No-Churn Ice Cream is soft and creamy homemade vanilla ice cream made in just a few minutes with no ice cream maker required! This recipe is really, really good. Most taste-testers had no idea that it was not real-deal (ice cream machine) ice cream! If you love ice cream, I’ve got Chocolate Ice Cream, Blueberry Ice Cream and so many more!
No-Churn Ice Cream
There is no special equipment needed to make this batch of fantastic homemade vanilla ice cream. I used a stand mixer, but you could also get away with using a handheld mixer. It starts by making whipped cream. Then, it’s mixing the ingredients together and freezing the ice cream in a chilled loaf pan to let it set up. This recipe made 5 cups of ice cream.
Ice Cream Ingredients
Heavy Cream: Also known as heavy whipping cream, this is a liquid with 36-40% fat. This will be whipped up into a cream to use in the ice cream.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Be sure to check the labels when buying sweetened condensed milk; do not use evaporated milk. As in many no-churn ice cream recipes, sweetened condensed milk is used in place of granulated sugar for some sweetness.
How is this Different from Making Ice Cream in a Machine?
Besides not needing an ice cream machine to make this, there are other differences between no-churn ice cream and ice cream made in a machine. One difference is that no-churn ice creams are made without eggs. Another difference is the use of sweetened condensed milk in place of granulated sugar.
What is the Difference Between Soft and Stiff Peaks in Whipped Cream?
When making the ice cream, the first step is to whip the heavy cream. You will end up with stiff peaks, but what does that mean? Stiff peaks are sharp peaks that can stand on their own even after the beater has been removed.
If a recipe ever asks for ‘medium peaks’, that means that the peaks will stand pretty much on their own, but with a slight curl at the top. When a recipe calls for the cream to form ‘soft peaks’, it just means that the peaks barely hold their shape.
Is No-Churn Ice Cream Creamy?
Yes! So creamy. I could not believe how creamy the texture of the ice cream was when I tasted it. If you prefer grainy ice cream, this recipe is not for you. Because of the smooth and silky whipped cream folded into the sweetened condensed milk mixture, you will enjoy velvety texture in every bite!
Can I Add Flavors to this Vanilla Ice Cream?
Of course! (However, please try a bite on its own first…yum!) Anyway, feel free to add your favorite candies, fruits, nuts (candied walnuts are my favorite), or even cookies to the ice cream. Or, top off a piece of apple pie or Banana Split Nachos with a scoop or two (or three, or four…).
More Ice Cream Recipes
No-Churn Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 2 cups (476 g) heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Place a 9×5-inch loaf pan in the freezer to chill.
- To the bowl of a stand mixer, add the heavy cream. Start mixing at the lowest speed, and then gradually increase speed to medium until the cream starts to get thicker. (The gradual progression prevents you from spraying yourself with cream.)
- The cream will thicken and start to peak. Mix on high speed until the cream is thick and stiff. This happens quickly, so watch it closely!
- In a separate medium bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and salt, and 1 cup of whipped cream from the stand mixer. Stir to incorporate this sweetened condensed milk mixture.
- Gently fold the sweetened condensed milk mixture back into the mixing bowl with the rest of the whipped cream.
- Pour the mixture into the chilled pan and then cover with plastic wrap or parchment paper. Freeze for at least 5 hours, or until fully set up, before serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.
Made the chocolate ice cream and it was delicious and so easy! My family loved it! Thank you for your wonderful recipes!
Absolutely delicious!!!
Sounds yummy! Love your Facebook page! Hate they are giving you such a hard time!
I started cooking again! It’s just me and I really didn’t bother. But I love your site and presentation. So easy to follow. The recipes all sound soo good! I cream is my favorite. I’ll try it!
Thanks do much for all you do!
Make it all the time, it’s the best! I put different things in it. Made blueberry, berry, vanilla, peanut butter and sugar free jelly, chocolate with sugar free chocolate chocolate chip cookies, strawberry, banana, it’s all so good!
Amanda-
My dear, you have brought back joy into baking for me. You’re side notes make me smile laugh and can definitely relate to, and your recipes are always delicious!
Thank you & I’ll go to your actual site every day.
Have a wonderful day😊
Just made the no-churn ice cream last night & worked great! Sure beats paying $8 for 1/2 gallon at the store! Thanks for sharing, will make this again with other flavors!
I’ve never made ice cream; I love it though. I will try your recipe! And I’ll try to send you a picture.
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I made a recipe of your ice cream and added 1/4 cup of real maple syrup and 1/4 tsp of maple flavor. OMG! It was soooo good yesterday I made a recipe and added fresh peaches (and a tsp of almond extract). Really good with the peach nectarine (soupy) butter I made last week.
All of your recipes are so yummy!! This is my first time making no churn ice cream because I thought it was going to be complicated… it wasn’t. Your directions are so easy to follow and the ice cream turned out wonderful. Now my family is fantasizing about all of the combos we can play around with a perfect vanilla ice cream base. Thanks Amanda!!
Made your ice cream and I’m all done buying store bought this is so creamy and perfect in making different flavors my granddaughters always wants to make this only one question how long can this stay in the freezer thank you
I want to try this,Is it possible to use coconut condensed milk? I love anything coconut flavored.
I had the same question?
I made this. It is so creamy and delicious. Will definitely make again. Love your recipes. Thank you
I use this for mousse. Add 1/2 cup cocoa, so yummy. Great for trifle too!