Soft serve ice cream is a creamy, smooth treat loved by kids and adults alike.
With the right ingredients and a soft serve machine, you can recreate this classic dessert at home.
From fruity flavors to decadent chocolate blends, homemade soft serve allows endless creativity.
Making soft serve at home gives you control over sweetness, mix-ins, and dietary preferences.
We’ve compiled 15 soft serve ice cream recipes to inspire delicious, creamy creations for every occasion.
These recipes are perfect for summer parties, family treats, or simply indulging in a homemade frozen delight.
15 Delicious Soft Serve Ice Cream Recipes Everyone Will Love
Making soft serve ice cream at home is easier than you might think.
These 15 recipes showcase a variety of flavors, textures, and creative mix-ins.
Homemade soft serve lets you enjoy fresh, creamy ice cream without additives or artificial flavors.
Each recipe ensures a silky, smooth consistency that rivals commercial soft serve.
With these ideas, you can enjoy endless frozen treats customized to your taste and creativity.
Classic Vanilla Soft Serve
Indulge in the timeless delight of creamy vanilla soft serve ice cream.
This recipe produces a smooth, velvety texture with the rich flavor of real vanilla beans.
Perfect on its own or as a base for toppings like chocolate sauce or sprinkles.
Homemade soft serve allows for customization and a fresher, more flavorful experience than store-bought versions.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and vanilla bean seeds.
- Heat gently over medium heat until sugar dissolves, then remove from heat.
- Stir in heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Chill mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Pour chilled base into a soft serve machine and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Serve immediately for soft, creamy texture or freeze briefly for firmer consistency.
Classic Vanilla Soft Serve is smooth, creamy, and indulgently rich.
The vanilla flavor is aromatic and perfectly balanced.
Perfect as a standalone treat or topped with sauces and sprinkles.
Each bite delivers melt-in-your-mouth creaminess with luxurious vanilla notes.
This recipe is simple, versatile, and ideal for homemade soft serve enthusiasts.
Chocolate Fudge Soft Serve
Satisfy chocolate cravings with rich, creamy chocolate fudge soft serve.
This recipe blends cocoa powder and chocolate into a luscious base with a smooth, velvety texture.
Perfect for topping with chocolate chips, caramel drizzle, or crushed nuts.
It’s a decadent dessert that rivals any commercial soft serve ice cream.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt over medium heat.
- Heat until smooth and sugar dissolves, then remove from heat.
- Stir in heavy cream and vanilla extract.
- Chill mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Pour chilled base into a soft serve machine and churn according to instructions.
- During the last few minutes of churning, fold in mini chocolate chips if desired.
- Serve immediately or freeze briefly for a firmer texture.
Chocolate Fudge Soft Serve is creamy, rich, and deeply chocolatey.
The chocolate chips add texture and extra bursts of flavor.
Perfect for chocolate lovers seeking a decadent, homemade treat.
Each bite delivers smooth chocolate ice cream with a luscious finish.
This recipe is simple, indulgent, and perfect for dessert lovers.
Strawberry Swirl Soft Serve
Enjoy fresh, fruity flavors with creamy strawberry swirl soft serve.
This soft serve combines a smooth vanilla base with vibrant, naturally sweet strawberry puree ribbons.
Perfect for summer parties, family treats, or as a refreshing dessert.
The strawberry ribbons add both flavor and beautiful color for a visually appealing treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for strawberries)
Instructions:
- Mix strawberries with sugar and let sit for 10 minutes to release juices.
- In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and salt, heating until sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and vanilla extract.
- Chill mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Pour chilled base into a soft serve machine and churn according to instructions.
- During the last few minutes of churning, swirl in the strawberry puree for ribbons.
- Serve immediately or freeze briefly for firmer consistency.
Strawberry Swirl Soft Serve is creamy, fruity, and refreshingly sweet.
The strawberry ribbons provide bursts of natural flavor in every bite.
Perfect for summer desserts or as a light, fruity treat.
Each spoonful delivers smooth vanilla with vibrant strawberry accents.
This recipe is simple, refreshing, and ideal for family enjoyment.
Salted Caramel Soft Serve
Delight in the sweet and salty balance of salted caramel soft serve.
This creamy soft serve is infused with rich caramel and a hint of sea salt.
Perfect for topping with nuts, chocolate drizzle, or pretzel pieces for added texture.
The sweet-salty combination elevates this dessert into a gourmet treat at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and sea salt over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream, caramel sauce, and vanilla extract.
- Chill mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Pour chilled base into a soft serve machine and churn according to instructions.
- Serve immediately or freeze briefly for firmer texture.
Salted Caramel Soft Serve is creamy, sweet, and perfectly balanced with salt.
The caramel adds depth and richness to the smooth base.
Perfect for gourmet desserts or indulgent homemade treats.
Each bite delivers velvety ice cream with a sweet-salty flavor profile.
This recipe is simple, decadent, and ideal for special occasions.
Mango Coconut Soft Serve
Experience tropical flavors with Mango Coconut Soft Serve ice cream.
