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Vanilla ice cream texture

Celebrate National Vanilla Ice Cream Day with Breyers

Vanilla ice cream texture

The History of Vanilla Ice Cream

Vanilla's journey from rainforest treasure to freezer staple is a rich story that spans centuries and continents. Native to Mexico, the vanilla orchid was first cultivated by the Totonac people, later prized by the Aztecs, who used it to flavor their cacao-based beverages. When Spanish explorers brought vanilla to Europe in the 16th century, it was initially used solely to complement chocolate. But by the early 1700s, European chefs began to experiment with vanilla as a standalone flavor, particularly in custards and frozen desserts.

One of the earliest recorded vanilla ice cream recipes in the U.S. is credited to Thomas Jefferson, who brought back a French-style version after his time abroad in the 1780s. His custard-based recipe was made with egg yolks and flavored with vanilla.

Friends having an ice cream party

Ice cream movie night: Stay in and turn movie night into a dessert-filled experience. Grab your favorite Breyers flavors, pick a summer flick, and cozy up with your ice cream bowls in hand. Bonus points for themed toppings or ice cream floats on the side.

Backyard get-together: Invite friends and neighbors for a laid-back backyard bash. Set up a DIY sundae bar stocked with tubs of vanilla ice cream and every topping you can imagine. Think classic crowd-pleasers (like chocolate shavings and caramel sauce) and some unexpected picks (like olive oil or a balsamic glaze) to let guests get creative.

Ice cream picnic: Pack a cooler with your favorite vanilla ice creams, frozen desserts, and maybe a few cones or waffle bowls. Add some easy snacks, a blanket, and a couple of board games. Then head to the park or beach for a sweet afternoon in the sun.

Affogato made with Breyers Homemade Vanilla.

1. Vanilla Affogato

Hitting the sweet spot between indulgent morning coffee and refined dessert, the vanilla affogato is a perfect reminder of how vanilla can elevate even the simplest treats. And the best part? It couldn’t be easier to make.

You’ll only need a bold shot of espresso and a scoop of Breyers vanilla ice cream. We love Homemade Vanilla for this one because it’s creamy, wonderfully rich, and melts beautifully into this dessert-in-a-cup.

Get the recipe: Vanilla Affogato

Liked this recipe? Also try our Cuban Coffee Affogato and Gingerbread Affogato.

Homemade ice cream sandwiches with Breyers Homemade Vanilla

2. Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches

There’s a reason the ice cream sandwich is a timeless favorite, and when you go with vanilla for the filling, it’s hard to beat. Pick your favorite cookies, whether that's soft-baked chocolate chip, chewy red velvet or, our favorite, graham crackers. Add a generous scoop of Breyers vanilla, press gently, and enjoy a perfectly portable treat.

Get the recipe: Homemade Graham Cracker Ice Cream Sandwiches

Classic Vanilla Milkshake made with Breyers ice cream

3. Vanilla Milkshake

Want a true ode to vanilla? Look no further than the humble vanilla milkshake. For a quick homemade version, blend two hearty scoops of Extra Creamy Vanilla with a splash of milk. That’s it.

Feeling creative? Swirl in chocolate or caramel sauce, crushed cookies, or even a spoonful of peanut butter. Blend until smooth, pour into tall glasses, and top with whipped cream and a cherry for that classic soda shop vibe the whole family will love.

A 48 ounce tub of Breyers® Vanilla Chocolate simple pack image packshot

Vanilla Chocolate
A 48 ounce tub of Breyers® Extra Creamy Vanilla simple pack image packshot

Extra Creamy Vanilla
A 48 ounce tub of Breyers® Mint Chocolate Chip simple pack image packshot

Mint Chocolate Chip