Velvety Vanilla Ice Cream Sundae

Name: Velvety Vanilla Ice Cream Sundae
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Chocolate sauce; Whipped cream; Chopped nuts; Maraschino cherries

Highlighted under: Sweet Dessert Recipes

I absolutely love making my own sundae at home, and this Velvety Vanilla Ice Cream Sundae has become a favorite in our household. With its smooth and creamy texture, it takes just a few simple ingredients to create a delightful dessert that everyone enjoys. There's something magical about drizzling warm chocolate sauce over a scoop of freshly churned vanilla ice cream, and I can't help but smile every time I see the joy it brings to my family during our dessert nights. It’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-01T16:06:28.513Z

When I first tried making homemade vanilla ice cream, I was surprised by how simple it was to achieve a velvety texture. The key is using quality vanilla extract and heavy cream, which truly enhances the flavor and richness. I remember the first time I set the ice cream base in the ice cream maker—the sweet, nostalgic scent filled the kitchen, instantly bringing back childhood memories of summers spent enjoying ice cream cones.

One of my favorite tips is to mix in a bit of salt when preparing the ice cream. It balances the sweetness and elevates the overall flavor. Now, every time we enjoy a sundae topped with whipped cream and a cherry, I feel like we’re celebrating a little moment of happiness that we created together in our home.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Irresistibly smooth and creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Made with natural ingredients and no artificial flavoring
Customize with your favorite toppings for a personalized treat

Techniques for the Perfect Ice Cream

To achieve that perfectly velvety texture in your vanilla ice cream, it’s essential to balance the fat and aeration during the churning process. When you pour the ice cream base into your ice cream maker, keep an eye on it as it churns. The mixture should increase in volume and become quite thick, resembling soft serve. For the best results, ensure your ice cream maker bowl is pre-frozen as per the manufacturer’s recommendation—usually overnight—to achieve optimal coldness during churning.

One common issue that can arise when making ice cream at home is ice crystallization, leading to a grainy texture. To prevent this, make sure to mix your ice cream base thoroughly before churning; all sugar should be fully dissolved. I also recommend covering the mixture and letting it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before churning. This step not only helps with flavor development but also aids in achieving a smoother texture.

Ingredient Insights and Substitutions

Every ingredient in this sundae plays a crucial role. The heavy cream is responsible for that rich creamy mouthfeel, while the whole milk helps balance the fat content for desirable consistency. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with light cream or half-and-half, although this may slightly alter the creaminess. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream can be a great substitute—just select full-fat coconut cream for the richest flavor.

Pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile of your ice cream significantly compared to imitation vanilla. If you wish, you can use vanilla bean paste or even scrape the seeds from a real vanilla pod for an even more intense vanilla flavor. Just remember to adjust the amount if you're using concentrated forms. A little goes a long way when it comes to enhancing your sundae's taste!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delightful sundae:

Ice Cream Base

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Toppings

Chocolate sauce
Whipped cream
Chopped nuts
Maraschino cherries

Have fun choosing your favorite toppings!

Instructions

Here’s how to prepare your velvety vanilla ice cream sundae:

Prepare the Ice Cream Base

In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved.

Churn the Ice Cream

Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically about 20 minutes, until thick and creamy.

Serve the Sundae

Scoop the vanilla ice cream into serving bowls. Top with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, chopped nuts, and a cherry.

Enjoy your homemade sundae with friends and family!

Pro Tips

For even richer flavor, consider adding a splash of bourbon or quality chocolate chips to the ice cream base before churning.

Serving Variations

While chocolate sauce is a classic topping for this sundae, don't hesitate to experiment with other sauces! Caramel, strawberry puree, or even nutella can add a delightful twist. For an extra layer of flavor, consider drizzling a homemade salted caramel sauce over the top, balancing the sweetness with a bit of salt. This can transform a simple sundae into an extraordinary treat that’s sure to impress guests.

You can also include a variety of toppings to customize each sundae to individual tastes. Try adding crushed cookies, chocolate shavings, or fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas for extra color and flavor. Opt for a nut-free version by using non-nut substitutes, like crumbled graham crackers or toasted coconut, to keep your sundae inclusive for all guests.

Storing and Making Ahead

If you're planning a gathering, consider making the ice cream base a day or two in advance. Once churned, transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container, pressing plastic wrap against the surface to prevent ice crystals from forming. You can store homemade ice cream for up to two weeks in the freezer. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping to achieve that perfect serving consistency.

For make-ahead toppings, you can prepare whipped cream and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Chopped nuts and fruit toppings can also be prepped ahead. Keep them in separate containers in the refrigerator, ready for assembly when it's time to serve your delicious sundaes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?

Using low-fat milk may result in a less creamy texture, but you can try it if you prefer a lighter option.

→ How do I store leftover ice cream?

Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It’s best consumed within a week for optimal freshness.

→ Can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?

Yes! You can still make this recipe by placing the ice cream base in a freezer-safe container and stirring it every 30 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

→ What other toppings can I use?

Feel free to get creative! Fresh fruits, cookie crumbles, sprinkles, or even caramel sauce are fantastic alternatives.