Who doesn’t love the creamy, dreamy delight of soft serve ice cream? Perfect for hot summer days, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat any time of the year, this quick and easy recipe brings the joy of soft serve right into your kitchen. With minimal ingredients and equipment, you can whip up a batch of this luscious dessert in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soft serve ice cream recipe is for anyone who wants to enjoy a deliciously creamy treat without the hassle of traditional ice cream making. It’s fast, straightforward, and doesn’t require an ice cream maker. Whether you’re a seasoned dessert maker or a novice looking to try something new, this recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients

For the Soft Serve Ice Cream:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Freezer-safe container
• Spatula
• Piping bag with star tip (optional, for serving)

Directions

Making the Soft Serve Ice Cream

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Ensure your heavy whipping cream is cold, as this helps it whip up better.
2. Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer or whisk until stiff peaks form. This will take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer or longer if whisking by hand.
3. Mix in the Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gently fold the sweetened condensed milk into the whipped cream using a spatula until well combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much.
4. Add Vanilla and Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until evenly incorporated.
5. Freeze the Mixture: Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container, spreading it out evenly. Cover the container and freeze for at least 2-3 hours, or until the ice cream is firm enough to scoop but still soft.
6. Serve: For a classic soft serve look, you can spoon the ice cream into a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe it into cones or bowls. If you prefer, you can simply scoop and serve directly from the container.

Notes and Tips

• Flavor Variations: For chocolate soft serve, add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the mixture. For a fruit-flavored soft serve, puree your favorite fruit and fold it into the mixture before freezing.
• Serving Ideas: Top with sprinkles, chocolate chips, fruit, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
• Storage: Store any leftover soft serve ice cream in the freezer in an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed within a week for optimal texture and flavor.

Storage

Store your soft serve ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. For the best texture, consume it within a week. If it becomes too firm, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften it up.

Variations and Substitutions

• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the heavy whipping cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk for a vegan version.
• Sugar-Free Option: Use a sugar-free sweetened condensed milk to reduce the sugar content.
• Mix-Ins: Fold in cookie crumbles, candy pieces, or nuts into the mixture before freezing for added texture and flavor.

FAQ

Can I make this recipe without an electric mixer?

Yes, you can whisk the cream by hand, but it will take longer and require more effort. Alternatively, you can use a hand mixer if you have one.

How do I prevent ice crystals in my soft serve?

Ensuring that your heavy whipping cream is cold and folding the ingredients gently can help minimize the formation of ice crystals. Additionally, consuming the soft serve within a week helps maintain its creamy texture.

Can I make different flavors in one batch?

Yes, you can divide the mixture into separate bowls and add different flavorings or mix-ins to each before freezing.

Pairings

Enjoy your Quick and Easy Soft Serve Ice Cream with freshly baked cookies, a slice of warm pie, or a classic ice cream cone. Pair it with a refreshing iced coffee or a fruity summer beverage for a delightful treat.

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