Warning: This post may cause uncontrollable cravings and spontaneous ice cream making. You’ve been warned.
Need to cool off and satisfy your sweet tooth after a hot day at the beach? You don’t need to be a pastry chef or own a fancy ice cream maker to create creamy, crave-worthy scoops at your beach home. Whether you’re team classic dairy or ride hard for coconut milk, we’re giving you all the tools, tips, and TikTok-worthy flavors to become a frozen dessert icon in your own kitchen.
The Scoop Science: What Makes Ice Cream Actually Creamy?
A little fat + sugar + a little air = creaminess magic. Traditional recipes use heavy cream and milk, while non-dairy versions rely on plant-based fats (like coconut or cashew milk) to keep things smooth and scoopable. The key? Balance and chill time.
Choose Your Base & Follow These Easy Instructions
Ready to get started? From the classics, such as vanilla, to the exotic Mango Chili Lime, here are our picks for the creamiest ice cream recipes to satisfy your sugar cravings.
Creamy With Dairy Homemade Ice Cream Recipes
1. Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream
Ingredients:
– 4 egg yolks
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
For instructions, visit add a pinch.
2. Cake Batter Ice Cream
Ingredients:
-1 cup whole milk, well chilled
-3⁄4cup granulated sugar
-2 cups heavy cream, well chilled
-1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
-2⁄3 cupcake mix
For instructions, visit Food.com
3. Blueberry Lavender Ice Cream
Ingredients:
-2 cups + 2 tbsp whole milk separated
-1 ¼ cups heavy cream
-1 cup blueberries
-¾ cup granulated sugar
-2 tbsp light corn syrup
-1 tsp kosher salt
-1 ½ tbsp cornstarch
-1 tsp vanilla extract
-¼ cup dried edible lavender
For instructions, visit wyse guide.
4. Peach Rosemary Ice Cream
Ingredients:
-2 cups + 2 tbsp whole milk separated
-1 ¼ cups heavy cream
-1 cup peach puree (approximately 3 peaches)
-¾ cup granulated sugar
-2 tbsp light corn syrup
-1 tsp kosher salt
-1 ½ tbsp cornstarch
-1 tsp vanilla extract
-2 small sprigs fresh rosemary
For instructions, visit wyse guide.
Creamy Non-Dairy Homemade Ice Cream Recipes
1. Coconut Ice Cream
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cup canned coconut milk
– 1/2 cup additional coconut milk or milk of choice
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1/3 cup sweetener of choice, such as sugar or pure maple syrup
– 1/8 tsp salt
-1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
For instructions, visit Chocolate Covered Katie.
2. Banana Nice Cream
Ingredients:
– 4 large bananas, sliced and frozen (about 4 cups slices)
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons plain milk, either dairy or non-dairy
For instructions, visit Simply Recipes.
3. Chili Lime Mango Sorbet Recipe
Ingredients:
-3 cups frozen mango
-1/2 cup canned full fat coconut milk
-Juice and zest of one large lime
-2 tbsp maple syrup
-1–2 tsp chili lime seasoning
For instructions, visit Plant Based RD.
4. Adaptogenic Cold Brew Coffee Coconut Ice Cream
Ingredients:
-3 tablespoons RASA Coffee Blend
-1 can Coconut Milk
-1 teaspoon1 teaspoon Stevia OR 1/4 cup Maple Syrup Stevia OR 1/4 cup Maple Syrup
-1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Powder
–1 scoop Sunflower Lecithin Powder*
-1 pinch Pink Sea Salt
For instructions, visit My Tiny Laguna Kitchen.
5. Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream
Ingredients:
-3/4 cup water
-1 1/4 cups lite coconut milk
-2/3 cup organic cane sugar*
-2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
-1/4 tsp sea salt
-6 ounces vegan dark chocolate (finely chopped // ~1 cup chopped per 6 ounces)
-1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
For instructions, visit Minimalist Baker.
Homemade Ice Cream Pro Tips
Let it rest: Take your ice cream out of the freezer for 5–10 minutes before scooping
Scoop like a pro: Use a warm scoop and dip it in hot water between scoops
Keep it smooth: Press parchment directly on the surface of your ice cream before sealing the lid to avoid ice crystals
Want it softer? Add 1 tablespoon of alcohol (like vodka or bourbon) to the base—it keeps it scoopable
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a beach party, or just feeling snacky on a Tuesday night, homemade ice cream makes everything better. Mix, match, and swirl your favorite flavors—and don’t forget to tag us when you make your masterpiece.
From creamy classics to coconut swirls, your next ice cream obsession starts right here. For more recipes, visit Beach Homes Lifestyles.