Celebrate Memorial Day with Homemade Ice Cream

A scoop of happiness on a warm Memorial Day afternoon can only mean one thing—homemade ice cream! The creamy texture and rich flavors of this delightful treat will have you dreaming of lazy summer days spent with friends and family. Just imagine the sound of laughter mingling with the clinking of spoons as you all dig into bowls of velvety goodness.

Every scoop is a reminder that life is meant to be sweet. Memories of my first attempt at making ice cream swirl in my mind like a delightful mix of chocolate and vanilla. I was determined to create something remarkable for our annual family picnic—little did I know that my blender would turn into an unexpected ice cream maker! So grab your bowls and get ready for some fun memories as we dive into this delightful adventure together.

A memorable picnic where everyone adored my homemade ice cream still warms my heart!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Heavy Cream: Choose high-quality heavy cream for that rich, creamy texture that makes your ice cream irresistible.
• Whole Milk: Whole milk adds a smooth consistency; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the mixture perfectly; feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor; artificial vanilla just won’t cut it here!
• Pinch of Salt: A little salt balances the sweetness while enhancing all the delicious flavors.
• Your Favorite Mix-ins: Think chocolate chips or fresh fruits—get creative with ingredients you love!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Gather Your Ingredients: Start by measuring out all your ingredients. You’ll need heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and any mix-ins you desire.

Mix It Up!: In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream and whole milk until well combined. Add sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; stir until everything dissolves and blends beautifully.

Chill Time!: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step allows the flavors to meld together.

Churn It!: If using an ice cream maker, pour the chilled mixture into it according to manufacturer instructions. Churn until thickened and creamy—this takes about 20-25 minutes.

Add Your Mix-ins!: When your base reaches soft-serve consistency, gently fold in your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or diced fruit before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Freeze Until Firm!: Place the container in the freezer for at least 4 hours or overnight if you’re feeling patient. Trust me; it’ll be worth it when it’s scoopable!

Now you’re ready to serve up some smiles along with those scoops! Enjoy every last drop as you celebrate with friends and family this Memorial Day weekend.

Remember that making this homemade ice cream can be more than just following steps; it’s about enjoying each moment in the kitchen while creating something delightful!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by heating your base gently to dissolve sugar completely, then chill it thoroughly before churning. This step ensures a creamy consistency and avoids any icy surprises later on.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out traditional flavors for unique ones like lavender or chai spice. You can also add fresh mint or citrus zest for an extra zing!

Storing & Reheating

Store your homemade ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. To soften before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 5–10 minutes.

I fondly remember one Memorial Day where my ice cream was the star of the picnic. Friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was, and honestly, their smiles were worth all the effort!

FAQ

Can I use coconut milk instead of regular milk?

Yes, coconut milk creates a creamy vegan version that’s absolutely delicious.

How long does homemade ice cream last in the freezer?

Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed within two weeks for optimal freshness.

What if my ice cream is too hard after freezing?

Let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping to soften it up.

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📖 Recipe Card

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Memorial Day Homemade Ice Cream

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: About 6 servings 1x

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Description

Delight in a creamy and refreshing homemade ice cream, perfect for Memorial Day celebrations and summer gatherings. This easy recipe will have everyone scooping up smiles!

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Your favorite mix-ins (e.g., chocolate chips, fresh fruits)

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients and measure.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to meld flavors.
4. Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer instructions until it thickens (about 20-25 minutes).
5. Gently fold in your chosen mix-ins before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
6. Freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.

Notes

• Use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor.
•  Chill your mixture thoroughly to enhance texture.
• Feel free to experiment with unique flavors like lavender or mint.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Churning
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup (125g)
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 35mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 80mg