No-Churn Ice Cream Recipe

Creamy No-Churn Ice Cream Recipe: Simple Summer Sweetness

Cold, creamy no-churn ice cream revolutionizes ordinary ingredients into a magical dessert without complicated machinery.

Traditional methods require special equipment, but this technique simplifies the entire process dramatically.

Smooth, rich textures emerge from just a few household staples combined with strategic mixing techniques.

Home cooks can easily master this delightful treat that looks and tastes like professional confectionery.

Sweet homemade goodness comes together faster than most people expect, eliminating complex churning steps entirely.

The best part involves minimal effort and maximum satisfaction for anyone craving a refreshing summer indulgence.

Whisking, folding, and freezing create a luxurious dessert that rivals any store-bought alternative.

No-Churn Ice Cream That’s Rich and Creamy

  • Create Creamy Bliss: This no-churn ice cream delivers ultimate smoothness without complicated ice cream machines, making it a dream for home cooks who want delicious desserts with minimal effort.
  • Customize Your Flavor Adventure: The recipe offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to experiment with endless mix-ins like cookies, fruits, or chocolate chips, transforming a simple base into a personalized treat.
  • Whip Up Effortless Elegance: By using just two primary ingredients- heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk- you can craft a luxurious dessert that feels gourmet but requires surprisingly little technical skill or time investment.
  • Chill and Forget: With a simple freeze-and-wait method, this recipe is perfect for busy people who want a crowd-pleasing dessert without constant monitoring, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings or spontaneous sweet cravings.

Ingredients for the Smoothest No-Churn Ice Cream

Base Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream: Rich and creamy foundation that creates smooth, luxurious texture when whipped.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides sweetness and helps create smooth, soft ice cream without churning.
Optional Mix-Ins:
  • Chocolate Chips: Adds delightful chocolate bursts and interesting texture.
  • Chopped Cookies: Brings crunch and extra flavor to the ice cream.
  • Fresh Fruit: Introduces natural sweetness and refreshing elements.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor that complements the creamy base.
  • Optional Flavor Variations: Allows creative customization of the ice cream.

How to Whip Up No-Churn Ice Cream at Home

Step 1: Whip Up Fluffy Clouds

Pour heavy whipping cream into a large mixing bowl.

Using an electric mixer, whip the cream until stiff peaks form.

Watch carefully to avoid over-whipping.

The cream should stand firmly when beaters are lifted.

Step 2: Blend Silky Smooth Base

In a separate large bowl, pour sweetened condensed milk.

Add vanilla extract and gently stir.

Carefully fold whipped cream into condensed milk mixture.

Use gentle circular motions to maintain airiness.

Step 3: Create Your Signature Flavor

Select your favorite mix-ins.

Softly incorporate chosen ingredients into ice cream base.

Suggestions include chocolate chunks, crushed cookies, or fresh fruits.

Step 4: Freeze Into Creamy Perfection

Transfer mixture into freezer-safe container.

Smooth top with spatula for even freezing.

Cover tightly with lid or plastic wrap.

Freeze for 6-8 hours until wonderfully solid.

Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your homemade frozen delight!

Tips to Get That Perfect No-Churn Texture

  • Whip with Precision: Use cold heavy cream and a chilled bowl to achieve the perfect whipped texture, ensuring maximum volume and stability.
  • Fold Gently: Use a rubber spatula and a light hand when combining ingredients to maintain the air bubbles, creating a smooth and creamy no-churn ice cream.
  • Prevent Ice Crystals: Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before freezing to prevent unwanted ice crystal formation.
  • Flavor Boosting: Add a pinch of salt to enhance the overall taste and balance the sweetness of the condensed milk.
  • Serving Tip: Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping to achieve the perfect soft, scoopable consistency.

Best Practices for Storing No-Churn Ice Cream

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover no-churn ice cream in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent freezer burn and maintain its creamy texture.
  • Freeze Duration: Keep the ice cream frozen for up to 2 weeks. After this time, the quality may start to deteriorate, becoming icy or losing its smooth consistency.
  • Thawing Method: Remove the ice cream from the freezer 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly. This allows for easier scooping and helps restore its original creamy texture.

