This Do It Yourself Ice Cream is fun to create and delicious to eat. It's the perfect treat for the whole family to make and enjoy together! 

My family is definitely the ice-cream-after-dinner type. Almost every night in the warm summer months, we gather in the living room to enjoy our dessert together. My mom likes her signature double chocolate topped with sliced almonds. My dad likes to add fresh berries to his creamy vanilla. However, my sister and I are less predictable. Some nights rainbow sprinkles top our sundaes but other nights they are drizzled with warm chocolate sauce. Each day, I look forward to the evening time when my family comes together to enjoy each other's company. 

To supply our nightly dessert ritual, my family has gotten creative. After years of trekking to the grocery store to get our much-needed ice cream, we have recently started to make our own. Making fresh ice cream can sound daunting or complicated. But, you do not need to be a baker or a scientist to make this simple recipe. Forget the expensive ice cream maker or the hard-to-pronounce ingredients. This recipe does not require any fancy equipment or unfamiliar elements. In fact, you probably have all of the items you will need right in your pantry! Using just three simple ingredients and the power of your arm, anyone can whip up a fresh batch of ice cream in no time. 

I love this ice cream because it takes minutes to make (plus freezing time), it is extremely kid-friendly, and it is easily customizable. Everyone in my family can make their own variation. It is the perfect dessert to satisfy us all. As summer approaches, now is the perfect time to try out this super simple but super delicious creamy and refreshing treat! 

Let’s talk about what you will need to make this ridiculously easy dessert...

Heavy cream: Any brand of cream from your local grocery store will work. You will only need one cup.

White Sugar: You will just need a little sugar (1 - 2 tablespoons) to add a touch of sweetness to your delicious dessert.  

Vanilla: A little goes a long way (1 -2 teaspoons). Vanilla extract will give your ice cream the signature vanilla taste. 

Salt: A pinch will bring out the flavor nicely.

As for tools, all you need is a mason jar. For this recipe for three, I would recommend using a 16 oz jar. 

Other than that, all you need is the strength of your arm and a freezer.

So, you may be wondering “how do I actually make this super easy ice cream you keep raving about?” Well, let me explain...

First, pour the cream into the jar. 

Second, add the sugar, vanilla, and salt. 

Third, put the lid on the mason jar. And just start shaking! I would recommend shaking for three to five minutes. The consistency should be become thicker and should coat your jar. It should be batter-like. If it has turned butter-like, you have shaken it for too long. 

Finally, but the jar into the freezer. Freezing it for around three hours will result in the perfect soft ice cream. If you freeze it for too long, it will become very solid and hard to scoop. But don’t worry, it will still taste delicious. Just let it sit on your counter for a couple of minutes before putting it in a bowl (or before you start to eat right out of the jar!). 

And, of course, add any toppings that you want to customize your perfect sundae. 

Possible Variations:

Now, this will yield a creamy vanilla ice cream. However, you can let your imagination run wild in this extremely customizable recipe. Here are some possible variations you can try. Just add the additional ingredients before you shake. 

Cookies and Cream: crush up and add some sandwich cookies to your cream base

Chocolate: add a few teaspoons of cocoa powder or chocolate sauce until you reach the desired chocolate-y flavor 

Mint: add mint extract and crushed chocolate chips 

You really have the power to make any type of ice cream you could want! Add fruit or cookies. You can thank me later 🙂 Leave a comment on how your ice cream turned out. What did you add?

Get the Scoop on more delicious desserts:

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Or, check out another DIY ice cream recipe:

The Best (and Easiest) Ice Cream You’ll Ever Make

Yield: 3

Homemade Ice Cream in a Jar

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This Do It Yourself ice cream is fun to create and delicious to eat. Plus, it requires only four simple ingredients. It is the perfect treat for the whole family to make and enjoy together! 

Prep Time 15 minutes

Additional Time 3 hours

Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1.5 tablespoons white sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 small pinch of salt

Additional Add-Ins:

• Chocolate chips
• Chopped berries
• Mint extract

Instructions

1. Pour the cream into a 16oz jar.
2. Add the sugar, vanilla, and salt into the jar (plus add your customizable ingredients).
3. Close the lid tightly. Shake the jar for three to five minutes. It should form a thick consistency.
4. Put the sealed jar into the freezer. Freeze for three hours (or more) for the perfect soft-serve ice cream. 
5. Add any and all toppings to perfect your delicious dessert. Enjoy!