Summer is the szn of beach days, sun-streaked hair, bare feet on sand and, ofc, the iconic jingle of an ice cream truck OTW to bring you some sweet treats. But what if we told you that you didn’t have to wait for the ice cream truck to roll around, and a way to DIY your own delish ice cream this summer? If you’re ready to craft the ice cream of your dreams, read on to get started.

Snag the equipment

Before you dive straight into your ice cream dreams, you’ll have to actually buy the supplies you’ll need. The first (and most important thing) you’ll need is an ice cream machine. (We like the Ninja Creami or Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker.)

While we heart using a good ol’ churner, keep in mind that it’s a legit appliance…which means it can get a little pricey for girlies on a budget. If that’s you? Never fear! Keep reading for a no-churn recipe. Besides a churner, you’ll need an ice cream scooper (to make the scoops extra IG-worthy), a few waffle cones or bowls to serve into and whatever fun toppings you plan on using.

Get churning

Ready for the fun part? We thought so. Use this recipe to craft your tasty ice cream base and then chill it for a few hours (we know, it’s hard to wait!). Once it’s nice ‘n’ chilly, the next step is to loosen your base up a bit with some light whisking and plop it into your churner. Follow the how-to instructions that will come with your churner (each one’s a little different, so make sure you read into it!) and voila! Your frosty treat is already halfway there.

P.S. Can’t get out to snag an ice cream machine ATM? We got you, girl. Try out this no-churn ice cream recipe instead for equally tasty results.

Make it your own

Our recipe makes a delish batch of vanilla ice cream, but for girlies wanting to switch it up? Vanilla can *also* be the perfect base for any flavor combo you want. Here’s a how-to on a few of our fave summer flavors…

S’mores Ice Cream: Bring back cozy summer camp mems by mixing in about 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to your ice cream and mixing in some mini marshmallows. Top it with some crushed graham crackers to complete the look and, if you’re feeling adventurous, some homemade marshmallow creme topping.

Pink Lemonade Ice Cream: For a super easy yet super aesthetic option, try out pink lemonade ice cream. Mix some pink lemonade drink mix into your vanilla, or you could go the natural route by adding in about 2 cups of a mix of strawberry puree and a sprinkle of lemon zest into the mix.

Key Lime Pie Ice Cream: Copy the taste of a classic key lime pie by adding in a few tablespoons of lime juice (to taste!) and a whole lime’s worth of zest to your ice cream. You can also mix in crushed graham crackers (take it up a notch by roasting the graham crackers in the oven first!) and topping it with even more graham crackers to add a crust-like contrast to the tangy lime.

Orange Dreamscicle Ice Cream: Does anything scream summer more than this iconic popsicle? Recreate its signature taste by mixing in some tasty orange Fanta or even some natural orange juice—though that’s slightly less sweet—to your base. Still looking for the cream element? Top your cone with some of the marshmallow topping we used earlier, or add on some classic whipped cream. 

Serve it up

Your ice cream’s made, the flavor’s on-point and it looks *amazing.* All that’s left to do now? Enjoy your creation! But hold up—there are still a few decisions to be made.

First, decide whether you’ll be using cones (and, in that case, waffle or cake?) or cups to hold your treat, and scoop your ice cream out into whichever you choose. Next, let your creativity run wild with your topping choices. Sure, you can follow some of our ideas, but you really have the freedom to do whatever you want. So what will it be? Sprinkles and chocolate drizzle or cookie chunks and chocolate chips? The decision’s all yours, and, tbh, that’s the fun in it.

Tag us on IG @girlslifemag with your summer ice cream creations!

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Images: @kassiscookies, @pointcreamery, @theslottedspoons, @giovannaryan