Salt: Pinch
Instructions
- Prepare the Ice Cream BaseIn a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, and ¾ cup of granulated sugar. Add a pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional). Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Chill the MixtureCover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to chill the mixture thoroughly.
- Churn the Ice CreamOnce chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to churn until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency, typically about 20-25 minutes.
- Freeze the Ice CreamTransfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Smooth the top with a spatula and cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. Freeze for 2-4 hours until firm and scoopable.
- Serve and EnjoyScoop the ice cream into bowls or cones, and enjoy it plain or with your favorite toppings. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer.
Notes
- Chilling is Key: Ensure that the ice cream base is thoroughly chilled before churning. This helps the ice cream maker churn more effectively, resulting in a smoother texture.
- Consistency: Homemade ice cream can be firmer than store-bought varieties due to the absence of stabilizers. Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to make scooping easier.
- Adjust Sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness to your taste. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar. Alternatively, try substituting granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor.
- Mix-ins: If you're adding mix-ins (like chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or fruit), add them in the last 5 minutes of churning to evenly distribute them without them sinking to the bottom.
- Alternative Methods: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make this ice cream. After chilling the mixture, pour it into a shallow, freezer-safe container. Freeze for 30 minutes, then stir vigorously with a fork every 30 minutes for about 2-3 hours to break up ice crystals and achieve a creamy texture.
- Storage: Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. To prevent ice crystals from forming, press plastic wrap directly on the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container.
Tips for Making Sweet Cream Ice Cream
- Use High-Quality Ingredients
- Since this recipe relies on simple ingredients, the quality makes a big difference. Use fresh heavy cream, whole milk, and pure granulated sugar for the best flavor. If using vanilla extract, opt for pure vanilla instead of artificial flavoring.
- Chill the Base Thoroughly
- Make sure to chill the mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight before churning. A cold base ensures smoother ice cream and helps it freeze faster in the ice cream maker.
- Avoid Over-Churning
- Stop churning as soon as the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency. Over-churning can cause the ice cream to become too firm or icy.
- Customize Your Ice Cream
- Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, cookie dough, crushed nuts, or fruit after the base is churned but before freezing. Swirl in caramel, fudge, or fruit purees for added flavor.
- Prevent Ice Crystals
- To keep the texture smooth and creamy, press a layer of plastic wrap or parchment paper directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container. This prevents ice crystals from forming.
- Pre-Freeze Your Ice Cream Maker Bowl
- If using an ice cream maker with a freezer bowl, ensure it’s fully frozen (typically 12-24 hours) before starting. A well-frozen bowl is essential for properly churning the ice cream.
- Experiment with Sweeteners
- For a unique flavor, you can replace granulated sugar with honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup. Adjust the quantity to taste.
- Make It Without an Ice Cream Maker
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the chilled mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe container. Freeze for 30 minutes, then stir vigorously with a fork or whisk to break up ice crystals. Repeat every 30 minutes for about 2-3 hours, until the mixture is creamy and frozen.
- Soften Before Serving
- Homemade ice cream can become very firm in the freezer. Let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping for the perfect texture.
- Store Properly
- Use a sturdy, airtight container to store your ice cream. Label it with the date, and consume it within 1-2 weeks for the best taste and texture.
These tips will help you create the smoothest, creamiest Sweet Cream Ice Cream every time!
Conclusion
Making your own Sweet Cream Ice Cream at home is a delightful way to enjoy a timeless, rich, and creamy dessert. With just a handful of simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a treat that’s both indulgent and versatile. Whether you savor it on its own or use it as a base to experiment with flavors, the possibilities are endless. The joy of crafting something from scratch and the satisfaction of tasting the result make it a rewarding experience for both novice and seasoned cooks.
This recipe highlights the beauty of simplicity, proving that you don’t need fancy equipment or exotic ingredients to achieve a professional-quality dessert. By following the tips and suggestions provided, you can customize your ice cream to suit your preferences, from mix-ins to serving styles. The rich texture and subtle sweetness of sweet cream ice cream also make it an ideal accompaniment to baked goods like pies, cakes, or brownies, elevating your dessert game to the next level.
Hi, I’m Katelyn Williams, the expert behind Ninjacreamiicecream.com. With a deep passion for creating delectable ice cream recipes, I’m here to share my love for all things ice cream. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University, and since then, I’ve been dedicated to perfecting the art of ice cream making. From classic flavors to innovative creations, my goal is to inspire you to make delicious and creamy treats at home effortlessly. Join me for the best recipes, tips, and techniques to elevate your ice cream game and indulge in delightful frozen desserts!