Ice cream is a summer staple for a reason, but let’s be real: Sometimes a walk through the freezer aisle can be overwhelming. And despite the array of flavors, you still might not find the perfect tub you’re looking for. That’s when homemade ice cream can come in clutch.
Making your own ice cream can be fun and satisfying, especially in the summer, Marisa Moore, RDN, LD, tells SELF. The possibilities for flavors and combinations are pretty much endless: Find yourself gravitating toward cherry pie or blueberry cobbler once the temperatures start heating up? Make an ice cream inspired by those pastries by folding in some seasonal fruit. And if dairy isn’t your thing, you can swap it for some coconut cream or puréed avocados, which provide an even smoother texture than milk-based options, says Moore. It’s really about innovating with what you have on hand to match whatever taste profile you’re craving.
While making your own frozen dessert may sound complicated, it’s actually simpler than you may think. An ice cream machine can be useful, sure, but you absolutely can still make magic happen with just a blender, loaf pan, and your freezer, Moore says.
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And the best part? Homemade ice cream comes together without a whole lot of hands-on time. The prep usually takes under 15 minutes—and then the ice box does the rest of the work.
So if you’re feeling ready to start scooping, get your bases ready—say, heavy cream, coconut milk, or puréed bananas—then check your pantry for potential add-ins (think chocolate chips, pecans, or berries), and get cranking. Looking for a bit more of a direction or some really tasty inspo? We’ve rounded up 15 homemade ice cream recipes to get you one step closer to cooling off this summer.
