No-Churn Ice Cream

This recipe for vanilla no-churn ice cream is the easiest way to prepare creamy, rich homemade ice cream. Made with only 3 ingredients and no need for an ice cream maker, this simple recipe is the most delicious, creamy Vanilla Ice Cream.

The Easiest Recipe for Homemade Ice Cream

This recipe for No-Churn Ice Cream proves that even without an ice cream maker, you can still enjoy delicious homemade ice cream. 

But is this no-churn recipe as creamy as classically made homemade vanilla ice cream? 

100% yes! 

The purpose of using an ice cream machine to make ice cream is that the machine incorporates air into the custard base as the ice cream churns and freezes, which gives the ice cream its creamy, fluffy texture. 

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 base of the ice cream, we naturally incorporate air into the ice cream, without the need for an expensive piece of equipment. 

This No-Churn Ice Cream recipe is super simple to prepare, there is no need to plan ahead, and the results are creamy dreamy perfection.

Ingredients Needed

No-churn ice cream is not only easier to make than traditional ice cream, but it also only requires 3 ingredients and is egg-free.

• Heavy Whipping Cream: This is a crucial ingredient used to create fluffy whipped cream to fold into the ice cream mixture. I prefer using heavy cream that only contains cream. 
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Any brand or fat percentage of canned sweetened condensed milk works for this recipe. It is perfectly sweet, so there is no need to add any additional sugar to the ice cream base. 
• Vanilla Extract: For the purest vanilla ice cream flavor, there is no substitute for pure vanilla extract, do not use imitation vanilla extract, as the flavor will not be the same.

How to Make Ice Cream Without An Ice Cream Maker

• Line a 9x5 freezer-safe loaf pan with parchment paper. Place in the freezer. This will help the ice cream freeze quickly. 
• In a large bowl, whisk the vanilla extract into the sweetened condensed milk.
• In a separate large bowl, 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 overwhip or you will end up with butter. 
• 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 you are adding any flavor additions, now is the time to gently fold them into the ice cream base.

• Remove the prepared pan from the freezer and pour the ice cream mixture into the chilled pan. 
• Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• hours or overnight.

• To serve, remove the ice cream from the freezer and let sit for 5 minutes to slightly soften. 
• Scoop out the ice cream and serve plain, with a drizzle of chocolate syrup, in ice cream cones, or any way desired.

Flavor Options

This recipe for no-churn ice cream is a classic vanilla base. It can stand alone as a delicious dessert or can be flavored in endless ways. 

To flavor No-Churn Ice Cream, swirl in jams, syrups, or mix-ins to create your favorite flavor combination. Below are some of my favorite ideas for flavoring this no-churn ice cream. 

• 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, 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.

Storing Homemade 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

Serve any of these desserts with a scoop of this vanilla no-churn ice cream for the ultimate dessert. 

• Homemade Brownies
• Instant Pot Lava Cakes
• Peach Crisp
• Peach Cobbler
• Baked Apples

If you enjoyed this simple recipe for No-Churn Ice Cream, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.