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This recipe for No-Churn Ice Cream proves you can have delicious, creamy ice cream without an ice cream maker! Made with just three ingredients and endless options for flavorings, this no churn ice cream recipe is the EASIEST way to enjoy insanely delicious homemade ice cream.
Easy No-Churn Ice Cream
Did you know it is not only possible, but incredibly easy to make rich and creamy ice cream without an ice cream maker?
With just 3 ingredients (and no high-fructose corn syrup or preservatives), this no-churn ice cream recipe allows you to enjoy homemade ice cream without an expensive piece of equipment.
And while I love my recipe for classic vanilla ice cream made with an ice cream machine, I would opt for no-churn ice cream any day!
Not only is no-churn cream incredibly simple to make, but WOW is this no-churn ice cream incredibly luscious and oh-so creamy! Not to mention, the flavor possibilities are as endless as your imagination!
Happy Cooking! xo Kristen
Recipe Highlights
Notes on Ingredients
You only need 3 ingredients (and no eggs!) to make no-churn ice cream.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Be sure you select heavy creamy or heaving whipping cream, not half and half, light cream, or a product simply labeled cream.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Perfectly sweet and easy to use.
- Vanilla Extract: For a rich vanilla flavor.
How to Make No Churn Ice Cream
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the ingredient quantities and detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare a Loaf Pan. Line a 9x5 freezer-safe loaf pan with parchment paper and place it into the freezer while you prepare the ice cream. The parchment paper will help prevent the ice cream from sticking to the pan and freezing the pan prior to adding the ice cream mixture, will help the ice cream set up quickly.
- Whip Heavy Whipping Cream. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to whip the cream until soft, yet stiff peaks form. You will know the cream is ready when the cream holds its shape. But be careful not to over whip or you will end up with butter.
- Fold Whipped Cream into Sweetened Condensed Milk. The secret to creating that same light and creamy consistency without an ice cream maker is heavy whipping cream. By folding freshly whipped cream into the sweetened condensed milk, we naturally incorporate air into the ice cream, without the need for an expensive piece of equipment. You want to slowly and carefully incorporate the two mixtures together so the whipped cream stays light and aerated.
- Freeze Until Set. Transfer the ice cream mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Cover with plastic wrap and place the ice cream into the freezer until set. This typically takes about 4 hours.
Flavor Variations for No-Churn Ice Cream
Use your imagination to flavor your no-churn ice cream the way you like and swirl in toppings to your heart's content. Below are a few of my favorite options.
- Fudge Swirled: Swirl homemade hot fudge into the ice cream before freezing. You can even opt to add in chopped homemade fudge for a really decadent treat.
- Cookies and Cream: Add up to 1 cup of broken sandwich cookies into the ice cream base before freezing.
- Smores: Add ¼ cup of graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup of mini marshmallows, and ⅓ cup of chocolate chips to the ice cream base before freezing.
- Candy-Flavored: Fold up to 1 cup of your favorite candy, like M&Ms, Reese's Pieces, homemade peanut butter cups, broken-up candy bars, or gummy bears into the ice cream base before freezing.
- Fruit-Flavored: Add up to 1 cup of chopped fresh strawberries, blueberries, or pitted, chopped cherries to the ice cream base before freezing.
- Peanut Butter: Gently swirl up to ½ cup of peanut butter into the ice cream base before freezing.
- Chocolate No-Churn Ice Cream: Whisk ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder with the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract.
Tip for Storing No-Churn Ice Cream
To prevent ice crystals from forming, place a layer of plastic wrap directly over the ice cream and then top with a lid or layer of foil. Homemade no-churn ice cream will keep for 2 months in the freezer, however, I find the flavor is best enjoyed within 1 month.
Serving Suggestions
Use this no-churn ice cream to make Homemade Drumstick Ice Cream Cones or an ice cream sundae topped with chocolate syrup, hot fudge sauce, and/or homemade whipped cream. Or top one of the following desserts with a scoop of no-churn ice cream for the ultimate dessert.
Did you make this recipe?
If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment with a 5-star review at the bottom of the post. Thank you!
No-Churn Ice Cream
Video
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line a 9x5 loaf pan with parchment paper. Place in the freezer while you prepare the ice cream.
- In a large bowl, whisk 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to whip 2 cups heavy whipping cream until soft peaks occur, being careful not to over whip. The cream will be done when you pull the beaters out and the cream forms soft peaks that stand up and slowly fall down.
- Using a spatula, gently fold the whipped cream into the sweetened condensed milk mixture. You want to slowly and carefully incorporate the two mixtures together so the whipped cream stays light and aerated.
- If desired, gently fold in up to 1 cup of mix-ins to the mixture now.
- Pour into prepared pan, cover with plastic wrap and freeze at least 4 hours or overnight.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can you add cocoa to make it chocolate ?
Absolutely! Whisk in 1/2 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder with the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla until dissolved and then fold in the whipped cream.
Is it possible to make this without vanilla extract and get the same result? I'm wondering if the extract is for flavor only, or if it somehow reacts with the other ingredients contributing to its texture. Times are tough and I'm trying to minimize my use of everything! Thank you!
Hi Grace! I understand cutting back! Vanilla extract will give it its vanilla flavor, but if you like sweet cream flavor there is NO need to add it!
This is a must summer treat! Incredibly delicious, super easy, and a great way to beat the heat!
This is the easiest recipe for ice cream & it makes it so creamy! I love that you don't need an ice cream maker. We will be making this all summer long!
Thrilled to hear you will be enjoying this ice cream☺️
Way less mess too. 😁. Yum!.now if we could speed up the freezing step! It's worth waiting for!
Thanks,Shell
LOL! That would be nice! Happy to hear you enjoyed this!
This is great. I like the idea of not having to get the ice cream freezer out! Thanks for sharing and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Thank you so much Theresa!