This dairy-based treat combines ripe mango puree with coconut milk for creamy, fruity indulgence.
Perfect for summer refreshment or as a light, exotic dessert.
The tropical flavors create a smooth, vibrant soft serve that’s visually appealing and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup ripe mango puree
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, sugar, and salt, heating until sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream, mango puree, and lime juice.
- Chill mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Pour chilled base into a soft serve machine and churn according to instructions.
- Serve immediately for creamy soft serve or freeze briefly for firmer texture.
Mango Coconut Soft Serve is creamy, tropical, and refreshingly sweet.
The mango adds natural sweetness, while coconut milk enhances creaminess.
Perfect for summer parties or tropical-inspired desserts at home.
Each bite delivers smooth, fruity ice cream with a tropical flair.
This recipe is simple, vibrant, and ideal for refreshing homemade treats.
Mint Chocolate Chip Soft Serve
Enjoy a refreshing twist with Mint Chocolate Chip Soft Serve.
This creamy base is infused with peppermint extract and studded with chocolate chips for a delightful texture.
Perfect for cooling off on a hot day or pairing with brownies and cakes.
The mint flavor is vibrant, while chocolate chips provide sweet, crunchy bites throughout.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and salt over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and peppermint extract.
- Chill mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Pour chilled base into a soft serve machine and churn according to instructions.
- During the last few minutes of churning, fold in chocolate chips.
- Serve immediately or freeze briefly for firmer texture.
Mint Chocolate Chip Soft Serve is creamy, refreshing, and indulgent.
The chocolate chips add texture and contrast to the smooth base.
Perfect for summer desserts or mint lovers’ cravings.
Each bite delivers creamy mint with sweet chocolate bursts.
This recipe is simple, flavorful, and ideal for refreshing homemade soft serve.
Coffee Caramel Soft Serve
Wake up your taste buds with Coffee Caramel Soft Serve.
This rich coffee ice cream is blended with luscious caramel for a decadent treat.
Perfect for coffee enthusiasts or as a sophisticated dessert after dinner.
The coffee flavor is bold yet smooth, complemented by the sweet richness of caramel.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee or espresso powder
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, coffee powder, and salt over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream, caramel sauce, and vanilla extract.
- Chill mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Pour chilled base into a soft serve machine and churn according to instructions.
- Serve immediately or freeze briefly for firmer texture.
Coffee Caramel Soft Serve is creamy, bold, and indulgent.
The caramel adds richness, balancing the coffee’s slightly bitter notes.
Perfect for sophisticated dessert lovers or an afternoon treat.
Each spoonful delivers smooth coffee flavor with decadent caramel swirls.
This recipe is simple, luxurious, and perfect for homemade indulgence.
Cookies and Cream Soft Serve
Delight in the classic combination of creamy vanilla and chocolate cookies.
This soft serve blends crushed chocolate sandwich cookies into a rich vanilla base for a nostalgic treat.
Perfect for family desserts, ice cream sandwiches, or sundaes.
The cookie pieces add texture and chocolatey bursts in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and salt over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and vanilla extract.
- Chill mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Pour chilled base into a soft serve machine and churn according to instructions.
- During the last few minutes of churning, fold in crushed cookies.
- Serve immediately or freeze briefly for firmer texture.
Cookies and Cream Soft Serve is creamy, sweet, and chocolatey.
The cookie pieces add a crunchy texture and chocolate flavor contrast.
Perfect for dessert lovers of all ages.
Each bite delivers smooth vanilla ice cream with nostalgic cookie chunks.
This recipe is simple, classic, and perfect for homemade enjoyment.
Pineapple Coconut Soft Serve
Transport your taste buds to the tropics with Pineapple Coconut Soft Serve.
This smooth ice cream combines ripe pineapple puree and creamy coconut milk for a refreshing, exotic dessert.
Perfect for summer parties or light, tropical-inspired treats.
The pineapple adds natural sweetness while coconut enhances creaminess for a balanced flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, sugar, and salt over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream, pineapple, and lime juice.
- Chill mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Pour chilled base into a soft serve machine and churn according to instructions.
- Serve immediately for creamy soft serve or freeze briefly for firmer consistency.
Pineapple Coconut Soft Serve is tropical, creamy, and refreshingly sweet.
The pineapple provides natural fruitiness while coconut enhances smoothness.
Perfect for summer or tropical dessert lovers.
Each bite delivers a creamy, fruity, tropical experience.
This recipe is simple, vibrant, and ideal for refreshing homemade treats.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Soft Serve
Indulge in the perfect sweet and nutty combination with Chocolate Peanut Butter Soft Serve.
This recipe blends chocolate ice cream with ribbons of creamy peanut butter for a decadent dessert.
Perfect for peanut butter lovers or as a fun, indulgent treat.
The peanut butter swirls add richness and depth to the smooth chocolate base.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt over medium heat until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and vanilla extract.
- Chill mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Pour chilled base into a soft serve machine and churn according to instructions.
- During the last few minutes of churning, drizzle in peanut butter for swirls.
