Vanilla Milk Ices are the lighter, easier alternative to making ice cream popsicles. Only three ingredients, no churning required and they are egg free.
Milk ices have a firm place in my heart, especially when the warmer weather hits. I love ice cream, I love popsicles, I love ice cream popsicles, but milk ices have their own thing going on.

As their description indicates, they are a milk ice, or milk popsicle. Not quite an ice cream, which is custard based, in other words, cream/milk and eggs. Milk ices are just that, made from full cream milk and have an icy texture to them once frozen. You need to use full cream milk for this recipe.
I will be honest, they aren’t for everyone, but I really do like them. Some people can find a milky ice block a little off putting. In the sweltering heat and humidity of an Australian summer they are my go to. I find them far more refreshing than a rich ice cream, and they give a hint of creamy satisfaction that can’t be found in an ice block/popsicle.

Put your creative hat on with flavours, though I do like to keep it simple. That’s why I am quite partial to these vanilla milk ices.
Vanilla milk ices taste as described. Frozen vanilla milk, with a hint of sweetness. I don’t add a great deal of sugar, but you may feel you need to inject another couple of teaspoons.
The sugar added in the quantity I have given simply elevates the vanilla. They have a subtle sweetness.
A simple recipe with only three ingredients. Plus no fancy pants equipment. But, and this is a big but. Probably not as big as my butt, but it is something to take into consideration.

Vanilla milk ices are best started a day ahead. I find it’s best when you place the vanilla milk ices mixture in the fridge for 24 hours for the vanilla flavour to truly develop.
Simmer your ingredients, pop in a container, into the fridge and forget about it for 24 hours. Too easy! You are now free to take your butt out of the kitchen to do other more enjoyable things.
My other favourite for milk ices is coffee! I am leaving it to you to play around, start with the vanilla milk ices and then go crazy and experiment this summer.
Sara xxx
Printable Recipe

Vanilla Milk Ices
Ingredients
- 450 ml full cream milk
- 6 teaspoons (1 ½ tablespoons) caster sugar, (super fine sugar)
- 1 vanilla pod, (split and seeds scraped)
Instructions
- Place milk, sugar and vanilla pod with scraped seeds in a saucepan.
- Bring milk mixture to a simmer and then remove from heat.
- Place milk mixture in a container in the fridge and leave, covered, for 24 hours.
- Pour mixture through a sieve and then pour into popsicle moulds.
- Place in freezer and leave to freeze for at least 3 hours.
- Once frozen, remove from moulds and place in a zip lock bag to store in the freezer until devoured.
Oven Temperatures
All oven temperatures are fan forced.
Measurement Notes
All measurements are Australian metric standard. All measures are level, and cups are lightly packed unless specified. 1 teaspoon = 5ml / 1 tablespoon = 20mls / 1 cup = 250ml /4 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon.
Recipe Notes
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
The recipe's nutritional information is an approximation based on an online calculator. It is meant solely for reference purposes. If you're looking for precise details, be sure to double-check with your own research.
Karrie
Hi
Could I use vanilla essence instead of vanilla pod?
If yes, how much vanilla essence should I use?
Thanks ?
Sara McCleary
Hi Karrie
Yes, you can use vanilla essence. I would try 1 teaspoon. Have a taste of the mixture and see if it has the right vanilla kick for you.
Cheers, Sara
Nicola
Do I leave the milk mixture to cool uncovered before putting it in the fridge for 24 hours?
Sara McCleary
Hi Nicola, you could leave it to cool a little before putting it in the fridge if you wish.
Keisha Taylor
Love this, exactly what I was looking for, Thank you.
I'm going to try this out hopefully soon.
Sara McCleary
Hi Keisha, I hope you enjoy them 🙂
Val Hayward
Hi Sara, this recipe looks yummy - can you tell me please, the sugar measurement - is that 1.5 tablespoons caster?
Val, x (UK)
Sara
Hi Val, That measurement did look a little strange didn't it. I've put a few extra spaces in, and yes you are right it is 1.5 tablespoons of caster.
Val Hayward
Thanks for that, Sara.
When I was young (more than half a century ago....where's the time gone?), we had an ice-cream van come around, and he sold milk ice creams on a stick - in pretty pastel colours - green (peppermint); orange; lemon; and a blue one, though I cannot remember what the flavour was! Loved them then, and I bet I'll love your recipe too.
Val H (UK)
Diane Wilkins
Yes! Easy and simple ice recipe, which I'm all for. Pinning this!
Sara
Thanks Diane, it is a super easy one!