Heavenly Condensed Ice Cream

Craving a luxurious, creamy ice cream experience without the fuss of an ice cream maker? Look no further! This incredibly easy, 3-ingredient homemade ice cream recipe is a game-changer, promising velvety smooth scoops that are far superior to anything you’ll find in a store. All you need are three simple ingredients: rich heavy cream, luscious sweetened condensed milk, and your chosen flavor enhancer. Prepare to unlock a world of delicious possibilities right from your kitchen!

While this recipe offers endless customization, if you’re looking for a truly unique and authentic Middle Eastern delight, be sure to try this traditional booza ice cream – a chewy, stretchy ice cream that’s an experience in itself.

Indulge in the simple pleasure of homemade ice cream, no machine required!

Contents

Why You’ll Adore This Easy Homemade Ice Cream

This isn’t just another ice cream recipe; it’s a passport to effortless dessert perfection. Here’s why this 3-ingredient, no-churn marvel will become your new go-to sweet treat:

Unbelievably Creamy Texture: Forget ice crystals and hard-as-rock freezer burns. Thanks to the magic combination of heavy cream and condensed milk, this ice cream boasts a consistently smooth, rich, and scoopable texture every single time. It’s the kind of creamy indulgence you usually only get from high-end ice cream parlors.
Endless Flavor Exploration: The base recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary imagination. Whether you crave classic vanilla, exotic fruit infusions, decadent chocolate swirls, or crunchy cookie bits, the possibilities are genuinely limitless. You can stick to traditional favorites or invent your own signature flavors – the choice is yours!
No Special Equipment Needed: That’s right! You won’t need an expensive ice cream maker taking up valuable counter space. All you require is a hand mixer or a stand mixer to whip the cream to perfection, a spatula, and a freezer-safe container. It’s homemade ice cream made truly accessible.
Wholesome & Free from Artificial Additives: With only three core ingredients, you’re in complete control of what goes into your dessert. This recipe is egg-free and allows you to avoid artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives often found in store-bought options. Enjoy a pure, delightful treat you can feel good about.
Quick & Simple Preparation: The actual hands-on time for preparing this ice cream is astonishingly short – just about 15 minutes! The freezer does all the hard work, leaving you with more time to enjoy life and anticipate your delicious reward.

The Magical Three Ingredients

The secret to this incredibly easy and delicious no-churn ice cream lies in its simplicity. Just three powerhouse ingredients combine to create a frozen dessert that tastes like it took hours, not minutes, to prepare.

Making homemade vanilla ice cream is incredibly simple with just these 3 ingredients.

Heavy Whipping Cream: This is the foundation of our creamy ice cream. When whipped, heavy cream incorporates air, creating a light, airy base that becomes wonderfully rich and dense when frozen. Look for heavy cream or heavy whipping cream with at least 36% milk fat for the best results. Ensure it’s very cold before whipping for optimal volume and stability.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient does double duty! It provides all the necessary sweetness and, crucially, its high sugar content and thick consistency help prevent the formation of large ice crystals during freezing. This is key to achieving that smooth, scoopable, no-churn texture. Don’t confuse it with evaporated milk – they are not interchangeable in this recipe.
Vanilla Extract: While optional if you’re adding other strong flavors, a dash of good quality vanilla extract elevates the base, giving it that classic, comforting ice cream parlor taste. It enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor, making it perfect for a standalone vanilla ice cream or as a subtle background for other additions.

Unleash Your Creativity: Flavor Notes & Add-ins

The beauty of this base recipe is how easily it transforms into countless flavors. Here are some fantastic ideas to get you started, but feel free to experiment with your own favorites!

Explore a rainbow of flavors to customize your homemade ice cream.

