Introduction: Who doesn’t love a scoop of creamy, decadent ice cream on a hot summer day? While store-bought options are convenient, there’s something special about homemade ice cream. The rich flavors, the creamy texture, and the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch make it worth the effort. But what if I told you that you could enjoy homemade ice cream without the need for an ice cream maker? Yes, you read that right! With this easy no-churn ice cream recipe, you can whip up a batch of silky smooth ice cream with just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream, chilled
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional mix-ins (chocolate chips, fruit puree, cookie crumbs, etc.)
Instructions:
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes. This step will help the cream whip up faster and achieve a better texture.
- In the chilled mixing bowl, pour in the heavy cream.
- Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the heavy cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This typically takes about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to overmix, or you’ll end up with butter!
- Once the cream has reached stiff peaks, gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Use a spatula to fold the mixture together until smooth and well combined.
- At this point, you can add any mix-ins you desire. Whether it’s chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or swirls of fruit puree, get creative and customize your ice cream to your liking. Gently fold in the mix-ins until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the ice cream mixture into a loaf pan or a freezer-safe container. Smooth out the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
- Cover the container tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent ice crystals from forming on the surface of the ice cream.
- Place the container in the freezer and let the ice cream set for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the ice cream to firm up to the perfect consistency.
- Once the ice cream is fully set, remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before scooping.
- Serve the no-churn ice cream in bowls or cones, and enjoy every creamy spoonful!
Conclusion: With just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can create homemade ice cream that rivals any store-bought variety. This no-churn ice cream recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and mix-ins to create your own signature creations. Whether you’re craving classic vanilla, indulgent chocolate, or something more adventurous, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So grab your mixing bowl and whip up a batch of creamy no-churn ice cream today!