Homemade freezer ice cream has long been a favorite dessert for family gatherings, church socials, summer picnics, and holiday celebrations across America. Before electric countertop ice cream makers became common, large six-quart freezers were filled with rich custard-style mixtures and slowly churned with ice and rock salt until perfectly creamy. This recipe follows that classic tradition by combining eggs, sugar, cornstarch, evaporated milk, cream, vanilla, and a commercial freezing mix to create a smooth, rich texture. The result is a nostalgic dessert that's creamy, flavorful, and ideal for serving a crowd on warm summer days or at festive celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 eggs (large )
- 2 ½ tbsp cornstarch
- 2 boxes Junket® Ice Cream Freezing Mix
- 12 oz evaporated milk (1 can)
- 2 qts whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Beat the Base
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, eggs, and cornstarch until the mixture is thick, pale, and creamy.
Step 2: Add the Freezing Mix
- Add the Junket Ice Cream Freezing Mix and the evaporated milk.
- Beat slowly until thoroughly combined.
Step 3: Finish the Mixture
- Pour the mixture into a 6-quart ice cream freezer.
- Add the whole milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
- Stir until evenly blended.
Step 4: Freeze
- Freeze according to your ice cream freezer manufacturer’s instructions until thick and creamy.
- Step 5: Ripen
- Allow the ice cream to ripen in the freezer for 2–4 hours before serving for the best texture.
Tips
- Use pure vanilla extract for richer flavor.
- Add chopped strawberries, peaches, or cherries during the last few minutes of churning.
- Fold in crushed cookies, chocolate chips, or candy pieces before the ice cream finishes freezing.
- Replace vanilla with almond, maple, or peppermint extract for a different flavor profile.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Chill all ingredients before mixing for faster freezing.
- Serve with warm fruit cobbler or pie.
- Store in an airtight freezer container to reduce ice crystals.
- Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts over each serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 219kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 5gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.5gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 67mgPotassium: 158mgSugar: 28gVitamin A: 395IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 0.4mg