This recipe was originally posted on May 15, 2013, but has been updated on August 23, 2024!
Experience the pure, rich flavor of homemade vanilla ice cream, churned to perfection in your KitchenAid ice cream maker. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients for a classic dessert.
Have you ever made your own vanilla ice cream? Before getting the Kitchenaid Stand Mixer Ice Cream Maker Attachment, I had only made Ice Cream in a Bag.
If you’re not familiar with that technique, it’s done by using some salt, ice, and a few gallon storage bags. You basically add cream and vanilla extract to a zip lock bag and shake it until it freezes. It work, but it makes your arms feel like they’re going to fall off!
After loving the way homemade ice cream tasted, I caught the bug! I wanted to make more ice cream, but I wanted an easier way!
I finally purchased a Kitchenaid Ice Cream Maker Attachment and it was worth every penny! This simple accessory made creating ice cream a breeze!
Kitchenaid Ice Cream Maker Attachment
Your stand mixer is more than just a mixer. With a variety of attachments, it’s a versatile tool for countless kitchen tasks, from whipping up fluffy meringues to grinding meat.
In order to make ice cream with it, you’ll need the Kitchenaid Ice Cream Maker Attachment (Amazon affiliate link).
The Ice Cream Maker consists of:
- Freeze Bowl: This is the main component that holds the ice cream mixture and needs to be frozen before use.
- Dasher: The paddle that rotates within the freeze bowl, churning the mixture and creating the ice cream.
- Drive Assembly: The part that connects the dasher to the stand mixer’s motor.
- Bowl Adapter: An accessory that secures the freeze bowl to the drive assembly.
- User Manual: Provides instructions on assembly, operation, and cleaning.
Tip – Freeze The Bowl for a Minimum of 24-Hours
The freeze bowl must be stored in your freezer before using it, so it’s cold enough to freeze the ice cream ingredients. We have found that at least 24 hours in advance is necessary for best performance.
If you have the space, it’s better to leave it in the freezer until you need it.
Recipe Ingredients:
This easy Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe calls for very basic ingredients and tastes great. Since it uses half-and-half and heavy cream, it’s a little icier and not as creamy as ice cream made with heavy cream only.
If you’re looking for a different flavor than vanilla, try Strawberry Ice Cream or Blueberry Ice Cream.
You’ll need the following ingredients on-hand before starting:
- 2 cups half & half
- 2 cups heavy cream
- (1) 12-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract
Directions
Important Tip:
Be sure to prepare and mix your ingredients before taking the bowl out of the freezer because it will start to warm up once it’s in a room-temperature environment.
Step 1:
Prepare your ice cream recipe as described below. Once your ingredients are fully mixed in a bowl, you can proceed to step 2.
Step 2:
Remove the freeze bowl from the freezer and place the paddle (dasher) inside of it.
Step 3:
Raise the motor head on your Kitchenaid Stand Mixer and secure the freeze bowl on the bottom bowl clamping plate.
Step 4:
Attach the drive assembly to the mixer’s beater shaft on the motorhead. Slide it onto the motorhead until it won’t go any further.
This should allow the motor shaft to rotate and the center white coupling should rotate and stay centered.
Step 5:
Lower the motorhead and allow the drive assembly to engage with the top of the paddle (dasher) that’s sitting inside the bowl.
Step 6:
Lock the motor head and turn the stand mixer on “Stir” (lowest) speed. This will prevent the mixture from spilling all over. It is very important to keep it low. All these ingredients can comfortably fit in the KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker bowl.
Step 7:
Slowly pour your mixed ice cream batter into the bowl and watch it work!
How long Does it Take?
The KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker takes about 25 minutes to churn our vanilla ice cream recipe to a soft-serve consistency.
Tip for Harder Ice Cream
To make harder ice cream, add the soft-serve to a separate container and store it in the freezer for 2-4 hours. If you store extras in the freezer for more than 4 hours it will be very firm and need to defrost to be scoopable. Please note, this ice cream will NEVER be the same consistency as store bought ice cream because it is made with no preservatives and just simple ingredients.
We use these awesome freezer-safe ice cream storage containers to produce the icy, creamy scoops pictured above.
If you don’t already own one, be sure to get the KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment today! It’s available on Amazon.
This recipe yields a little-more than a quart of vanilla ice cream.
FAQS
What stand mixer models is this attachment compatible with?
The KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment is designed to fit most full-sized KitchenAid stand mixers. It works with both tilt-head and bowl-lift models, but it’s important to check the specific compatibility for your model.
How much ice cream can it make?
The attachment can typically make up to 2 quarts of ice cream, sorbet, or frozen yogurt.
How long does it take to make ice cream?
The churning process usually takes around 20-30 minutes. However, for a firmer consistency, you may need to freeze the ice cream for a few hours after churning.
