There’s something magical about homemade ice cream — that first creamy scoop that tastes like sunshine and childhood all in one bite. For most of us moms trying to live healthier, more self-sufficient lives, ice cream probably doesn’t make the “healthy snacks” list… but what if it could? Or dare I say, should?
Let’s be real — our kids can smell store-bought ice cream from a mile away, and it’s loaded with preservatives, gums, colorants and stabilizers that sound more like a chemistry project than dessert. The good news?
Making homemade ice cream is shockingly simple, even if you don’t own a fancy ice cream maker. And yes, it’s made with real food ingredients — cream, eggs, and honey — straight from nature, not a lab. 🙌
Once you’ve mastered the basic mix, you can let your creativity (and your cravings) run wild:
🌿 Add vanilla for a classic flavor.
🍫 Stir in cacao powder for a rich, antioxidant-packed chocolate twist.
🥜 Blend in crushed pistachios or nut butter for healthy fats and crunch.
🍵 Whisk in matcha for an earthy, energy-boosting green tea version.
🍓 Or swirl in pureed berries or fruit for a fruity, naturally sweet finish.
It’s a simple way to turn one wholesome base recipe into endless flavors — all free from the chemicals and additives hiding in store-bought tubs.
Why Homemade Ice Cream Is Actually a Healthy Treat
Okay, I’m not saying we should replace broccoli with ice cream, but let’s talk facts:
Real cream is rich in fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K — nutrients your body actually needs to absorb other vitamins.
Pastured eggs add protein, choline, and healthy fats — all crucial for brain development in little ones (and for keeping mom’s brain running on something other than caffeine).
Honey offers natural sweetness plus minerals and antioxidants that refined sugar can’t match.
When you make it yourself, you’re skipping the stabilizers, artificial flavors, and ultra-processed oils that often sneak into store-bought tubs. What you get instead is a healthy, delicious, and truly homemade snack that’s satisfying without guilt.
Two Simple Methods (Even Without an Ice Cream Maker)
Okay there was some trial and error involved but I eventually figured out the tricks so here’s how I make mine.
Base Recipe:
- -2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup honey
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (or any natural flavor you love — cacao, pistachio, matcha, or fruit puree all work beautifully)
Now, there are two simple ways to make your ice cream base depending on what you have and how you like it:
Method 1: The No-Heat Homestead Way (Quick & Easy)
I started with this and highly recommend it! If you’re using fresh, home-raised eggs, you can skip the stove completely.
Simply whisk everything together with a hand mixer on high speed until it’s smooth, slightly thickened, and a bit frothy.
This keeps the flavor light, the process simple, and the ingredients as close to their natural state as possible — exactly what real food is all about.
Method 2: The Custard-Style (For Store-Bought Eggs or Extra Creaminess)
If you prefer to pasteurize your eggs or want a richer texture, gently heat the mixture on the stove.
Warm it slowly over low heat until it thickens slightly (around 70°C) — then remove it right away (don’t boil!). Cool it completely before freezing.
This creates a silky, custard-like ice cream that’s perfect for those who love that traditional French-style creaminess.
Once your mix is ready, pour it into a container and freeze for about 2–3 hours.
Take it out halfway, give it a good whisk (this breaks up ice crystals and keeps it soft and smooth), then pop it back in to finish freezing. – you can do this with the first method as well.
That’s it — no ice cream maker, no complicated steps, just homemade, healthy, delicious ice cream from real ingredients. 🍦
A Little Self-Sufficiency Goes a Long Way
Homemade ice cream isn’t just dessert — it’s a tiny step toward self-sufficiency. It’s the reminder that simple living doesn’t mean doing everything yourself; it means doing what you can, with what you have, and savoring the process.Because let’s face it, we don’t need more overwhelm — we need small wins that taste really good. 😉
Ready for More Simple, Homemade Goodness?
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PS I’d love to see your creations. Tag Me on Instagram or Facebook @homestead_mompreneur if you try it.
Happy summer Vibes,
Till next time..
xx
