Buttermilk Soft Serve Ice Cream is a revelation for dessert lovers. At Carla Hall’s Southern Kitchen, this recipe has quickly become a favorite, and for good reason. Its unique tangy flavor, combined with a luxuriously creamy texture and just the right amount of sweetness, makes it utterly irresistible. Buttermilk, a staple in Southern cuisine, is also a secret weapon for chefs everywhere. Its subtle acidity and rich texture bring a special touch to both sweet and savory dishes, adding tenderness to baked goods and acting as a fantastic marinade for meats.
This recipe makes creating this delightful treat at home incredibly simple, even a fun activity to do with kids. You can use an affordable children’s ice cream maker – these often feature a gel canister that you freeze beforehand. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can have soft serve ice cream ready in about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a traditional electric ice cream maker for a slightly faster process, or even explore no-churn methods if you don’t have a machine. Imagine the joy of making and enjoying fresh, homemade soft serve ice cream on a warm day!
Buttermilk soft serve ice cream in a clear bowl, showcasing its creamy texture.
Easy Buttermilk Soft Serve Ice Cream Recipe
This recipe yields one generous serving of delicious soft serve ice cream.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare your ice cream maker: If you are using a gel canister ice cream maker, ensure it has been frozen for at least 12 hours, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For electric ice cream makers, follow the manufacturer’s pre-chilling guidelines.
- Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream, buttermilk, sugar, and vanilla bean paste or extract until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
- Chill the mixture: Refrigerate the ice cream mixture for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial as it ensures the mixture is thoroughly cold before churning, leading to a smoother and faster freezing process.
- Churn the ice cream: Pour the chilled mixture into your prepared ice cream maker canister. If using a manual, kid-friendly ice cream maker, gently mix by hand as directed. For electric machines, operate according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Freeze to soft serve consistency: The freezing process typically takes around 30 minutes, depending on your ice cream maker and room temperature. Keep churning until the ice cream reaches a soft serve consistency – it should be thick and creamy but still easily scoopable and soft enough to eat immediately.
- Serve or freeze further: Enjoy your homemade buttermilk soft serve ice cream immediately for the perfect soft serve texture. Alternatively, for a firmer consistency, transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for another 1-2 hours.
A close-up shot of the creamy buttermilk soft serve ice cream in a bowl, highlighting its texture and inviting appearance.
This simple buttermilk soft serve ice cream recipe is perfect for a quick dessert, a fun family activity, or anytime you crave a refreshing and creamy treat. Its tangy buttermilk flavor sets it apart from regular vanilla ice cream, offering a more sophisticated and delightful taste experience.
Buttermilk soft serve ice cream being enjoyed with a spoon, emphasizing its deliciousness and ease of eating.
For more buttermilk inspiration, be sure to check out recipes for Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits and Chocolate Chip Snack Cakes for other delicious ways to use this versatile ingredient.
