Easy No-Churn Ice Cream
Make delicious homemade ice cream without an ice cream machine. With simple ingredients like sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream, you can create endless flavors of no-churn ice cream.
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.
Why You’ll Love It
No ice cream machine needed. Just whip the cream, fold, and freeze—so easy!
Endless flavors. From cookies and cream to s’mores, the mix-in options are unlimited.
Creamy and smooth. The sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream base freezes beautifully.
Ingredient Notes
- Sweetened condensed milk: Provides sweetness and gives the ice cream its creamy texture.
- Vanilla extract: A classic flavor base that works with almost any mix-ins.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors.
- Heavy cream: Whipped to stiff peaks for volume and lightness. Chill it before whipping.
- Add-ins: Optional, but recommended! Think chopped cookies, fruit purée, candy, or sauces.
Steps to Make Easy No-Churn Ice Cream
- Chill a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan or other freezer-safe container in the freezer.
- Whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt in a mixing bowl until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Stir a small portion of the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture to lighten it.
- Fold the lightened condensed milk mixture back into the rest of the whipped cream using a gentle folding motion.
- Spread the mixture into your chilled loaf pan and place it in the freezer for 1½ to 2 hours.
- Once partially frozen, gently fold in your desired mix-ins and return the pan to the freezer.
- Freeze for at least 3 more hours, or until firm. Let sit at room temp for a few minutes before scooping. Enjoy!
Tips for Making No-Churn Ice Cream
- Chill the sweetened condensed milk and cream before starting for best results.
- Whip the cream just until stiff peaks form—overbeating can make it grainy or buttery.
- Use a light hand when folding to preserve the air whipped into the cream.
- Choose a container that seals tightly to help prevent ice crystals.
- Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping for easier serving.
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.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve in cones, bowls, or between cookies for homemade ice cream sandwiches.
- Add toppings like hot fudge, caramel sauce, whipped cream, or sprinkles.
- Pair with warm brownies, fruit crisps, or cobblers for an indulgent dessert.
How to Store
Freeze: Store the ice cream in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Press plastic wrap or wax paper directly onto the surface before sealing to help prevent ice crystals.
Best by: For the best flavor and texture, enjoy within 2 to 3 weeks.
Easy No-Churn Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk, (14 ounces)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch salt
- 2 cups heavy cream, chilled
- 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!
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