Pairing Ideas for Your Homemade No-Churn Ice Cream

  • Pair with Warm Chocolate Brownies: Serve a slice of rich, gooey chocolate brownie alongside the no-churn ice cream for a decadent dessert experience. The warm, fudgy brownie contrasts beautifully with the cold, creamy ice cream.
  • Complement with Espresso Martini: The smooth, sweet no-churn ice cream pairs perfectly with a bold espresso martini. The coffee's intensity cuts through the creamy sweetness, creating a sophisticated dessert cocktail.
  • Elevate with Caramel Crunch: Sprinkle some homemade caramel brittle or salted caramel sauce over the ice cream. The crunchy, buttery caramel adds texture and deepens the dessert's flavor profile, making each bite more exciting.
  • Match with Fresh Berries: Top the no-churn ice cream with a handful of fresh, macerated strawberries or mixed berries. The bright, tangy fruit provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy base.

Flavor Spins on No-Churn Ice Cream to Try

  • Tropical Paradise Swirl: Blend ripe mango and passion fruit puree into the condensed milk before folding in whipped cream. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for extra crunch and island vibes.
  • Espresso Chocolate Chunk: Mix strong espresso powder directly into the condensed milk and fold in dark chocolate chunks. Garnish with chocolate-covered espresso beans for an intense coffee kick.
  • Berry Cheesecake Fusion: Swirl raspberry compote and crushed graham crackers into the base. Add small cream cheese dollops throughout for a cheesecake-inspired no-churn treat.
  • Salted Caramel Pretzel Crunch: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce between layers and sprinkle crushed pretzels for a sweet and salty combination. Fold caramel bits into the ice cream base for extra richness.
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No-Churn Ice Cream Recipe

No-Churn Ice Cream Recipe


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4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy Italian no-churn ice cream delivers sweet summer comfort without complicated techniques. Rich condensed milk and whipped cream blend into silky perfection, letting you indulge in homemade dessert magic with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (473 ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 14 ounces (397 grams) sweetened condensed milk

Flavor and Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare a spacious mixing vessel and employ an electric whisk to transform the heavy cream into a billowy, structured cloud with defined peaks, ensuring the texture remains delicate and not overly stiffened.
  2. In a separate mixing bowl, infuse the sweetened condensed milk with aromatic vanilla extract, creating a smooth, fragrant base for the dessert.
  3. Delicately incorporate the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture using soft, sweeping folding motions, preserving the airiness and preventing deflation of the mixture.
  4. For enhanced flavor complexity, introduce complementary elements like crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, scattered dark chocolate fragments, or diced seasonal berries, gently folding them throughout the creamy foundation.
  5. Select a freezer-compatible container with a secure seal, carefully transferring the velvety mixture and smoothing the surface to ensure even freezing.
  6. Hermetically seal the container using a tight-fitting lid or multiple layers of plastic wrap to prevent crystallization and preserve the ice cream’s luxurious texture.
  7. Position the container in the coldest section of the freezer, allowing the mixture to solidify and develop its rich, creamy consistency over approximately 4-6 hours or until perfectly set.

Notes

  • Whipping cream to the right consistency is crucial for achieving a smooth, creamy texture that defines this no-churn ice cream.
  • Folding techniques matter more than mixing, as gentle incorporation preserves the airy volume and prevents deflating the whipped cream.
  • Freezing time is flexible, but a minimum of 4-6 hours ensures the perfect scoopable consistency without ice crystals.
  • Customize your dessert by adding favorite mix-ins like crushed cookies, chocolate chips, or fresh fruit during the folding stage.
  • Use an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and maintain the ice cream’s delicate texture and flavor.
  • Room temperature ingredients help create a smoother base and make the whipping process easier and more effective.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 38 g
  • Sodium: 70 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 23 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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