What is no churn ice cream?

No churn ice cream is a simple homemade ice cream made without an ice cream maker. It relies on whipped cream for airiness and sweetened condensed milk for creaminess and sweetness, creating a soft-serve texture that firms up in the freezer. This method skips churning, making it beginner-friendly and quick—ready in under 10 minutes of active time. Popular flavors include vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Store it in a loaf pan covered with plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals. It's perfect for summer treats or last-minute desserts, yielding about 1-2 quarts per batch. Compared to traditional ice cream, it has a lighter texture but holds up well for scooping after 4-6 hours of freezing.

How do you make no churn ice cream at home?

To make no churn ice cream, whip 2 cups of heavy whipping cream to stiff peaks. In another bowl, mix 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk with 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract and any add-ins like chocolate chips. Gently fold the whipped cream into the milk mixture until combined, avoiding deflation. Pour into a lined loaf pan, cover with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface, and freeze for 6 hours or overnight. For best results, chill bowls and beaters beforehand. This yields creamy results every time. Scoop and serve straight from the freezer—let it soften 5-10 minutes if needed. Customize with mix-ins like Oreo crumbs or fruit purees added at the folding stage.

What's a basic no churn vanilla ice cream recipe?

For basic no churn vanilla ice cream, you'll need: 2 cups heavy whipping cream, 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 2 tsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whip cream to stiff peaks (about 3-4 minutes with a mixer). Mix condensed milk, vanilla, and salt separately. Fold whipped cream into the mixture gently until no streaks remain. Transfer to a 9x5-inch loaf pan lined with parchment. Smooth the top, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and freeze 6-8 hours. Makes 8-10 servings. Each 1/2 cup serving has around 250 calories. Pro tip: Add vanilla bean paste for deeper flavor. It's scoopable and rivals store-bought.

Can you make no churn ice cream without sweetened condensed milk?

Yes, you can make no churn ice cream without sweetened condensed milk using alternatives like evaporated milk thickened with cornstarch, or a mix of powdered sugar and cream cheese for sweetness and stability. For a 2-cup cream base, beat 1 cup powdered sugar with 8 oz softened cream cheese, then fold in whipped cream and flavorings. Another option: simmer 1 can evaporated milk with 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tbsp cornstarch until thickened, cool, then fold into whipped cream. These yield similar creaminess but may be less sweet—adjust sugar to taste. Freeze as usual for 6 hours. This works for dietary tweaks, like lower sugar versions, and prevents separation better in humid climates.

How long does no churn ice cream last in the freezer?

No churn ice cream lasts 1-2 weeks in the freezer when stored properly in an airtight container or loaf pan wrapped tightly with plastic and foil. For best texture, eat within the first week, as it can develop ice crystals over time. To extend freshness, portion into individual servings before freezing. If it hardens too much, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before scooping. Avoid refreezing thawed ice cream to prevent graininess. Label with dates for tracking. In optimal conditions (consistent 0°F freezer temp), some batches stay creamy up to a month, but quality peaks early. Always check for off smells or discoloration before serving.

No Churn Ice Cream Recipes: 5 Easy Homemade Delights

Ingredients

– 2 cups heavy whipping cream for creamy base and light texture

– 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk for sweetness and no-churn texture

– 1 tsp vanilla extract for flavor

– Chocolate chips or chunks

– Fruit puree or chopped fresh fruit

– Crushed cookies or nuts

– Caramel or chocolate sauce

– Extracts like mint, almond, or coffee

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Notes

🥄 Chill bowl ensures cream whips faster to perfect stiff peaks.
❄️ Press plastic directly on surface prevents freezer burn and crystals.
🍫 Add mix-ins last preserves texture; freeze extras separately.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Freeze: 6 hours
Category: Dessert
Method: No Churn
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: ½ cup
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 80mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 70mg