Do I need to pre-freeze the freeze bowl?
Yes, the freeze bowl must be frozen solid before using the attachment. This ensures that the ice cream mixture freezes quickly and evenly.
What kind of ingredients can I use?
You can use a variety of ingredients to make ice cream, including milk, cream, sugar, flavorings, and even fruits or nuts.
How do I clean the attachment?
The dasher, drive assembly, and bowl adapter are dishwasher-safe. However, the freeze bowl should be washed by hand with warm soapy water.
Can I use this attachment for other frozen desserts like sorbet or gelato?
Yes, you can use the KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment to make a variety of frozen desserts, including sorbet and gelato. Simply adjust the recipe and ingredients accordingly.
More Ice Cream Recipe to Make in the KitchenAid
Kitchenaid Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Equipment
- KitchenAid Stand Mixer
- Kitchenaid Ice Cream Maker Attachment
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 16 ounces half and half
- 16 ounces heavy cream
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Whisk together your ice cream ingredients until fully incorporated.
- Add ice cream maker paddle to freeze bowl, lower motor head and lock it in place.
- Turn Kitchenaid mixer to "stir" (lowest) speed.
- Slowly pour mixture into the Kitchenaid Ice Cream Maker (frozen bowl).
- Churn for up to 30 minutes on the lowest setting, or until ice cream is soft serve consistency.
- For harder ice cream, add the soft-serve to a freezer safe container and freeze for 2-4 hours.
My thumb for you.verygood.
Awesome ice cream! Added some cookie dough to it and it tastes just like Edy’s! Going to make some more today!
When I tried this, it would never get hard. What did I do wrong? Bowl was in freezer for 24 hours
Hello, the ingredients and bowl must have not been cold enough. When this happens, pour the batter in a metal bread loaf pan and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Allow it to firm up for 24 hours and scoop. It will not be as scoop able as store bought ice cream but it would work taste good.
Amy. Recipe on ice cream. So,do you just mix altogether and pour into the bowl and mix. Or do you mix and chill. Than put in Bowl and mix? Kinda confused unless I’m missing something
Hi, you mix it all in the ice cream maker bowl and then freeze in your ice cream maker following the directions to churn and then freeze.
You freeze the ice cream in the KitchenAid ice cream attachment?? There is no lid. Are you sure?
Hi, the post says: To make harder ice cream, add the soft-serve to a separate container and store it in the freezer for 2-4 hours.
Thanks, I did not get a recipe book with my Ice Cream maker for some reason…..will take that up with Macys!
So no need to pre-mix or do anything- just take your frozen Kitchenaid icecream bowl out of the freezer, toss all in at once and turn on as per instructions on mixer attachment?
Yes, exactly!
If I wanted it creamier could I just do all heavy whipping cream?
Hi, I am not sure! I have not tried it!
How can i make this chocolate ice cream?
Under Step 1 : Add 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder and 4 oz melted bakers chocolate into liquid and mix well before using the Kitchenaid ice cream attachment.
It’s still churning but I did a taste test and it’s excellent. A wonderful base recipe for adding more ingredients as I become experienced with my ice cream maker. Thanks so much for this and the easy to read instructions.
Have you made a Keto version? Just wondering!!
Sorry, I have wanted to but have not yet tried one!
I only found a 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk. Is it ok to use the whole can? Or how can I measure that out?
Hi, you could measure it in a measuring cup to have less.
How much sweetened condensed milk do we need? The recipe says 15 ounces but the reader’s question above about using a “whole can of 14 ounces” makes me confused. Thank you!
Hi, it is 14 ounces! I will adjust that! Thank you, for stopping by!
But the recipe says 14 oz. Just use the whole can
Made this. Turned out pretty good. Grand daughter liked it, grand son, didn’t. It is sweet!
Hi Amy I just wanted you to know I made this recipe today. Omg thank you for sharing it. My husband and I like this very much. I love it because it’s so easy. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! I am glad you all enjoyed it!
Awesome Recipe!
Wondering if you know how I could make this into chocolate ice cream?
Thank you!
Can I use this recipe and make chocolate ice cream?
What am I doing wrong? I ket my ice cream attachment freeze 15 hrs and followed the recipe exactly. I can’t get the ice cream to get to soft serve consistency. Just stays liquid.
Hi, I have found that it need to be frozen for 24 hours or longer! Your ingredients also need to be ice cold out of the fridge.
Easy and delicious. I thru in frozen raspberries at the end. Will be making all summer! Thank you for the recipe.
Followed the recipe to a t, sadly it didn’t set. After 30 minutes, it was still fairly soupy. Kitchenaid ice cream bowel has been in the freezer, for more than 24 hrs. Any ideas?
