There’s nothing quite like a scoop of creamy, homemade ice cream on a warm day. But what if you don’t have an ice cream maker? No worries! You can still create rich, delicious ice cream at home with minimal effort and just a few basic ingredients. This guide will show you how to make smooth, creamy no-churn ice cream using heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and your choice of flavors. Plus, we’ll share fun ideas for toppings and mix-ins to make your homemade ice cream even more indulgent!
Why No-Churn Ice Cream?
No-churn ice cream is exactly what it sounds like: ice cream that doesn’t require an ice cream maker. The secret to its creamy texture is the combination of heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk. The heavy cream whips up into soft peaks, creating a fluffy base, while the condensed milk adds sweetness and helps to prevent ice crystals from forming, which keeps the ice cream smooth and scoopable. This method is incredibly easy and requires no special equipment—just a bowl, a whisk, and a freezer!
Basic No-Churn Ice Cream Recipe
Before we dive into different flavor variations, let’s start with the basic no-churn ice cream recipe. This versatile base can be customized with your favorite flavorings and mix-ins.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream (cold)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Whip the cream: In a large mixing bowl, pour the cold heavy cream. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form (about 3-5 minutes). The cream should hold its shape and not slide around the bowl.
- Mix the condensed milk: In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until fully combined.
- Fold together: Gently fold the whipped cream into the sweetened condensed milk mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much. You want to maintain that airy, fluffy texture.
- Freeze: Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan or an airtight container. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Freeze for 6+ hours: Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and place in the freezer for at least 6 hours or overnight until firm and scoopable.
Now, you’re ready to enjoy your basic, creamy homemade ice cream! But don’t stop there—let’s take it up a notch with some exciting flavors and mix-ins.
Flavor Variations
Here are a few flavor ideas to customize your no-churn ice cream:
1. Chocolate No-Churn Ice Cream
Turn your base into chocolate ice cream by adding cocoa powder or melted chocolate.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder or 4 oz melted chocolate
- 1/4 cup milk (if using cocoa powder)
Instructions:
- If using cocoa powder, dissolve it in 1/4 cup of milk to create a smooth mixture. Add this to the sweetened condensed milk mixture.
- If using melted chocolate, stir the melted chocolate into the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla mixture until well combined.
- Follow the basic recipe instructions from above to fold in the whipped cream and freeze.
2. Strawberry No-Churn Ice Cream
Add fresh strawberries or strawberry puree for a fruity, refreshing ice cream.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, mashed or pureed
- 1/4 cup sugar (optional, depending on sweetness of berries)
Instructions:
- Mash the strawberries with a fork or blend them into a puree. If you want a smoother texture, strain the seeds out.
- Stir in the sugar if needed to sweeten the strawberries.
- Add the strawberry puree to the sweetened condensed milk mixture and mix well.
- Fold in the whipped cream and freeze as directed.
3. Coffee No-Churn Ice Cream
For coffee lovers, this rich and aromatic flavor is a must-try.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp instant coffee or espresso powder
- 2 tbsp hot water
Instructions:
- Dissolve the coffee or espresso powder in hot water.
- Stir the coffee mixture into the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract.
- Fold the whipped cream into the coffee mixture and freeze.
4. Caramel No-Churn Ice Cream
Sweet and buttery, caramel is a decadent flavor to pair with your base.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
- Add the caramel sauce to the sweetened condensed milk mixture and stir to combine.
- For extra caramel flavor, swirl in additional caramel sauce into the ice cream base before freezing.
- Fold in the whipped cream and freeze.
Fun Mix-Ins and Toppings
The best part of homemade ice cream is adding your favorite toppings and mix-ins! Here are some ideas to make your no-churn ice cream even more indulgent:
Mix-Ins:
- Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- Crushed cookies (Oreos, chocolate chip cookies, or graham crackers)
- Chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans)
- Swirls of fudge or caramel sauce
- Fruit (berries, banana slices, or mango chunks)
- Marshmallows or toffee bits
Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Hot fudge or chocolate syrup
- Crushed candies (M&Ms, Reese’s pieces, or crushed Snickers)
- Sprinkles or chocolate shavings
- Chopped fresh fruit (bananas, berries, or peaches)
Tips for Success
- Make sure your cream is cold: Cold cream whips up better, so store your heavy cream in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
- Don’t over-mix: When folding in the whipped cream, do so gently to maintain the airy texture. Over-mixing can lead to a denser, less creamy result.
- Use the right container: A loaf pan works great for freezing, but any airtight container will do. If you’re adding a lot of mix-ins, a shallow container may help freeze the ice cream faster and more evenly.
- Let it soften before serving: No-churn ice cream can become rock hard in the freezer. Allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
Making your own homemade ice cream without an ice cream maker is simple, fun, and incredibly rewarding. With just a few basic ingredients and endless flavor possibilities, you can customize your ice cream to suit any taste. Whether you stick with classic vanilla or get creative with chocolate, fruit, or caramel flavors, this no-churn method ensures a creamy, indulgent treat every time. Add in your favorite mix-ins, top with decadent toppings, and enjoy a scoop (or two!) of homemade ice cream anytime the craving strikes!