Introduction
Making homemade ice cream doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just three simple ingredients and a little time, you can create a creamy.
smooth dessert that will impress anyone. This no-churn ice cream recipe is perfect for when you crave something cold and sweet without the hassle of a machine or long preparation.
Whether you’re looking to cool off on a warm day or treat yourself to a homemade indulgence, this easy ice cream recipe is a game changer.
It’s versatile, customizable, and takes only a few minutes of effort. All you need are heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract to start creating a delicious dessert.
Ingredients
2 cups heavy cream
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Start by placing a large mixing bowl in the freezer for about 10 minutes. This will ensure your cream whips up nicely.
Once the bowl is cold, pour in the heavy cream. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the cream on high speed for 2-3 minutes until stiff peaks form.
Next, add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract to the whipped cream. Gently fold these ingredients into the whipped.
cream using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream; you want to keep it light and airy.
Once the ingredients are fully incorporated, transfer the mixture into a freezer-safe container. Smooth the top with a spatula, ensuring it’s level and compact.
Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the freezer.
Allow the ice cream to freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight to achieve a firm and creamy consistency.
After the ice cream has fully frozen, scoop out portions into bowls or cones.
Enjoy your homemade treat as is, or get creative with toppings like chocolate syrup, fruit, or crushed cookies.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, but feel free to experiment with different flavors or add-ins as you see fit.
You can easily turn this into a chocolate ice cream by adding cocoa powder or melted chocolate to the mixture.
This homemade ice cream can be stored in the freezer for up to a week. Just make sure it’s covered tightly to prevent ice crystals from forming.
How to Make
Making this easy ice cream begins with the preparation of your heavy cream. Whipping the cream is crucial because it gives the ice cream its light and fluffy texture.
The goal is to create stiff peaks that can hold the sweetened condensed milk without collapsing.
Once the cream is whipped, the sweetened condensed milk adds richness and sweetness to the mixture.
Vanilla extract brings a classic flavor that pairs perfectly with many other additions, but feel free to get creative with other extracts if desired.
After blending these ingredients together, the next step is to freeze the mixture. Freezing is what gives the ice cream its creamy, solid form.
Without churning, the ice cream takes a little longer to set, but the result is just as delicious and smooth.
The freezing process should be patient and unhurried. The longer it freezes, the firmer it becomes.
For best results, allow it to freeze overnight so the flavors can fully meld and the texture reaches its peak.
The key to this recipe’s success is using the correct proportions of heavy cream to sweetened condensed milk.
Too much condensed milk can make it overly sweet, while too little can leave the texture too icy.
While the ingredients are simple, the freezer is where the magic happens. Make sure the mixture is spread evenly in the container so that it freezes uniformly.
If you plan to serve it in a cone, let the ice cream soften for a few minutes before scooping to prevent it from being too hard to scoop.
Variations
The great thing about this recipe is how versatile it is. If you want to make chocolate ice cream, simply add cocoa powder or melted chocolate to the mixture.
The cocoa powder will blend in smoothly with the sweetened condensed milk, creating a deep, rich flavor.
For a fruity twist, consider adding mashed berries, pureed mango, or chopped peaches to the mix.
These fruits add both flavor and texture, making each scoop a refreshing treat.
If you’re a fan of cookies and cream, crumble some chocolate sandwich cookies and fold them into the ice cream before freezing.
This creates a fun, crunchy contrast to the creamy base.
For a more decadent treat, you can swirl in caramel or fudge sauce right before freezing the mixture.
This will create delicious ribbons of sweetness throughout the ice cream.
Add-ins like chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or mini chocolate chips can also be folded into the base for extra texture and flavor.
If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free condensed milk alternative.
This allows you to enjoy the same great taste without the dairy.
For those who enjoy a salty-sweet combination, consider mixing in crushed pretzels or a sprinkle of sea salt for added depth of flavor.
Tips
Ensure that your heavy cream is cold before whipping it. This will help it whip more easily and achieve the desired stiff peaks.
Don’t overmix when folding in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Gently fold to keep the mixture airy and light, which is what gives the ice cream its creamy texture.
You can freeze the ice cream in any container, but a loaf pan works particularly well. It allows for easy scooping and is a perfect size for this recipe.
If you’re planning on making a large batch, double the ingredients and freeze the ice cream in two containers.
This ensures it freezes evenly and stays manageable when serving.
If your ice cream is too hard to scoop after freezing, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
This will make it easier to serve without losing its smooth texture.
For a smoother texture, stir the ice cream every hour or so during the first few hours of freezing. This will help prevent large ice crystals from forming.
Experiment with different mix-ins, but make sure not to overload the mixture. Too many add-ins can affect the texture, making it harder to freeze and scoop.
Conclusion
This simple 3-ingredient ice cream recipe is an easy way to enjoy a homemade dessert with minimal effort.
It’s the perfect treat for hot summer days or any time you want to indulge in something sweet and creamy.
With just a little creativity, you can customize the recipe to fit your flavor preferences.
Whether you stick with the classic vanilla or try something more adventurous, you’ll always have a delightful treat to enjoy!