Summer Vanilla Soft Serve Ice Cream
Introduction
Summer is here, and what better way to beat the heat than with a delicious scoop of homemade vanilla soft serve ice cream? This creamy and dreamy treat is a classic favorite that everyone loves. It’s simple to make and perfect for enjoying on a hot day with family and friends.
Why Make This Recipe
Making your own Summer Vanilla Soft Serve Ice Cream gives you total control over the ingredients and flavor. You can avoid artificial additives and preservatives often found in store-bought ice cream. Plus, there’s something special about creating a treat from scratch. It’s fun, rewarding, and will impress anyone you serve it to!
How to Make Summer Vanilla Soft Serve Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (very cold)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Directions:
-
Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, whip the cold heavy cream using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This should take about 3–5 minutes.
-
Fold in the Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gently fold the sweetened condensed milk into the whipped cream using a spatula. Add the vanilla extract and continue folding until smooth and fully combined. Don’t overmix—just until well blended.
-
Freeze or Pipe: For scoopable ice cream, pour the mixture into an airtight container, smooth the top, and freeze for 6 hours or overnight. For soft-serve style, pipe the mixture into cones directly and enjoy immediately if you used a soft-serve machine. Otherwise, freeze it in a piping bag for 2–3 hours until semi-firm, then pipe and serve!
-
Serve: Scoop or swirl into cones or cups. Top with sprinkles, fruit, or enjoy as is!
How to Serve Summer Vanilla Soft Serve Ice Cream
Serve your homemade vanilla soft serve in cones or cups, adding fun toppings like chocolate syrup, fresh fruits, or colorful sprinkles. Serve it at birthday parties, barbecues, or just for a family treat on a sunny afternoon.
How to Store Summer Vanilla Soft Serve Ice Cream
Keep any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. For the best texture, try to consume it within a week. If you use a piping bag, you can store that in the freezer as well until ready to use.
Tips to Make Summer Vanilla Soft Serve Ice Cream
- Ensure your heavy cream is very cold for the best results.
- When whipping the cream, watch closely for stiff peaks; this will give your ice cream a light texture.
- Don’t overmix when combining the ingredients to keep the air trapped in the whipped cream.
Variation
For a twist on this classic recipe, try adding crushed cookies, fruit puree, or chocolate chips to the mixture before freezing. This can add extra flavor and fun textures to your soft serve.
FAQs
Q: Can I use different flavor extracts instead of vanilla?
A: Yes! You can easily substitute vanilla extract with almond, mint, or any other flavor you enjoy.
Q: How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: You can use coconut cream and a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk to make a delicious dairy-free version.
Q: How long does it take to make this ice cream?
A: The preparation time is around 15 minutes, but don’t forget the freezing time! It’s best to freeze it for at least 6 hours.
Enjoy your homemade Summer Vanilla Soft Serve Ice Cream and make the most of the sunny days!
