10 Refreshing DIY Ice Cream Recipes for Sweet Summer Celebrations

There's nothing quite like a scoop of creamy, homemade ice cream to cool you down when summer brings the hottest of temperatures around the world. While traditional ice cream makers are great, you don't need one to create delicious, creamy ice cream at home. With just a few simple ingredients and some clever techniques, you can whip up a variety of personalized flavors right in your kitchen!

The following 10 easy DIY recipes I will explore are ones that I have actually created (and tried!) that are perfect for summer gatherings, weekend treats, or simply indulging in a sweet moment on a hot day. From classic flavors like vanilla bean and refreshing peppermint to fruity options like fresh strawberry and tropical mango, there’s a recipe here to suit everyone’s taste. Each recipe includes detailed instructions, tips for perfecting the flavor, possible allergens/dietary restrictions, and ideas for customizing your creations!

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1. Fresh Strawberry Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled (strawberry leaf removed) and sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a blender or food processor, puree the strawberries until smooth. Add the lemon juice and blend briefly.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the strawberry puree with heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until well blended.
3. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
4. Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before scooping.

Tips:

• For a chunkier texture, reserve a few strawberry slices to mix into the ice cream before freezing.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the strawberry puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds.

Allergens:

• Dairy (heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk)

This strawberry ice cream is a summertime classic! The fresh strawberries provide a vibrant flavor and natural sweetness, while the heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk create a rich, creamy texture.

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2. Classic Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla bean seeds or vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
3. Stir in the heavy cream. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled.
4. Pour the chilled mixture into a freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
5. Allow the ice cream to soften slightly before serving for easier scooping.

Tips:

• If using vanilla extract, add it after removing the mixture from heat to preserve its flavor.
• For a richer flavor, substitute some of the whole milk with additional heavy cream.

Allergens:

• Dairy (heavy cream, whole milk)

This vanilla bean ice cream is the epitome of simplicity and elegance. The real vanilla bean provides a deep, authentic flavor that makes this ice cream a luxurious treat.

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3. Peppermint Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Stir in the peppermint extract. Mix well.
3. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
4. Once the ice cream is firm, fold in the crushed peppermint candies. Return to the freezer to firm up again if necessary.
5. Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before scooping.

Tips:

• For a stronger peppermint flavor, increase the peppermint extract to 1 teaspoon.
• Crush the candies finely to prevent large chunks in the ice cream.

Allergens:

• Dairy (heavy cream, whole milk)

Peppermint ice cream is a refreshing and festive treat. The peppermint extract provides a cool, invigorating flavor, while the crushed candies add a delightful crunch.

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4. Chocolate Fudge Swirl Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup chocolate fudge sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk, sugar, and cocoa powder over medium heat, whisking until the sugar and cocoa are completely dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
2. Allow the chocolate mixture to cool to room temperature. Stir in the heavy cream.
3. Pour the chilled mixture into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
4. Once the ice cream is frozen, swirl in the chocolate fudge sauce by gently folding it into the ice cream.
5. Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before serving.

Tips:

• For a smoother fudge swirl, slightly warm the fudge sauce before adding it to the ice cream.
• Add chocolate chips or chunks for extra chocolatey goodness.

Allergens:

• Dairy (heavy cream, whole milk)
• Chocolate (contains traces of dairy)

Chocolate fudge swirl ice cream is a dream come true for chocolate lovers. The rich cocoa base is complemented by swirls of gooey fudge sauce, creating a decadent treat.

Image Credit: DanielTwal from Pixabay

5. Mango Coconut Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1 cup frozen mango chunks
• 1/2 cup honey or agave syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the coconut milk, frozen mango chunks, honey, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
3. Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before scooping.

Tips:

• For a tropical twist, add shredded coconut or chopped mango chunks to the mixture before freezing.
• Adjust the sweetness to taste by adding more or less honey.

Allergens:

• Coconut (coconut milk)
• Possible cross-contamination with other allergens if processed in the same facility

Mango coconut ice cream offers a tropical escape with its creamy coconut base and sweet mango flavor. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a taste of paradise at home.

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6. Peach Vanilla Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup fresh peaches, peeled and diced
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a blender, puree the diced peaches until smooth. Set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Stir in the peach puree and vanilla extract.
3. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
4. Allow the ice cream to soften slightly before serving for easier scooping.

Tips:

• For a chunkier texture, reserve some diced peaches to mix into the ice cream before freezing.
• If peaches are not in season, you can use frozen peaches.

Allergens:

• Dairy (heavy cream, whole milk)

Peach vanilla ice cream captures the essence of summer with its sweet, juicy peaches and creamy vanilla base. It’s a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of the season.

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7. Berry Yogurt Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the Greek yogurt, mixed berries, honey, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
3. Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before scooping.

Tips:

• For a smoother texture, strain the berry mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds.
• Customize with your favorite berries or add a swirl of fruit sauce.

Allergens:

• Dairy (Greek yogurt)

Berry yogurt ice cream offers a tangy and refreshing twist on traditional ice cream. The Greek yogurt base provides a creamy texture while the mixed berries add vibrant flavors and natural sweetness.

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8. Coffee Almond Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brewed coffee, cooled
• 1/4 cup almond butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and brewed coffee until the sugar is dissolved. Stir in the almond butter and vanilla extract.
2. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
3. Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before scooping.

Tips:

• For added crunch, fold in chopped almonds before freezing.
• Ensure the coffee is completely cooled before adding to the mixture.

Allergens:

• Dairy (heavy cream, whole milk)
• Nuts (almond butter)

Coffee almond ice cream is perfect for those who love the combination of rich coffee flavor and nutty almond notes. The almond butter adds a creamy texture, while the coffee provides a bold, invigorating taste.

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9. Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk, sugar, and cocoa powder over medium heat, whisking until the sugar and cocoa are completely dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
2. Allow the chocolate mixture to cool to room temperature. Stir in the peanut butter until fully combined.
3. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
4. Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before scooping.

Tips:

• For extra peanut butter flavor, swirl additional peanut butter into the ice cream before freezing.
• Add chocolate chips for extra texture.

Allergens:

• Dairy (heavy cream, whole milk)
• Peanuts (peanut butter)

Chocolate peanut butter ice cream is a decadent treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and creamy peanut butter. It’s a surefire way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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10. Banana Nut Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
2. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
3. Once the ice cream is frozen, fold in the chopped nuts. Return to the freezer to firm up again if necessary.
4. Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before scooping.

Tips:

• For a smoother texture, blend the bananas until completely smooth.
• Toast the nuts before adding them for a richer flavor.

Allergens:

• Dairy (heavy cream, whole milk)
• Nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Banana nut ice cream is a delightful blend of sweet, creamy banana and crunchy nuts. It’s a comforting and satisfying flavor that’s perfect for a summer treat.

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Conclusion

With these 10 easy DIY ice cream recipes, you can enjoy a wide variety of delicious flavors without needing an ice cream machine. Each recipe is designed to be simple and fun, making it easy to create homemade ice cream that’s perfect for any summer celebration! Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these recipes will help you make the most of this season. Enjoy your delicious homemade ice cream and celebrate summer in style!