Ice Cream
Homemade ice cream is one of those old-fashioned treats that never goes out of style. This page includes two classic vanilla versions—one quick “country” freezer-style mix and one cooked custard-style recipe for a richer, creamier scoop.
Both recipes come from a rural community cookbook and make plenty for summer gatherings, cookouts, and special occasions. Use the jump links to pick your method and start churning.
Recipes on this page
Country Vanilla Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 4 eggs, well beaten
- 2 1/2 cups sugar
- 6 cups milk
- 4 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add sugar gradually to beaten eggs, beating well after each addition. When mixture becomes very stiff, add remaining ingredients.
- Mix thoroughly.
- Pour into a 2-gallon freezer container and freeze. Serves 16.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 2 quarts milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 eggs
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons vanilla
Instructions
- Heat the milk and sugar mixture in a double boiler.
- Beat eggs, then mix flour and salt into the eggs.
- Add egg mixture to the milk mixture and cook until slightly thickened.
- Strain, then add heavy cream and vanilla.
- Freeze in a hand-crank freezer or an electric freezer. Makes about 1 gallon.
FAQ
What’s the difference between the two vanilla ice cream recipes?
Country Vanilla is a simple freezer-style mix that’s combined and frozen. The Vanilla Ice Cream recipe is cooked (custard-style) until slightly thickened, then strained and frozen.
Do I need an ice cream maker to make these recipes?
They’re written for freezer-style ice cream makers (hand-crank or electric). If you don’t have one, you can freeze the mixture in a pan and stir vigorously every 30–45 minutes until firm, though the texture may be less creamy.
How can I customize homemade vanilla ice cream?
Add mix-ins near the end of freezing—like crushed cookies, fruit, chocolate chips, or nuts—or swap the vanilla for other extracts (almond, peppermint) to change the flavor.