Easy No-Churn Ice Cream Recipe
Remember those hot summer nights as a kid, the sound of the ice cream truck getting closer, and the smell of chocolate all over the place? What is the joy of melting a cone?How do you make no-churn ice cream?brings back all those happy memories, but without the mystery ingredients and the race against the clock. Is it so easy to call it a recipe? Honestly, making this is way easier than running to the store for a pint of store-bought. Think of it like the ice cream equivalent of a dump cake – minimal effort, maximum reward.
What is No-Churn Ice Cream?
What is the purpose of this question?isWhat is the best way to make no How do I make homemade ice cream without an apron? What is the secret behind a sweetened condensed milk? What are the best ingredients to make a creamy base that freezes beautifully? Think of it as cheating the system, but in the best possible way. Is it the lazy baker’s dream, the busy parents’ secret weapon, and the “I need ice cream”?nowWhat is the best combination of a “one-stop” solution and one delicious dessert? Why is ice cream less fussy than regular whipped cream and you don’t have to worry about crystals forming. If you do it right, you will get a lot of benefits Is it foolproof?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I begin? There are so many reasons why this is so.How do I make no-churn ice cream? is a total game-changer.
First, the flavor is incredible. You get that rich, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth experience that rivals any premium ice cream brand. It’s decadent without being overly sweet, and the possibilities for customization are endless. I’ve made everything from salted caramel to strawberry cheesecake with this base, and it always comes out amazing.
Then there’s the simplicity. Seriously, you just whip some cream, mix it with sweetened condensed milk, add your favorite flavors, and freeze. No churning, no fuss, no special equipment needed. This is so easy, even my kids can (and do!) make it. It’s the best recipe to bring kids into the kitchen.
And let’s talk about cost-efficiency. A pint of fancy ice cream can cost a small fortune these days. With this recipe, you’re using basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, so it’s super budget-friendly. Plus, you get way more ice cream for your money.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can literally add anything you want to it. Chocolate chips, fruit, nuts, cookie pieces, swirls of caramel or Nutella… the sky’s the limit! And unlike some homemade ice cream recipes, this one stays surprisingly soft and scoopable even after being frozen solid. I always add a little bit of vanilla extract to mine, it really brings out the other flavors. This beats any store bought ice cream, that’s for sure. I even tested this with almond milk once and I swear it tasted even creamier! I’m not sure if that was just me being biased, but I can’t wait to try it again.
How do you make no-churn ice cream?
Quick Overview
Making this How do you make no-churn iceIs as simple as whip, mix, freeze! You’ll whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, gently fold in sweetened condensed milk and your preferred topping. What’s your favorite mix-ins, and freeze it for at least six hours? What is the beauty of this method is that it is almost impossible to mess up. The whipped cream provides the airiness that you’d normally get from churning, and the sweetened cream adds the sweetness that’s normally found in your mouth. Condensed milk adds sweetness and creamy texture.
Ingredients Notes
For the Ice Cream Base:
Heavy Cream: Make sure it’s super cold for the best whipping results. I usually put my bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 15 minutes before starting.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is key for sweetness and creamy texture. Don’t substitute evaporated milk for water!
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances all the other flavors.
For the Mix-Ins (Endless possibilities!):
Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips are easier to distribute.
Crushed Cookies: Oreos, chocolate chip cookies, anything works!
Fresh Fruit: Strawberries, blueberries and raspberries – chop them small.
Nuts: Toasted and chopped for extra flavor.
Caramel Sauce: Swirl it in for a decadent treat.
What is a peanut butter cup?
What are the Step-
Step 1: Chill Your Equipment
Place your mixing bowl and whisk attachment (or beaters) in the freezer for at least 15 minutes. Why does heavy cream whip up faster and hold its shape better? What makes a difference?
Step 2: Whip the Heavy Cream
In a large bowl, beat heavy cream until soft peaks form. Set aside. Then, increase the speed to high and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Stiff peaks mean the cream holds its shape when you lift the whisk or beater out of the bowl. If you overwhip, you end up with butter!
Step 3: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk & Vanilla
Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until just combined. How do you deflate whipped cream?
Step 4: Mix In Your Favorite Goodies
Now for the fun part! Gently fold in your chosen mix-ins. Don’t overmix, just distribute them evenly throughout the ice cream base.
Step 5: Freeze
How do you store ice cream in a freezer safe container? Cover tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the ice cream to prevent it from sticking. How do you prevent ice crystals from forming How long should I freeze my food for?
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Step 6: Scoop & Enjoy
Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping for easier serving. Serve in cones, bowls or straight from the container (I won’t judge!).
What should I serve it with?
This What is the best way to make no-churIs it good to eat all on its own, but with the right accompaniments?For a Casual Treat:What’s a good waffle cone recipe?For a Dessert Upgrade:Top a warm brownie or slice of apple pie with ice cream. The contrast of cold and hot is heavenly.For a Sundae Bar:What are some of the best toppings for a chocolate cake? Let everyone create their own masterpiece.For a Grown-Up IndulgWhat are some good pairings for a glass of dessert wine or espresso? The bitterness of coffee cuts through the sweetness of the ice cream perfectly. My family loves to have this with strawberries or raspberries in a bowl. What is the perfect summer snack?
Top Tips for Perfecting Your No-Churn Ice Cream
Want to take your easy no-churn ice cream to the next level? Here are a few of my top tips:
Chill Everything: I can’t stress this enough. Cold equipment is key for whipping the heavy cream to stiff peaks.
Don’t Overwhip: Overwhipped cream can become grainy and difficult to work with. Stop beating as soon as stiff peaks form.
Gently Fold: When combining the sweetened condensed milk and mix-ins, use a gentle folding motion to avoid deflating the whipped cream.
Press Plastic Wrap: Pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before freezing helps prevent ice crystals from forming.
Get Creative with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different mix-ins. The possibilities are endless! I love adding a pinch of sea salt to my chocolate chip ice cream for a salted chocolate flavor. I also tested different types of oreos, and I must say, the golden oreos tasted the best.
Let it Soften: Before scooping, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes for easier serving. I have forgotten to do this many times and it can be hard to scoop when it’s frozen.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This easy no-churn ice cream stores well in the freezer for up to two weeks. After that, it may start to develop ice crystals.
Freezing: Store the ice cream in a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid. Press plastic wrap onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Thawing: Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping for easier serving.
Reheating (Not Recommended): While you technically could “reheat” ice cream (e.g., melt it and refreeze it), I don’t recommend it. It will change the texture and flavor of the ice cream, and it may not freeze properly the second time around. Plus, who wants to wait for ice cream to refreeze?!
This never stays in the freezer long enough to worry about it, honestly. But if you need to store it, just make sure it’s well sealed!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This easy no-churn ice cream recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or simply when you need a sweet treat. It’s so easy to make, so customizable, and so delicious, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s a fun activity to do with kids! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other easy dessert recipes. And if you try this one, let me know how it turns out in the comments below! I can’t wait to hear about your flavor creations. Happy scooping!
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Easy No-Churn Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream chilled
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk 1 can
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon salt optional, to enhance sweetness
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, whip the chilled heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form using an electric mixer.
- Gently fold the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt into the whipped cream until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
