There’s nothing quite like the experience of biting into a cone of soft serve ice cream. It’s that perfect mix of creamy, smooth, and just the right amount of sweetness. You know the kind—the one that melts a little too quickly, but you can’t stop eating it because it’s just so good. Whether it’s topped with rainbow sprinkles, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or just enjoyed plain, soft serve ice cream has a way of making every moment feel a little more special.

The best part? You don’t need to go to an ice cream shop to enjoy it. With this homemade soft serve recipe, you can create that deliciously smooth, creamy treat right in your own kitchen. And the best part? It’s so easy to make. No fancy equipment or special ingredients required.

Why You’ll Love This Soft Serve Ice Cream

Smooth and creamy: It’s got that perfect soft serve texture that’s rich but not overly heavy.
Quick to make: With just a few ingredients, you can have soft serve in less than an hour.
Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like crushed cookies, chocolate chips, or fruit swirls.
No ice cream maker needed: Unlike many ice cream recipes, this one doesn’t require any special equipment.
Perfect for hot days: There’s no better way to cool down on a warm afternoon.

What You’ll Need to Make It

Here’s everything you need to whip up this dreamy, soft serve treat:

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

These simple ingredients come together to create that smooth, velvety texture we all love in soft serve ice cream. And yes, I know the sweetened condensed milk seems like an extra step, but trust me, it’s what makes this ice cream extra special.

How to Make Soft Serve Ice Cream

Making homemade soft serve ice cream is easier than you might think. Here’s the step-by-step:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
Stir in the sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is well combined and the sugar is dissolved.
Pour the mixture into a shallow container and cover it with plastic wrap.
Freeze for about 4–6 hours, or until it’s firm but still scoopable. It should have a soft, creamy texture that’s easy to scoop with a spoon or ice cream scooper.
Once it’s frozen, scoop the soft serve into bowls or cones. It’s ready to serve as soon as it’s firm enough to hold its shape but still soft and creamy.

How I Like to Serve It

There’s really no wrong way to enjoy soft serve ice cream, but here’s how I love to serve mine:

In a cone: You can’t beat the classic! It’s the perfect handheld treat.
Topped with sprinkles: Whether they’re rainbow or chocolate, sprinkles make everything better.
With a drizzle of chocolate syrup: A little bit of chocolate goes a long way on top of this soft serve.
In a sundae bowl: Add a few scoops of soft serve in a bowl and top with hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry on top.
With crushed cookies: I love adding crushed Oreos or graham crackers for a little crunch and flavor.

You can also add some fresh fruit or caramel sauce if you’re feeling fancy. But honestly, this ice cream is so good on its own, you don’t need much to make it shine.

Tips for the Creamiest Soft Serve

If you want to get that perfect creamy soft serve texture, keep these tips in mind:

Use heavy cream: It adds richness and helps achieve that smooth, silky texture.
Don’t freeze it too hard: You want the ice cream to be firm enough to scoop, but still soft and easy to serve. Don’t let it sit in the freezer for too long without stirring.
Whisk thoroughly: Make sure the sugar dissolves completely before freezing—it helps the texture stay smooth.
Freeze in a shallow dish: This helps the mixture freeze evenly and faster.

How to Store It

Since this ice cream is homemade, it doesn’t contain preservatives, so it’s best to eat it within a week. Here’s how to store it properly:

Keep it airtight: Store your soft serve in a container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent freezer burn.
Let it soften a bit before serving: If it’s been in the freezer for a few days, let it sit out for a few minutes to soften before scooping.

A Sweet Memory from My Kitchen

I remember the first time I made this soft serve at home. It was a hot summer day, and I didn’t feel like heading out to get ice cream. So, I decided to try making my own. I pulled out the ingredients, mixed them together, and popped the dish in the freezer. When I finally took that first bite, it was like a burst of nostalgia—reminding me of childhood summers and ice cream trucks. It was rich, creamy, and completely delicious.

Now, whenever the weather heats up, I make this recipe for my family. We sit outside with our cones, laughing and enjoying every bite. It’s one of those simple pleasures that always makes everything feel a little bit better.

Customize It!

One of the best things about this soft serve recipe is how easily it can be customized. Want to add a little extra flavor? Try these ideas:

Add chocolate chips: Stir in some mini chocolate chips before freezing for extra chocolatey goodness.
Swirl in caramel or fudge: You can create fun swirls by gently folding in some caramel sauce or hot fudge.
Try different extracts: If vanilla isn’t your thing, try almond or coconut extract for a fun twist.

This soft serve recipe is a blank canvas for whatever flavor or topping you’re craving. So go ahead—get creative!