No Churn Ice Cream

If you’re wondering how to make ice cream without an ice cream maker, you’ve come to the right place. No fancy equipment, just a pan, a few mixing bowls, and a hand mixer will yield creamy vanilla no churn ice cream.

Why this recipe works

You only need 3 ingredients to make homemade vanilla ice cream – heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and sweetened condensed milk. First, you whisk the sweetened condensed milk with the vanilla extract, then beat the heavy whipping cream with a mixer. Next, simply fold the two together and chill in a pan. No churn ice cream is really that simple.

The main difference between a no churn ice cream and using an ice cream maker is how you create air within the ice cream. In a no churn recipe, you’ll whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks giving it the air it needs to add volume, whereas an ice cream maker would do that step for you while it churns and freezes. It’s entirely possible to have incredibly creamy and smooth ice cream made without special equipment!

For another no-machine option, blend up this easy strawberry frozen yogurt in a food processor.

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

HEAVY CREAM – Though I would highly suggest using heavy whipping cream, you do have a little wiggle room here. Heavy cream has a higher fat content than half and half or milk, which makes for wonderfully creamy ice cream. You can cut the fat down however by using half and half instead of heavy cream in equal parts.

ADDITIONS – For pretty flecks of vanilla, use 1 tablespoon of vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract. If you want to add mix-ins to this ice cream such as chopped candy or nuts, let the ice cream chill until semi-frozen, about 1 to 2 hours, before adding them. Some mix-in ideas include peanut butter (see our peanut butter chocolate chip ice cream recipe), Oreos, M&M’s, cereal pieces, chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped chocolate, and so much more!

How to Make No Churn Ice Cream

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Place a 9 by 5-inch loaf pan in the freezer to chill.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla.
3. In a separate large bowl, use a handheld electric beater to whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks.
4. Whisk 1/4 of the whipped cream into the sweetened condensed milk/vanilla mixture until well-combined.
5. Use a rubber spatula to fold in the remaining 3/4 of the whipped cream 1/4 at a time.
6. Pour the mixture into the chilled loaf pan. Smooth out the top and cover with plastic wrap.
7. Freeze until solid, about 6 to 8 hours. Serve.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

You can use almost any ice cream recipe that calls for an ice cream maker with this base no churn recipe. The key is to beat the heavy whipping cream with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form. This is what will create a stable, airy base. Then fold it together with the other ingredients called for and place it in a chilled loaf pan to freeze.

To make chocolate ice cream, you’ll want to add cocoa powder. Head over to our no churn chocolate ice cream recipe to see ingredients and instructions.

Serving Suggestions

What’s your favorite way to serve ice cream? Scoop it into a bowl, cup, or cone and enjoy! Top with sprinkles, chocolate syrup, caramel drizzle, or crushed cookies. No churn ice cream can also be enjoyed over brownies, cobblers, homemade slushie floats, or skillet chocolate chip cookies. Swoon.

If your ice cream is very solid, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before scooping.

More Ice Cream Recipes

• No Churn Chocolate Ice Cream
• Rolled Ice Cream
• Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Ice Cream
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
• Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
• Rocky Road Ice Cream
• Rolled Ice Cream

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