Make Perfect Homemade Ice Cream This Summer With These Tips

Many people assume that making homemade ice cream is a daunting task reserved for professionals, but that's far from the truth. Ditch the store-bought varieties and expensive artisanal options — creating your own ice cream at home can be both rewarding and surprisingly simple. With a few practical tips and tricks, you can whip up the creamiest, most crave-worthy ice cream in your kitchen, and enjoy it all summer long.

Two people holding ice cream cones.Photo byPhoto credit: Depositphotos.

Use Full-Fat Dairy

For the creamiest texture, always use full-fat milk and cream. Low-fat options can make your ice cream icy and less rich. Full-fat dairy gives that smooth, indulgent feel.

Chill Your Ingredients

Make sure all your ingredients are well-chilled before starting. Cold ingredients help the mixture freeze faster, preventing the formation of large ice crystals and keeping the texture smooth and creamy.

Pre-freeze Your Ice Cream Bowl

If you’re using an ice cream maker, pre-freeze the bowl for at least 24 hours. This ensures the mixture freezes quickly and evenly once you start churning and results in the best consistency.

Add a Splash of Alcohol

Adding a small amount of alcohol, like vodka or rum, keeps your ice cream from freezing too hard. It lowers the freezing point, making the ice cream easier to scoop straight from the freezer. Most storebought brands use gums or additives to keep the ice cream from freezing hard but alcohol is a homemaker's best trick.

Use Corn Syrup or Honey

Replace some of the sugar with corn syrup or honey. These ingredients help prevent ice crystals from forming and will keep your ice cream smooth and creamy.

Sweet corn bacon ice cream.Photo byGina Matsoukas/Running to the Kitchen

Mix in a Little Gelatin

Dissolving a small amount of gelatin into your ice cream base is another option to improve texture by preventing ice crystals and giving the ice cream a smoother, richer mouthfeel.

Don’t Overmix

When using an ice cream maker, don’t overmix the base. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to a grainy texture. Stop churning once the mixture thickens to maintain a creamy texture.

Fold in Mix-Ins Gently

If you’re adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit, fold them in gently after churning to maintain a smooth texture and evenly distributes the goodies throughout the ice cream.

Use a Water Bath to Cool the Base

After heating your ice cream base, cool it quickly by placing the saucepan in a larger bowl of ice water. This helps bring the temperature down fast, reducing the risk of bacteria and improving texture.

Store Properly

To prevent ice crystals, store your ice cream in an airtight container with a layer of plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface. This keeps out air and maintains creaminess so every scoop you serve is perfect!

The article first appeared on Running to the Kitchen.