Hi Jim, were your ingredients super cold, and was the room temp cold?
I find in the summer even the slightest warmth can throw it off. But if this happens, it is okay!
Just put the batter into a container like a loaf pan and let it set in the freezer, covered for 8+ hours. You will have scoopable ice cream after that!! Never waste your batter!
You have to mix it on stir or it won’t set
Checking out different ice cream recipes and noticed this one does not require cooking because there are no eggs! While I am a fan of this shortcut, is the end result less satisfying or less flavorful??
No, this ice cream is really delicious. Especially if you use real vanilla extract!
I have been using the KitchenAid ice cream maker all summer.Every quart of ice.cream has come out delicious. I have tried the different flavors. Blackberry, French vanilla, and caramel pecan. Going to try the cherry vanilla this weekend.Best attachment ever.
I agree, this attachment is amazing! So glad you are enjoying it!
Excellent recipe! Easy ingredients! The only thing I changed was using vanilla paste instead of extract. I also let the ingredients sit overnight in the refrigerator so they would be extra chilled.
Thank you, so much for stopping by! Great tips!
So no need to heat ingredients?
Hello, no need to heat them is correct! Enjoy!
Talking about Delicious!!! And to …add Easy peasey! Thank you soo very much for your Exceptional post. I enjoy getting a tad close and personal with the Baker or Chef it makes me feel like I’ve swapped recipes with a friend. My crew absolutely thought the ice cream WAS great. These are picky plus very honest critics (husband, Adult Kids and critical friends). I followed the tips very essential that you chill the ingredients efficiently before adding to ice cream maker… and that your ice cream bowl is fresh out the freezer. THANKS AGAIN FOR SHARING …YOU ROCK❣️❣️❣️
Thank you so much for letting us know! So happy you all enjoyed it!
I’m in Australia what’s half and half of what please?
Hello, half and half is half whole milk and half heavy cream. You can use light cream or heavy cream.
Fantastic, my wife loved it. I added 3/4 cup of chopped butterscotch & dark chocolate chips each (used small food processor to keep themsmall).
This recipe will be my baseline & I’ll continue to experiment with my imagination, and wife’s taste bud’s.
Thank you so much for letting us know!
My husband and I just made our first batch of ice cream it was awesome we love it but we would like to make different kinds like peanut butter and chocolate how much do we put in the recipe.
Thank you very much
Dawn
I would melt the peanut butter, and add 1/2 swirled throughout once done. Do you mean hot fudge? Again, after it is made swirl 1/2 cups in before freezer.
I’ve found that it’s a good idea to cover the freeze bowl , that I have, with a dish towel while it’s churning. Ya just need to insure that you don’t let the towel get caught in anything that moves.
I want to try a cookies and cream ice cream and add oreos to this base. Any idea at what point in the mixing I should add the chopped cookies? Thanks in advance!
You add them right at the end!
What is baker’s chocolate> is it sweet, or semi-sweet, or the german chocolate type? Thanks!
It is a a standard, cubed chocolate in a bar. You can break it up into squares. It varies but is not super premium. You can also melt it and dip things like pretzels in it. Baker’s Choice makes one.
not a good recipe at all. it never stiffened up and the comment section didn’t help either. just cost me $15 worth of ingredients.
GOOD JOB
The recipe is tried and tested. I believe you may have had a number of factors that could have caused this. In fact, it could not be any clearer. Also, in the future, just freeze the batter in a loaf pan. It will be sherbet texture when thawed before eating.
Excellent recipe, very easy to follow! I made delicious vanilla and a mint choc chip version. I added mini chocolate chips as I was transferring soft ice cream into storage container to freeze. Just curious, how much mint extract should I add for one batch? My kids thought it was too minty, I thought it was fine. (btw, I store my KA bowl in a deep freezer)
Hi with these instructions I used my kitchen-aid ice cream maker for the first time and it was fun and easy and came out great thank you gloria
Kinda worried. The recipe filled the bowl almost to the top. Won’t it overflow as the air is incorporated as it churns? 🫣
Thank you for this recipe. I made it as listed and it came out great. I want to try a different flavor. Thank you.
Can you make this ice cream lacrosse free?
Sorry, I am not sure what a lcatose free version would look like.
Why is my ice cream is hard and unscoopable. I followed the recipe exactly as written.
Hi, per the recipe, it will be scoopable at the 4-6 hour mark. However, if you freeze overnight it will be harder to scoop. It does not include the same ingredients added to make it elastin like store-bought and creamery ice cream. Just let it defrost a bit and scoop.
This is a great recipe. I didn’t have Half and Half so substitute Milk and heavy cream, equal part. Then followed the recipe. Added some Health Toffee Pieces and it was wonderful. It was a smooth ice cream. I’m going to do this again and experiment with other flavors.