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Hand holding a dark chocolate cone filled with creamy vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate shavings

5‑Ingredient Vanilla Ice Cream

A creamy, rich homemade vanilla ice cream with just five ingredients—perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without fuss.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Freezing Time 7 hours
Total Time 8 hours
Servings: 4 cups
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Base
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream cold
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
Flavoring
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch salt
Optional Mix‑Ins
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips or berries optional, chopped if berries

Equipment

  • Mixer (hand or stand)
  • Freezer-safe container

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  2. Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until fully combined.
  3. Fold in any optional mix‑ins if using, like chocolate chips or berries.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a freezer‑safe container, cover, and freeze for at least 7 hours or overnight for best texture.
  5. Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping and serving.

Notes

For flavor variations, stir in fruit purée, cookie crumbs, or nut butter before freezing. Be gentle folding to keep it fluffy!