There’s nothing that says summer quite like homemade ice cream. Whether you’re hosting a backyard birthday bash, a neighborhood cookout, or just want an excuse to gather everyone in the kitchen, making ice cream from scratch is easier than you think and a whole lot of fun. You don’t even need a fancy machine, just heavy cream, condensed milk and a few other ingredients. Here are three delicious and easy recipes to build your next ice cream party around, plus some ideas to make your party more fun.
No-Churn Vanilla Base
Every great ice cream party starts with a rich, creamy base, and this one couldn’t be simpler. Whip it up ahead of time and set out mix-ins so guests can customize their own bowl.
Ingredients
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy cream
- Your favorite mix-ins and additions to customize
Instructions
- Line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper and pop it in the freezer.
- In a large chilled bowl, whisk the condensed milk and vanilla together.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture until fully combined.
- Pour into the chilled pan, cover, and freeze at least 5 hours before serving.
- Serve and let guests customize with their favorite mix-ins.
- Recipe from Bake It With Love.
Mason Jar Ice Cream
This recipe would be perfect for an ice cream party. Get a mason jar for each person, label it with their name and print out flavor variations to display near the ingredients. Everyone shakes their own jar of ice cream and picks their flavor. What fun!
Ingredients (per jar)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Pour the cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt into a wide-mouth pint jar.
- Check your flavor recipe – some flavors are added before shaking and some before freezing!
- Twist the lid on tightly and shake until the mixture doubles in size and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
- Freeze for 2-3 hours, shaking every 20-30 minutes to keep the texture smooth.
- Serve straight from the jar with favorite toppings.
- Recipe from Wholefully.
Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches
Make these a day or two before the party and stash them in the freezer, then just set out a tray and watch them disappear.
Ingredients
- Homemade brownies (see recipe for all ingredients and instructions)
- No-churn vanilla base (recipe above), softened or your favorite flavor ice cream
- Sprinkles or crushed cookies for the edges (optional)
Instructions
- Bake the brownie layer in a lined sheet pan and let cool completely.
- Cut the layer in half; spread softened ice cream over one half.
- Top with the second half, pressing gently, and freeze until firm.
- Slice into squares and roll the edges in sprinkles or crushed cookies before serving.
- Recipe from Tastes Better From Scratch
Party Ideas
- Build a waffle cone dipping station: Melt chocolate chips in a slow cooker and let guests dip waffle cone rims and roll them in crushed nuts or sprinkles.
- Offer brownies and cookies for build-your-own ice cream sandwiches or for sundaes.
- Have waffle cone bowls – no mess!
- Add a cereal topping section: include crushed Frosted Flakes, Cocoa Puffs, Cinnamon Toast Crunch and all your favorite childhood cereals.
- Add homemade sauce: simmer heavy cream and chocolate chips in a slow cooker for an easy topping.
- Have a flavor contest: vote by popularity and gift the winner with a custom ice cream door prize.
- Add root beer or coffee for floats.
Homemade ice cream is a little messy, a lot of fun, and the kind of dessert that gets everyone talking about who came up with the best combination. Grab the ingredients and supplies, gather your favorite people, and let the summer scooping fun begin!