As the summer sun shines over the UK, what better way to bring the family together than by making some delicious homemade ice cream? Not only is it a fun activity, but it also allows you to enjoy a cool treat right from the comfort of your home. If you are looking for the best ice cream recipes that are sure to delight your taste buds and make your summer a bit sweeter, then this blog is for you.

From classic flavours to inventive new combinations,  in this blog, we share homemade ice cream recipes that cater to everyone's preferences and dietary needs. Also, we will guide you through each step of the process, including how to store your freshly made ice cream using glass meal prep containers to keep it fresh and tasty.

1. Classic Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. In a non-stick saucepan, combine milk, cream, sugar, and salt. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the mixture and add the bean pod.
2. Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
3. Remove from heat and allow to steep for 30 minutes. Remove the vanilla bean pod.
4. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Transfer the ice cream to a glass food storage container with an airtight lid and freeze until firm, about 4–6 hours.

2. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup cookie dough, chopped into small pieces
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla.
2. Churn in an ice cream maker until thick.
3. Five minutes before the ice cream is done, add the cookie dough and chocolate chips.
4. Once mixed, transfer to a glass meal prep container and freeze for at least 5 hours.

3. Strawberry Basil Ice Cream

Ingredients

• 2 cups chopped strawberries
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Instructions

1. Purée strawberries and basil together until smooth.
2. Combine the strawberry-basil mixture with cream, milk, and sugar in a saucepan. Warm until sugar dissolves.
3. Chill the mixture thoroughly, then churn in your ice cream maker.
4. Store in a glass container and freeze until solid.

4. Vegan Coconut Almond Chocolate Ice Cream

Ingredients

• 2 cans of full-fat coconut milk
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Combine coconut milk and sugar in a saucepan and heat until sugar dissolves.
2. Stir in almond butter until well combined.
3. Chill the mixture, then churn in an ice cream maker.
4. During the last few minutes of churning, add coconut, almonds, and chocolate chips.
5. Transfer to a glass meal prep container for freezing.

5. Peaches and Cream Ice Cream

Ingredients

• 2 cups sliced peaches
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup sugar

Instructions

Purée the peaches until smooth.

1. Mix peach purée, cream, milk, and sugar in a saucepan and warm until the sugar dissolves.
2. Chill thoroughly, then churn in an ice cream maker.
3. Store in a glass meal prep container in the freezer.

6. Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Whisk together cream, milk, sugar, and peppermint extract.
2. Churn in an ice cream maker.
3. Add chocolate chips during the last few minutes of churning.
4. Freeze in a glass meal prep container until firm.

7. Salted Caramel Ice Cream

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce

Instructions

1. Whisk together cream, milk, and sugar.
2. Churn in an ice cream maker.
3. Swirl in salted caramel sauce before transferring to a glass food storage container.
4. Freeze until set.

8. Lavender Honey Ice Cream

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons dried lavender flowers

Instructions

1. Heat cream, milk, honey, and lavender in a saucepan until warm.
2. Strain out the lavender and chill the mixture.
3. Churn in an ice cream maker and then freeze in a glass meal prep container.

Storing Your Homemade Ice Cream

To maintain the best quality of your homemade ice cream, store it in glass meal prep containers. These containers offer an airtight seal that keeps the ice cream fresh and prevents freezer burn. Always let your ice cream soften for a few minutes at room temperature before serving to get the perfect texture.

Enjoy making these delightful homemade ice cream recipes and share special moments with family and friends this summer!