Learn how to make delicious no churn ice cream in no time with our easy-to-follow recipe. No ice cream maker required! Perfect for any occasion. Only 10 minutes of prep with nearly unlimited flavor options.
Looking for more fun flavors to try? Check out my Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream, No Churn Chocolate Mint Ice Cream, and Banana Pudding Ice Cream!
This post was originally published Jun 29, 2012. It has since been updated to include fresh photos and helpful tips.
Recipe Features
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need three simple kitchen staples to make this ice cream recipe.
- Minimal Prep: The hardest part of this recipe is waiting for it to freeze. You’ll be tempted to dive in even when it’s still soft.
- Perfect Summer Treat: I buy Costco size containers of cream and about a dozen cans of sweetened milk so we can whip this up all summer long.
What if I told you that you could make creamy delicious homemade ice cream without an ice cream machine? Mind blown? Mine was too.
It was eight years ago that I stumbled onto this little gem of a recipe. I wish I remembered who gave it to me. Because they would get a giant thank you! Since starting to make our own ice cream with this super simple no-churn version, I have expanded to include dozens of flavor options.
However, in order to get to those drool worthy flavor combos you have to have a solid base!
No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream Ingredients:
This recipe is for a very basic vanilla ice cream. That means the ingredient list is only three items long. Technically, you only need two. The third is a flavor boost that sends things over the top! Here is what you need…
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is what replaces the sugar. I have tried dozens of brands and they all turn out similar. Which means I reach for the off brand to save a little money.
- Heavy Cream: This is what gives you the light and airy texture that traditional ice cream has.
- Vanilla Extract: Always use pure vanilla, never imitation.
What does no churn mean?
Churning ice cream is when a base is turned and frozen at the same time. This breaks up larger ice crystals making it smooth and creamy. The sweetened condensed milk in this recipe has already been cooked down and has less water. That means you will naturally get a creamy finish without the need to constantly turn.
How To Make Ice Cream Without A Machine
To make this ice cream you will need a few kitchen items.
- Mixing Bowl: A good mixing bowl that can be chilled, like this one.
- Mixer: A stand or hand mixer.
- Freezer Safe Container: An airtight container that is freezer safe.
- Silicone Spatulas: Silicone spatula, to wipe the side of the bowl and mix things in.
- PREP: Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a mixing bowl. Add the vanilla and stir to fully incorporate.
- WHIP: Whip the cream until stiff peaks form. I find it easier to use a stand or hand mixer for this process and it typically takes 3 to 5 minutes.
- FREEZE: Gently fold the whipped cream into the milk mixture. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze until solid, about 8 hours.
Looking for a more original style ice cream? I suggest starting with my creamy vanilla.
More No Churn Ice Cream Flavors
This recipe is extremely easy to adapt. I have included a great list below with versions we have made and love. The process is the same, the only difference is the ingredient list.
Any ingredient you want to add, like crushed cookies or fruit, should be stirred into the sweetened condensed milk before you fold in the heavy cream. Follow the remaining instructions and freeze.
- Chocolate Swirl No-Churn Ice Cream
- Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
- No Machine Cake Batter Ice Cream
- Key Lime Pie Ice Cream
- Caramel Pretzel Ice Cream
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How to Make No-Churn Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1½ tablespoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- 1. Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Set aside.
- 2. Whip the cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into the milk mixture until combined.
- 3. Transfer to an air tight container. Freeze overnight, or at least 8 hours.
- 4. Serve with your favorite ice cream toppings or as is!
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Comments & Reviews
Morena says
What a fun recipe!! Thanks for sharing at the CSI Project!
patricia says
i am going to add some charries , little slices of bannanas, coconut, pineapple , strawbarries and peanuts then fould n choc. for a bannana split ice cream . mmmm! and by the way i like the recipe and how easy it is so thank you somuch for posting this.
Summer says
This looks so easy and so yummy! My kids would love to help me come up with flavor ideas. I like that you don’t have to use an ice cream maker. Thanks for sharing!
Lindsey Johnson (Cafe Johnsonia) says
I love how easy this recipe is. I bet it tastes fantastic. I love sc milk sooo much. 🙂
Taralyn @ Keep Moving Forward With Me says
Frozen raspberries from my garden would be oh so yummy in that ice cream!
Aimee @The Stylish Nest says
That is amazing! I am going to have to try it out soon. 🙂
Vanessa Barker says
This looks so yummy!! Is love some Carmel icecream!!! Yummy