Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional mix-ins: chocolate chips, chopped fruits, nuts, cookie pieces, etc.
Instructions:
- Preparation: Place a mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes before you start. This will help whip the cream more effectively.
- Whip the Cream: Take the chilled mixing bowl and beat the heavy cream using an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. This usually takes a few minutes. Be careful not to overbeat; you want the cream to be thick and smooth, not grainy.
- Add Condensed Milk: Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk into the whipped cream until well combined. Use a spatula and make sure to maintain the light and airy texture.
- Flavor and Mix-ins: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for flavor. If you want to add any mix-ins like chocolate chips, fruits, nuts, or cookies, do so at this point and gently fold them into the mixture.
- Freeze: Transfer the ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe container. Smooth the top with a spatula. You can also drizzle a thin layer of your favorite sauce on top if you like.
- Cover and Freeze: Cover the container with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent ice crystals from forming. Place the container in the freezer and let it freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until the ice cream is firm.
- Serving: When you’re ready to serve, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly, making scooping easier.
- Enjoy: Scoop the homemade ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy your delicious creation!
Remember that homemade ice cream may have a slightly different texture compared to store-bought versions, but that’s part of its charm. Feel free to experiment with flavors and mix-ins to create your perfect treat!
If you have an ice cream maker, the process may vary slightly. Typically, you would churn the mixture in the ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions before transferring it to a container and freezing it until firm.