This easy no-churn ice cream is a snap to make without an ice cream machine. All you need is a mixer and a little time to wait for it to freeze. With a can of sweetened condensed milk, some vanilla, a pinch of salt, and heavy cream, you’ll have a fantastic, delicious frozen treat. It’s also versatile. Add nuts, chocolate chips, cookie crumbs, spices, or broken candy bars. Or swirl in dulce de leche, homemade caramel, or thick chocolate sauce when it’s partially frozen.
Ice Cream Mix-Ins
- Fruit: Blend fresh or frozen fruits with a bit of sugar and fold them into the base. Or use fruit purée for a smoother mixture.
- Cookies and Cream: Fold in crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, snickerdoodles, or sugar cookies.
- Mint Chocolate Chip: Add peppermint extract to the base and fold in chocolate chips or finely chopped dark chocolate.
- Peanut Butter Cup: Chop a few peanut butter cuts into small pieces and fold them in to the base.
- S’mores: Mix in mini marshmallows, crumbled graham crackers, and chunks of milk chocolate.
Tips
Ingredients
- Have the sweetened condensed milk and cream cold before you begin. Also chill any add-ins you may choose.
- Whip the cream to stiff peaks, but be careful not to overbeat it or you’ll end up with butter.
- When combining the sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream, use a gentle folding motion to avoid deflating all of the air you whipped into the cream.
Freezing
- Use an airtight container that’s freezer-safe. Individual serving containers are great because they can be packed with minimal air, which can cause prevent ice crystals. I
- Make sure your freezer is at or below 0 F (-18 C) to ensure the ice cream stays frozen.
Serving
- Let the ice cream stand at room temperature for a few minutes to make scooping easier.
- Dip the ice cream scoop in warm water for attractive, round scoops.
Easy No-Churn Ice Cream
Make delicious homemade no-churn ice cream without an ice cream machine. With just a few simple ingredients, the possibilities are endless!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Freeze Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 10 servings 1x
- Category: Ice Cream
- Method: Freeze
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch salt
- 2 cups chilled heavy cream
- Your favorite add-ins and toppings, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Place a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan or similar container in the freezer.
- Combine: Combine the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and salt in a medium bowl and whisk until well blended.
- Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl with an electric mixer, beat the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. Add about 1 cup of the whipped cream to the sweetened condensed milk mixture and stir to blend.
- Fold: Add the sweetened condensed milk mixture to the remaining whipped cream and use spatula to gently fold it in until blended.
- Finish the Dish: Spread the mixture in the prepared loaf pan and place it in the freezer.
- Freeze: Freeze for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, then fold in any add-ins, if desired. Return to the freezer for about 3 hours longer, or until firm.
- Serve: Serve with your choice of toppings and enjoy!
