This Homemade Ice Cream Recipe makes delicious vanilla ice cream, and you do not need an ice cream maker. It is true! It is rich, creamy, sweet, and very simple to make with just a few basic ingredients. This recipe might seem almost too easy, but it turns out great every time. You don’t need to churn, use fancy equipment, or even have an ice cream maker.
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I enjoy simple dessert recipes, and this one is as easy as they come. You just need heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk for the base. Vanilla is optional, but I like to add some for that classic flavor.
This recipe is perfect to make ahead, whether you are having guests or just want a sweet treat ready in your freezer.
Tip: I usually prepare mine the night before so it has enough time to set.
We have made this ice cream for years and years. And I have even posted several different flavors to the blog already. But I just realized that I have never posted the base recipe. I knew I had to share this immediately!
The base recipe is basically an easy homemade vanilla ice cream recipe. You can use this base recipe just as you would any vanilla ice cream. We have served this alongside strawberry cupcakes for family birthdays, or on our favorite cranberry apple crisp at the holidays.
You need this little trick in your life, internet friends! We literally got rid of our ice cream maker when we started making ice cream this way. We have served it with chocolate syrup or in banana splits, and we have enjoyed it plain in ice cream cones. Or with sprinkles!
How to make homemade no-churn ice cream
First, gather your ingredients.
Ingredients
For best taste, always use the highest quality ingredients you have access to.
To make this homemade ice cream recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- Heavy cream – Chill it before whipping.
- Sweetened condensed milk – This adds sweetness and makes the ice cream creamy.
- Vanilla extract – Optional, but great if you want classic vanilla flavor.
Making ice cream at home
No-Churn Ice Cream is a simple recipe that can be made in just a few steps. Here is how to make it.
Pour the heavy cream into a large bowl. Use a mixer on medium-high or high speed to beat it until peaks form.
With my hand mixer, it took about 5 minutes. Your time may vary depending on your mixer.
Next, gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk until it is fully mixed.
Be careful not to stir too hard. Folding keeps the mixture light and creamy.
Note: Sometimes I use a splash of vanilla extract (about 1/2 teaspoon, or more to taste). You can taste test it to see. But you don’t need that, which is why I didn’t include it in the recipe.
Put the mixture in a freezer-safe dish, cover it, and freeze until set. This usually takes 7 to 8 hours.
That is it!
Recipe FAQ
Can I make this without vanilla?
Yes, you can make this with or without vanilla, and it will still taste great.
Sweetened condensed milk sometimes has a bit of vanilla flavor. If you want more, add between 1/2 teaspoon and 1 teaspoon, to taste.
What can I use to whip the cream?
You can whip the cream with a stand mixer, hand mixer, or even a blender.
Just be careful not to over-whip it, because it can turn into butter. You only want to beat it until peaks start to form.
With my hand mixer, it took about 5 minutes. It might be faster in a blender.
Leftovers
Store leftovers in a covered container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Always use common sense and good judgment when it comes to leftovers, though! If something looks or smells funky, don’t eat it.
I hope y’all enjoy this homemade ice cream recipe! Let me know if you try it.
More easy homemade ice cream recipes
You can also use this base recipe to customize you own flavors. Just to give you some ideas, here are a few other flavors I have shared on the blog.
Note: All of these ice cream recipes, including the base recipe, are great for people who need an egg-free option.
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Easy Homemade Ice Cream Recipe
This easy homemade ice cream recipe makes the most delicious vanilla ice cream, and you can make it without an ice cream maker. Yes, really!
Ingredients
- 16 ounces heavy cream (2 cups, chilled)
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
Instructions
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Pour the heavy cream into a large bowl, and beat with a mixer on high to medium-high until peaks form. Mine took about 5 minutes, FYI.
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Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk until everything is well-incorporated.
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Transfer to a freezer-safe dish, cover and freeze until set, about 8 hours. Tip: I usually make mine the night before we eat it.
Recipe Notes
You can make this with or without the vanilla, and it will still be great! If you want to add it, I suggest between 1/2 teaspoon – 1 teaspoon, to taste. Sweetened condensed milk already can contain some vanilla, FYI.
You can whip your cream with a stand mixer, hand mixer or even a blender. Careful not to over-whip it though, because it will turn into butter! Just beat it long enough until peaks start to form. With my hand-held mixer, it was about 5 minutes, FYI. It may be quicker than that in a blender.
Lillian says
Made coffee ice cream by adding 3 -4 tsp of instant coffee to the cream while I was whipping it.
Mary says
PDid you mix the coffee with water or just used the instant Granduals