Now let me tell you....I nearly had to guard the freezer to keep my hubby outa that ice cream! I did give him a sample and well, that only made it worse because then he just wanted it more. Let me tell you this ice cream is so sweet and so creamy!
Enjoy a float on the first day, and on day two, make a Banana Split Milkshake!
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Why you'll love this recipe
✔️ The flavors are amazing!
✔️ You just need a few everyday ingredients.
✔️ It's easy to make, your ice cream maker does all the work!
Ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements.
- heavy whipping cream
- whole milk
- sweetened condensed milk
- vanilla bean, vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
- egg yolks (you'll save the whites for another use).
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!
- Separate the eggs - reserve the whites for another use. Split the vanilla bean in half and scrape out the seeds, reserve both the seeds and the bean.
- In a sauce pan whisk together the condensed milk, cream and milk. When they are well combined, add the vanilla seeds and bean. Place over medium heat. Set your timer for 10 minutes and begin whisking continuously. Then slowly add the eggs, one at a time. Continue to cook and whisk. Do not allow it to boil. Whisk the entire time. The mixture will thicken slightly.
- At the end of the 10 minutes, pour the custard into a large bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Refrigerate for at least four hours - you want the custard completely cooled. Or (if you're short on time) place the bowl of custard into a second bowl filled with ice water - then tuck it into the fridge.
- When you are ready to make the ice cream, prepare the ice cream machine - you'll want to have the machine running with the paddle and then pour the custard base into the machine. Process according to manufacturer’s instructions - mine took about 40 minutes.
- Remove from machine, place in an airtight container and freeze until the desired consistency - about 3 hours.
Things to know
You remember how to make a float, right? Well, here are a couple of hints -
- If you like more fizz, put the ice cream in the glass first - adding the soda last makes it fizzle and bubble!
- For less foam, fill your glass halfway with soda - then add a couple of scoops of ice cream, and top it off with a bit more soda!
Related recipes
Homemade Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 vanilla bean
- 5 egg yolks
Instructions
- Separate the eggs - reserve the whites for another use. Split the vanilla bean in half and scrape out the seeds, reserve both the seeds and the bean.
- In a sauce pan whisk together the condensed milk, cream and milk. When they are well combined, add the vanilla seeds and bean. Place over medium heat. Set your timer for 10 minutes and begin whisking continuously. Then slowly add the eggs, one at a time. Continue to cook and whisk. Do not allow it to boil. Whisk the entire time. The mixture will thicken slightly.
- At the end of the 10 minutes, pour the custard into a large bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Refrigerate for at least four hours - you want the custard completely cooled. Or (if you're short on time) place the bowl of custard into a second bowl filled with ice water - then tuck it into the fridge.
- When you are ready to make the ice cream, prepare the machine - you'll want to have the machine running with the paddle and then pour the custard into the machine. Churn ice cream according to your machine's directions - mine took about 40 minutes.
- Remove from machine, place in a freezer container and freeze until the desired consistency - about 3 hours.
Anna Nuttall says
My mouth is drooling - this look amazing!! <3
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you Anna!!!
Angela says
You've made ice cream so easy... and who doesn't love a float!! Summer time classic! Thanks for sharing
Mardene Carr says
Thanks for sharing this. A homemade ice-cream maker is on my list of things to purchase this year
Bowl Me Over says
I love mine and we use it all the time Mardene!
Krystle Cook says
I remember making floats when I was growing up! This brings back so many memories and leave it to Coke to have such a fun campaign.
Bowl Me Over says
Me too Krystle - good memories, you gotta love that!
Robin Ruehrwein says
This looks so yummy! I love the Share a Coke style campaigns. This one with a song is probably my favorite.
Bowl Me Over says
I think so too Robin - love the songs they are including on the cans, very fun!
Rosey says
I don't think I've ever had homemade ice cream. I sure would love to have some though. 🙂
Bowl Me Over says
Then you're missing a real treat! I hope you get to enjoy some this summer!!
Tiffany says
I love Floats!! I am saving this for sure because Summer is the perfect time for fun drinks!
Bowl Me Over says
So true - thanks for saving Tiffany - have a wonderful summer!
Ana De- Jesus says
I love ice cream floats but I have never tried making my own so I think it is about high time that I give it a shot!
Bowl Me Over says
Please do Ana - floats are so yummy!!!
Echo says
YUM! I love making my own ice cream and ice cream floats are always amazing in the summer!
Bowl Me Over says
I agree echo, such a nice treat and nostalgic too!
Mhaan A says
Oh my! The vanilla ice cream looks insanely delicious! It is my all time favorite!
Bowl Me Over says
yum, yum, yum!! Time to break out the ice cream maker! 😀
Karlaroundtheworld | Karla says
Awesome, I've been meaning to find a way to get some floats for my soda back home. As much as I love Coke, I bet the same recipe works great with Dr.Pepper, let's see!
Bowl Me Over says
You bet it would, give it a whirl Karla!
brianna says
coke floats are the best. Made with homemade icecrem makes it even more special.:)
Bowl Me Over says
So true Brianna - super yummy!!!
Elizabeth O.e says
What better way to beat the heat than with some good old vanilla ice cream, what more if it's on top of a really cold glass of coke! I love the homemade vanilla ice cream recipe! It's definitely a keeper!
Bowl Me Over says
Awesome Elizabeth - I hope you give it a try!
peter @feedyoursoultoo says
Delicious. Are we ever too old to enjoy a float? I say no. And homemade ice cream!
Bowl Me Over says
No we aren't - I always say you're only as old as you feel! 😀
Danne Reed says
I never tried homemade ice cream before, looks like it is hard to make but thanks for your recipe I will try to do it. I wonder if it will be okay with other soda too.
Bowl Me Over says
Great, I hope you do give it a try!! Root beer floats are delicious, I had a comment from a previous visitor who said they used Dr. Pepper - sky's the limit I say!
Ryan Escat says
We love ice cream float, coke is the best base to it but aside from coke, we enjoy root beer too! Your recipe sounds delicious, I can't wait to try it.
Bowl Me Over says
oh yes, both just delicious - thanks Ryan!
Lexie Lane says
We have tried vanilla ice cream float in the house and it's a blockbuster. Except that we just buy a vanilla ice cream, next time I'll try your recipe.
Bowl Me Over says
I hope you do Lexie, I think you'll really enjoy it!
tp keane says
oh my god, I love these. I remember having these as a kid. Must do it for my own kids too.
Bowl Me Over says
I think that's why I like them, reminds me of being a kid - you nailed it!
Cathy Mini says
Homemade ice cream is always the best! I can't wait to try this recipe for homemade vanilla ice cream!
Bowl Me Over says
Can't wait to hear what you think Cathy - stop back by and let me know!!
ana fernandez says
This looks so delicious! Vanilla is my favorite!
Bowl Me Over says
Then you need to look no further! 😀 Seriously though, this is really delicious, I hope you give it a try!