Is Ice Cream Your Favourite Treat? Make it Yours – It’s Easy!

There’s something undeniably magical about ice cream. For me, it’s not just a dessert—it’s a joyful experience wrapped up in sweetness, nostalgia, and comfort. Whether it’s a scoop on a hot summer day, a quiet treat after dinner, or licking the bowl I have just made a delicious batch in, ice cream never fails to make me smile. Its creamy texture, endless variety of flavours, and fascinating history make it my all-time favourite food.

A Sweet History Worth Savouring

Ice cream has a surprisingly long and global history. Its origins trace back thousands of years to ancient China, where early versions were made with snow, milk, and rice. Later, in the Roman Empire, Emperor Nero is said to have sent runners to bring snow from the mountains to mix with honey and fruit juices—a primitive but delightful frozen dessert.

The modern version of ice cream began to take shape in Europe during the 17th century. The French and Italians were among the first to experiment with recipes using milk, sugar, and cream. By the 18th century, ice cream had spread to England and eventually to America, where it quickly became a beloved treat. George Washington was known to have spent a small fortune on ice cream during his presidency, and Thomas Jefferson even recorded one of the earliest American ice cream recipes.

The invention of mechanical refrigeration in the 19th century made ice cream more accessible to everyone. Soon, ice cream parlours appeared, ice cream trucks became a summertime staple, and supermarkets began stocking tubs in every flavour imaginable. Today, ice cream is enjoyed in nearly every country, in countless styles—from Italian gelato to Japanese matcha ice cream.

The Ingredients Behind the Indulgence

Part of ice cream’s magic lies in its simplicity. Traditional ice cream starts with a base of cream, milk, and sugar. Egg yolks are often added for richness and to create a custard-style texture. Once this base is pasteurised and cooled, flavourings and mix-ins—like vanilla, chocolate, fruit, or nuts—are added before the mixture is churned and frozen.

The churning process is key because it incorporates air, giving ice cream it’s light, creamy consistency. Without it, you would normally end up with a hard block of frozen milk. However, you can still make excellent ice cream without churning by using whipped cream, condensed or evaporated milk to create smoothness and volume. No-churn recipes are wonderfully simple, and the results are just as indulgent and satisfying. Homemade ice creams also don’t include include stabilisers or emulsifiers which are often included in bought ice cream to maintain smoothness and prevent ice crystals from forming, especially during long storage.

The beauty of ice cream is its adaptability. It can be dairy-free, made with coconut milk or almond milk, or even sugar-free for those who prefer a lighter option. Yet, no matter how it’s made, that cool, velvety texture and the sweet, lingering taste remain irresistible.

Why Ice Cream Steals My Heart

Of all the foods I’ve ever enjoyed, ice cream holds a special place in my heart because it’s tied to so many memories. As a child, ice cream was frequently included in dessert which we had every night. When we were on caravanning holidays with a tiny freezer in the van, Mum would buy the wrapped slices of vanilla ice cream. Mum also made ice cream and a favourite of mine were ‘ice cream sandwiches’ – a layer of creamy, vanilla ice cream frozen between layers of rice bubbles mixed with toasted coconut and melted butter.

What makes ice cream truly wonderful is how it brings people together. Few foods are as universally loved. Whether you’re eight or eighty, there’s something delightfully unpretentious about sharing an ice cream cone. It’s a reminder to slow down, savour the moment, and find joy in the little things.

In a world that often feels too fast and complicated, ice cream is a timeless pleasure—simple, sweet, and endlessly satisfying. Maybe that’s why it will always be my favourite food.

Make Your Own No-Churn Egg-Free Ice Cream

After writing all this, I couldn’t resist sharing one of my favourite ways to enjoy ice cream — by making it myself. The best part is that you don’t need an ice cream maker, eggs, or even dairy to create a creamy, delicious treat at home. This simple no-churn recipe is easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable to your favourite flavours. Ginger ice cream, made with ginger stem biscuits from Aldi is one of our favourites – sweet but with a bit of bite. I crush the biscuits with a rolling pin because I want chunky bits.

Ingredients

• 600ml thickened cream (35% milk fat) – well chilled
• 1 can (340-385ml) evaporated milk – well chilled
• 3/4 – 1 cup icing (powdered) sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional mix-ins: crushed biscuits, fruit puree, chocolate chips, nuts

Method

1. Place already chilled thickened cream and evaporated milk in the freezer for 1 hour. This assists with building volume in your ice cream and minimising ice crystals. At the same time, place the freezer-safe container you are planning to use to store the ice cream into the freezer.
2. In a large bowl, whip the cream until soft peaks form.
3. In a separate large bowl whip the evaporated milk while adding the icing sugar, 1/4 cup at a time.
   
4. While still whipping the evaporated milk, add vanilla. The mix should have doubled in size.
5. Gently fold in the whipped cream and any mix-ins until just combined.
6. Pour into the chilled freezer-safe container and cover.
7. Freeze for 6 hours or overnight until firm.
8. Scoop and enjoy!
9. For a flavour twist, pair your ice cream with Cumin Cookies.

Note: This ice cream will freeze harder than store bought varieties. It helps to take it out of the freezer a few minutes prior to serving.

Ice Cream is So Delicious that it Deserves a Beautiful Bowl

Here are some of my favourites:

• Ice Cream Sundae Cup (Amazon au)
• Elegant and Contemporary (Amazon au)
• Unbreakable Dessert Bowl (Amazon au)
• Classic, White Ceramic (Amazon au)

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