Scoops of Joy: Our Favorite Ice Creams & How to Make Them from Scratch 🍨🍓🍫
- Mercedes Newman
- Apr 29
- 3 min read
There’s something undeniably magical about homemade ice cream. The creamy texture, rich flavor, and the joy of knowing exactly what goes into each batch—it’s an experience that brings people together, one scoop at a time. Homemade ice cream isn’t just a treat; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. Plus, when you make it yourself, you can customize it to suit your cravings—from classic, comforting flavors like vanilla and chocolate to more adventurous creations like strawberry cheesecake, salted caramel swirl, or even seasonal berry blends picked fresh from your garden.
At Luna’s Coons Farm, we believe that food made from scratch carries a little extra love in every bite. Our farmhouse kitchen is always buzzing with creativity, and ice cream is one of our favorite ways to cool down, indulge, and treat our family and friends. Whether you're serving it at a summer gathering, sneaking a spoonful during movie night, or pairing it with a fresh pie, these homemade ice cream recipes are guaranteed to make sweet memories.
Ready to start churning? Here are a few of our favorite homemade ice cream flavors—and the simple, wholesome recipes that bring them to life.
🍦 Classic Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Why We Love It: Timeless and versatile, vanilla bean ice cream is the perfect base for toppings or pies and delicious all by itself.
Ingredients:
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
¾ cup sugar
1 vanilla bean (or 2 tsp pure vanilla extract)
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Heat the milk, sugar, salt, and vanilla bean (split and scraped) until warm, but not boiling.
Remove from heat, let it steep for 30 minutes, then add cream.
Chill thoroughly in the fridge, then churn in your ice cream maker. Freeze for 2–4 hours.
🍓 Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
Why We Love It: This one tastes like summer in a bowl—sweet berries, creamy tang, and little bites of graham cracker crunch.
Ingredients:
1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)
1 tsp lemon juice
⅔ cup sugar (divided)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla
Crushed graham crackers (optional, for mix-in)
Instructions:
Toss strawberries with ⅓ cup sugar and lemon juice. Let sit for 15 minutes, then mash.
Blend cream cheese, remaining sugar, milk, cream, and vanilla until smooth.
Add mashed berries and churn. Fold in graham crackers before freezing.
🍫 Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ice Cream
Why We Love It: Rich, indulgent, and packed with homemade brownie chunks—this one is for the true chocolate lovers.
Ingredients:
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
¾ cup sugar
¾ cup cocoa powder
½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Pinch of salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chopped brownies (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
Whisk milk, sugar, salt, and cocoa in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in chocolate chips until melted.
Add cream and vanilla, cool the mixture, and refrigerate.
Churn in an ice cream maker, then fold in brownies. Freeze until firm.
🌿 Honorable Mention: Honey Lavender Ice Cream
Why We Love It: Delicate and fragrant, this is a dreamy floral flavor that pairs beautifully with warm shortbread or spring fruit tarts.
Ingredients:
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
½ cup honey
2 tbsp dried culinary lavender
Pinch of salt
1 tsp vanilla
Instructions:
Simmer milk, cream, honey, and lavender until steaming (don’t boil).
Steep for 30 minutes, then strain out the lavender.
Add salt and vanilla. Chill, churn, and freeze.
Final Scoops
Homemade ice cream may take a little more effort than picking up a carton at the store, but the reward is sweet and so worth it. Try one (or all!) of these recipes to bring joy to your next summer evening, family dinner, or just a quiet moment with a spoon.
🧁 Coming Soon: Stay tuned for our From Scratch Freezer Treats series—featuring ice cream sandwiches, popsicles, and a dairy-free option!
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