Say “Buh-Bye” To Store-Bought Ice Cream And Try These 11 Homemade Recipes Instead
Ah, ice cream.
Just saying the words makes you want a scoop. Whether you opt for more classic flavors like chocolate or vanilla or find yourself reaching for something more adventurous (rum raisin, anyone?), one thing is true: everyone loves ice cream.
And there’s no better time to indulge in this sweet treat than during the hot, sticky days of summer.
This year, scrap the store-bought stuff and try your hand at a homemade pint—but don’t be surprised if you can never go back.
To get you inspired, we’ve selected 11 of our favorite homemade ice cream recipes that’ll have you feeling like a kid again. Check ‘em out below.
Hungry for more? We’ve got everything you need for the perfect scoop—from ice cream makers to bowls and everything in-between.
Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwiches
If nostalgia was a dessert, this peanut butter-laced recipe would be it.
Plus, it’s surprisingly simple—your favorite ice cream is sandwiched between two homemade peanut butter cookies (yum!) and it’s all drizzled with a chocolate hard shell that’ll put the store-bought stuff to shame.
Better keep this recipe handy because these just might become your family’s new favorite hot-weather treat.
Strawberry Rose Water Frozen Yogurt
Okay, okay—so frozen yogurt isn’t technically ice cream.
But with layers of fresh, ripe strawberries laced with hints of delicate rose swimming in a creamy, vanilla base, this summertime dessert will satisfy your sweet, cold, creamy cravings in no time.
Salted Caramel Ice Cream with Chocolate Ganache
Question: is there anything more decadent and soul-satisfying than sweet, savory, silky salted caramel?
Nah, we didn’t think so. And this recipe ups the ante with a homemade chocolate ganache that takes it from delicious to downright indulgent.
We recommend toasting up a few marshmallows to serve alongside your scoops.
Get the Salted Caramel Ice Cream with Chocolate Ganache recipe!
Pineapple Lime Sorbet
For a refreshing, fruity treat, give this pineapple and lime sorbet a try!
We love it because it’s sinfully easy—just pop all the ingredients into a blender and blend into a smooth puree. Then, transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
It’s fast, easy and will have you enjoying a delightfully tart and fruity dessert in no time.
Chef’s Tip: Don’t have an ice cream maker? You can achieve the same creamy, silky texture with a food processor!
Simply freeze the sorbet mixture flat in a large zip top plastic bag. Then, break the frozen sheet of sorbet apart and pulse in a food processor—this allows the ice crystals to seed with the mixture, creating that consistency we know and love. Once the sorbet is blended and reaches the desired texture, store in the freezer until you’re ready to enjoy.
Fresh Blackberry Ice Cream
Summer is berry season, and what better way to pay homage to nature’s bounty than with a homemade ice cream that’s packed with 3 whole cups of fresh blackberries?
This one takes a bit of practice to get the custard mixture just right, but we’d bet a bushel of berries that once you get the hang of it, this recipe will be on rotation all season long.
Guinness Ice Cream with Chocolate Bacon Bits
Kids at heart, this one’s for you!
Using Guinness (or another dark stout of your choice), this ice cream recipe is full of depth and complexity. Notes of caramel, toasted espresso and dark chocolate mingle with the sugar and vanilla bean, creating a flavor reminiscent of chocolate cake topped with dolce de leche frosting.
And if that doesn’t sound enticing enough, the ice cream is topped with homemade chocolate-covered bacon bits. Yes, it’s all we’re craving now, too.
Get the Guinness Ice Cream with Chocolate Bacon Bits recipe!
Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream
If you love strawberries but find yourself underwhelmed with the watery flavor of store-bought varieties, this recipe might have you singing a different tune.
That’s because it calls for roasting the strawberries before adding them to your ice cream mixture, which imbues the fruit with a dark, rich, syrupy flavor that’s *chef’s kiss.*
Feeling adventurous? We recommend pairing this with the peanut butter cookies above for a PB&J-inspired dessert that’s quintessential summer.
Red Velvet Cake Ice Cream
We love ice cream parlors for one very delicious reason: the mix ins!
That’s why we love this ice cream recipe—it utilizes chunks of homemade red velvet cake as additions to your ice cream. And sure, maybe the idea of whipping up two desserts sounds daunting, but trust us—every decadent bite is worth it.
Smoked Bourbon Cherry Ice Cream
For an adults-only ice cream bash, this smoky, bourbon-soaked treat is a guaranteed winner.
Using The Smoking Gun by Breville, you’ll literally add smoke to the ice cream, creating a depth of flavor akin to a top-shelf Scotch aged in oak bourbon barrels, with notes of warm smoke mingling among layers of silky, sweet vanilla.
But it doesn’t end there. The cherries are simmered in a combination of bourbon, sugar and lemon juice until reduced, creating a flavor reminiscent of cherries jubilee. It’s a dessert worthy of a celebration—even if the only thing you’re celebrating is the flavor.
Pineapple Mango Sorbet
Hot summer days call for a chilly, refreshing and fruity treat—which is why we love this Pineapple Mango Sorbet.
Utilizing fresh mango and fresh pineapple, this dessert is light enough to be enjoyed during the dog days of summer and decadent enough to satisfy sweet tooths all season long.
Confetti Ice Cream Sandwiches
Alright, we’re just going to come out and say it: we wish every occasion called for confetti cake. There’s just something about that colorful, sprinkle-laced batter that screams “celebration.” And when you pair it with ice cream? Well, now that’s a dessert worthy of a party.
Get the Confetti Ice Cream Sandwiches recipe!
Hungry for more? We’ve got everything you need for the perfect scoop—from ice cream makers to bowls and everything in-between.
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