- Serve immediately or freeze briefly for firmer texture.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Soft Serve is creamy, nutty, and indulgent.
The peanut butter ribbons provide a rich, decadent twist.
Perfect for dessert lovers seeking a sweet and nutty flavor.
Each bite delivers smooth chocolate ice cream with luscious peanut butter swirls.
This recipe is simple, decadent, and ideal for homemade indulgence
Caramel Macchiato Soft Serve
Indulge in the sweet and bold flavor of Caramel Macchiato Soft Serve.
This recipe combines coffee-infused ice cream with ribbons of caramel for a smooth, rich treat.
Perfect for coffee lovers or as a sophisticated dessert after dinner.
The coffee adds depth, while caramel creates sweetness that balances the flavor beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee or espresso powder
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, coffee powder, and salt over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream, caramel sauce, and vanilla extract.
- Chill mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Pour chilled base into a soft serve machine and churn according to instructions.
- Serve immediately or freeze briefly for firmer texture.
Caramel Macchiato Soft Serve is creamy, rich, and slightly bold.
The caramel ribbons provide sweetness and balance the coffee flavor.
Perfect for coffee enthusiasts seeking an indulgent dessert.
Each bite delivers smooth coffee ice cream with luscious caramel highlights.
This recipe is simple, decadent, and ideal for homemade enjoyment.
Cookies ‘n’ Peanut Butter Soft Serve
Experience the perfect combination of chocolate cookies and creamy peanut butter.
This soft serve blends crushed chocolate cookies into a vanilla base with peanut butter swirls.
Perfect for dessert lovers and children’s treats.
The cookie pieces add texture, while peanut butter swirls enhance richness and flavor complexity.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup crushed chocolate cookies
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and salt over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and vanilla extract.
- Chill mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Pour chilled base into a soft serve machine and churn according to instructions.
- During the last few minutes, fold in peanut butter swirls and crushed cookies.
- Serve immediately or freeze briefly for firmer texture.
Cookies ‘n’ Peanut Butter Soft Serve is creamy, sweet, and indulgent.
The cookie chunks provide crunch while peanut butter adds richness.
Perfect for family-friendly desserts or indulgent treats.
Each bite delivers smooth ice cream with delicious flavor contrasts.
This recipe is simple, fun, and perfect for homemade enjoyment.
Tropical Passionfruit Soft Serve
Enjoy exotic flavors with Tropical Passionfruit Soft Serve.
This creamy base is enhanced with tangy passionfruit puree for a vibrant, refreshing treat.
Perfect for summer parties or tropical-inspired desserts.
The passionfruit provides bright acidity and a fruity aroma that complements the creamy texture.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup passionfruit puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and salt over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream, passionfruit puree, and vanilla extract.
- Chill mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Pour chilled base into a soft serve machine and churn according to instructions.
- Serve immediately or freeze briefly for firmer texture.
Tropical Passionfruit Soft Serve is creamy, tangy, and refreshing.
The passionfruit adds natural sweetness and a fruity kick.
Perfect for summer desserts or tropical flavor lovers.
Each spoonful delivers smooth, vibrant, and exotic ice cream.
This recipe is simple, fresh, and ideal for homemade indulgence.
Banana Nut Soft Serve
Delight in the creamy sweetness of Banana Nut Soft Serve.
This recipe combines ripe bananas with a vanilla ice cream base and crunchy toasted nuts.
Perfect for banana lovers or as a nostalgic treat reminiscent of banana splits.
The nuts add texture and a satisfying crunch while the banana enhances natural sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup toasted nuts, chopped
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and salt over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract.
- Chill mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Pour chilled base into a soft serve machine and churn according to instructions.
- During the last few minutes, fold in toasted nuts.
- Serve immediately or freeze briefly for firmer texture.
Banana Nut Soft Serve is creamy, sweet, and nutty.
The toasted nuts provide crunch while the banana adds natural flavor.
Perfect for classic desserts or banana dessert lovers.
Each bite delivers smooth ice cream with satisfying texture and flavor.
This recipe is simple, comforting, and ideal for homemade treats.
Raspberry White Chocolate Soft Serve
Indulge in a luxurious blend of tangy raspberries and creamy white chocolate.
This soft serve combines raspberry puree with a sweet white chocolate base for a decadent treat.
Perfect for summer desserts or elegant dinner parties.
The raspberries provide tartness while white chocolate adds sweetness and creaminess.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup white chocolate, melted
- ½ cup raspberry puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and salt over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream, melted white chocolate, raspberry puree, and vanilla extract.
- Chill mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Pour chilled base into a soft serve machine and churn according to instructions.
- Serve immediately or freeze briefly for firmer texture.
Raspberry White Chocolate Soft Serve is creamy, fruity, and indulgent.
The white chocolate adds richness while raspberries provide a tangy balance.
Perfect for dessert lovers seeking elegance and flavor.
Each bite delivers smooth, luxurious ice cream with vibrant raspberry notes.
This recipe is simple, decadent, and perfect for homemade indulgence.
