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12+ Ice Cream Recipes For Summer and Beyond

ByMegan Myers last updated

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What’s summer without a few scoops? These homemade ice cream recipes are the hit of any backyard party or porch cone.

My family has a serious ice cream problem. The problem being that I have only one churning drum for my machine, so our ice cream-making is limited to a batch once every few days.

From the first warm days of spring all the way through the holiday season, there’s always a reason to churn something wonderful. Whether you’re in the mood for a bright, fruity sorbet, a creamy classic straight out of childhood, or something a little unexpected, I’ve got you covered.

The best part? You don’t need to be a professional to pull any of these off. Most are egg-free, plenty come together with just a handful of ingredients, and one doesn’t even require an ice cream maker at all.

I love experimenting with seasonal fruit, pantry mix-ins, and classic flavors that never get old. These are the frozen treats my family requests again and again—and the ones I’m always happy to make!

Tips for making ice cream at home

The number one thing you need to remember is to freeze your ice cream bowl! The churning process relies on the core of this bowl being frozen, so your ice cream won’t set without it. If you can’t store the bowl in the freezer, make sure to put it in 24 hours in advance of when you want to make ice cream.

Another important step is chilling the mixture before you churn. For many recipes you’ll be warming some cream and sugar, and warm ingredients won’t churn! Make sure to chill for a minimum of 2 hours before you pour it into the ice cream machine *.


If you’re adding mix ins like nuts, marshmallows, cookie bits, or chocolate drizzle, you need to add them at the end of churning, just before the machine completes the cycle. Adding hard ingredients can impede the churning process. Pouring them in at the end ensures they get mixed with those final few passes of the paddle.

Freeze the ice cream after churning. OK, technically you can eat it right out of the machine as a soft-style ice cream, but you’ll want to pack it into containers and freeze for a few hours to get that classic scoop.

Ice cream making tools

My trusty 2-quart Cuisinart ice cream machine has been churning out batch after batch for years. Most homemade ice cream recipes will make between 1 1/2 and 2 quarts, so a 2-quart machine will cover your bases here.

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If you have a stand mixer *, you can get an ice cream attachment, which can be more economical than buying a whole new machine.

Hand-crank ice cream machines have a larger capacity, so be sure to double or triple your recipe. You’ll also need plenty of ice and rock salt * for churning, plus a strong arm!

ice cream tools

*

Storing homemade ice cream

If you’re not eating your whole batch of ice cream right after churning (tempting, I know!), you’ll need to store it.

I prefer to use silicone ice cream containers *. These have airtight lids, and the silicone prevents freezer burn from forming. They wash up easily and can be used again and again.

Lined cardboard containers also work well. Similar to what store-bought ice cream is stored in, these are good for when you are making ice cream to share. They’re easy to label too, so you can keep track of your flavors.

I don’t recommend using a loaf pan * or other metal pan unless you will be serving and eating all of the ice cream at once. Because it is hard to make airtight, it’s easy for ice crystals to form on your ice cream.

Got all your tools ready to go? Let’s make some frozen treats!

Homemade ice cream recipes

Two scoops of raspberry ice cream served in waffle bowls, with an ice cream scoop and patterned cloth in the background.
Black Raspberry Ice Cream
Black raspberry season is short, so make the most of these tart berries with your own batch of black raspberry ice cream.
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child hands holding bowl of chocolate ice cream with sprinkles
Chocolate Ice Cream
A perennial classic, this chocolate ice cream is a winner with kids and adults alike. This recipe is egg free, so it's simple to make!
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A metal scoop is inserted into a container of creamy, light brown ice cream. A white bowl and a striped cloth are partially visible in the background.
Dulce de Leche Ice Cream
Rich caramel sauce is transformed into a creamy, dreamy treat in this recipe for dulce de leche ice cream.
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A bowl of strawberry ice cream with fresh strawberries on top, placed on a wooden surface with a bowl of whole strawberries in the background.
Strawberry Ice Cream
Macerating the fruit ensures that this strawberry ice cream is bursting with fruit flavor. It's one of our absolute favorites!
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close up vanilla bean ice cream in red bowl
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Don't listen to the naysayers: Vanilla ice cream is anything but boring. Flecked with vanilla bean, this is the vanilla you'll make again and again.
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A glass bowl filled with three scoops of yellow mango ice cream, with fresh mango pieces on a cutting board in the background.
Mango Ice Cream
Fresh mangoes transform into a luscious creamy tropical dessert. A bit of lime gives it a bright finish.
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Two waffle bowls of pink and white scooped ice cream, each topped with a cherry piece. An ice cream scoop is placed between the two bowls on a marbled surface.
Cherry Ice Cream with Amaretto
No pitting required! This cherry ice cream recipe uses jarred maraschino cherries for a simple shortcut.
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Two clear glasses filled with scoops of bright pink raspberry sorbet, garnished with fresh mint leaves, are placed on a white surface with raspberries scattered around.
Raspberry Sorbet
Tart and refreshing raspberry sorbet only needs 4 ingredients! Enjoy on its own or add to a glass of prosecco!
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A white bowl with two scoops of ice cream topped with crumbled nuts, garnished with banana slices, on a wooden table next to a spoon and a striped cloth.
Banana Pudding Ice Cream
Rich and creamy banana pudding ice cream is inspired by the classic Southern dessert.
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stacked bowl of strawberry pretzel ice cream
Strawberry Pretzel Ice Cream
Strawberry pretzel ice cream features a tangy cream cheese base, strawberry swirl, and crunchy pretzel crumble.
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Red ice cream bowl with three scoops of no-churn ice cream.
No-Churn Ice Cream
You don't need an ice cream machine for this easy vanilla no-churn ice cream. It's smooth, creamy, and totally delicious!
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rocky road ice cream in cones set in glass cups
Rocky Road Ice Cream
Rocky road ice cream is loaded with marshmallows and nuts, nestled in a dreamy chocolate base! It’s the perfect summertime treat.
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Holiday Ice Creams

Want to indulge in holiday flavors even when the temperatures are climbing? Make these seasonal favorites!

pumpkin ice cream in bowls
Pumpkin Ice Cream
This one is for pumpkin pie lovers! Smooth, creamy, with just the right amount of warming spices.
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Two bowls of peppermint ice cream.
Peppermint Ice Cream
Crushed candy canes make this peppermint ice cream a cooling treat you'll welcome even in winter. Add a scoop to hot chocolate for a float!
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Two scoops of vanilla ice cream in a decorative bowl, with a spoon and a glass of creamy drink nearby on a green tablecloth.
Eggnog Ice Cream
Eggnog is a must for the holidays, so keep the party going with this eggnog ice cream. A touch of rum adds classic flavor and keeps it perfectly scoopable.
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A slice of pumpkin pie topped with a scoop of cranberry ice cream on a white plate, with a bowl of cranberries in the background.
Spiced Cranberry Ice Cream
Tart cranberries are transformed into a sweet treat with this recipe for spiced cranberry ice cream. Wonderful on its own or on holiday pies!
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About Megan

I learned how to cook by exploring seasonal ingredients, and you can too! Meal time shouldn’t be stressful or complicated, and with fresh ingredients and easy methods, I’m here to help you enjoy the time spent in the kitchen. Read more…

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