Classic Cookie & Cream: Crush your favorite cookies, such as Oreo cookies, chocolate chip cookies, or even frosted animal crackers, and gently fold them into the finished vanilla ice cream base. For an extra touch, drizzle with chocolate syrup before freezing.
Rich Coffee & Chocolate: For coffee lovers, simply mix in a few teaspoons of instant coffee powder (or espresso powder) and a touch of unsweetened cocoa powder. Adjust the amounts to your preferred intensity. You could also swirl in some chocolate fudge sauce.
Decadent Cake Batter Ice Cream: Take your dessert to the next level by folding in small pieces of your favorite cake or cupcakes. Think birthday cake with sprinkles and a swirl of frosting, rich red velvet pieces, or even German chocolate cake chunks. This creates an irresistible texture and flavor combination.
Fresh Fruit Sensations: Embrace the taste of summer with fresh or frozen fruits. Puree strawberries, mangoes, blueberries, peaches, or honeydew melon. For best results, use mostly thawed but still very cold or slightly frozen fruit purees to avoid adding too much liquid, which can lead to iciness. You can even add a drop of food coloring to enhance the vibrancy.
Nutty Indulgences: Incorporate your favorite chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, almonds, or pistachios. For an even deeper flavor, add a corresponding nut extract (e.g., almond extract with almonds) or swirl in some nut butter like peanut butter or almond butter.
Caramel or Chocolate Swirl: Gently ripple in caramel sauce, chocolate fudge, or a fruit jam after folding in the condensed milk, creating beautiful swirls of flavor throughout your ice cream.
Mint Chocolate Chip: Add a few drops of mint extract and some green food coloring for a vibrant look, then fold in mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars for that refreshing mint chocolate chip experience.
S’mores Delight: Mix in crushed graham crackers, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chunks for a campfire-inspired treat.

Simple Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this delightful no-churn ice cream is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these steps for perfect results every time. (For precise measurements and a detailed recipe card, please refer to the section below).

This is a no-churn ice cream recipe, meaning no ice cream machine is needed for creamy results.

Prepare Your Cream: Ensure your heavy whipping cream is very cold. Pour the cold cream into a large, clean mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Using cold cream is crucial for achieving stiff peaks.
Whip to Stiff Peaks: With a wire whip attachment (for a stand mixer) or an electric hand mixer, beat the heavy cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the whisk, the cream holds its shape firmly. Be careful not to overbeat, or it might turn grainy.
Combine with Condensed Milk: Gently pour the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract (if using) into the whipped cream.
Fold in Gently: Using a spatula, carefully fold the condensed milk mixture into the whipped cream. Use a light hand to preserve as much of the air as possible in the whipped cream. Mix just until no streaks of condensed milk remain. Overmixing here can deflate the cream and affect the final texture.
Add Your Chosen Flavors (Optional): If you’re adding any flavorings or mix-ins, now is the time to gently fold them into the base mixture. Refer to the “Unleash Your Creativity” section for ideas.

Easily customize your ice cream with delightful flavor additions like strawberry puree, honeydew, birthday cake, or crushed Oreos.

Strawberry Ice Cream: Simply add a vibrant strawberry puree for a fresh, fruity flavor.
Honeydew Delight: Blend honeydew melon into a puree, and consider adding a touch of green food coloring for a fun visual.
Birthday Cake Fun: Cut small pieces of birthday cake, complete with frosting, and gently fold them into the ice cream base. Don’t forget a generous sprinkle of colorful jimmies!
Oreo Crunch: Crush your favorite cookies, like Oreos, into varying sizes – some fine crumbs, some larger chunks – and fold them in for delightful texture and flavor.

Portion your homemade ice cream into individual cups for easy serving or a delightful ice cream bar setup.

Freeze: Pour the ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe container. For best results, choose a shallow container to help it freeze more evenly and quickly. Cover the container tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, pressing the plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Chill Time: Freeze for at least 6-8 hours, or preferably overnight, until firm. For individual servings or a fun ice cream bar, you can divide the mixture into smaller cups before freezing.

Expert Tips for Perfect No-Churn Ice Cream

Achieving that perfect, creamy consistency is simple if you keep a few key tips in mind:

Start with Very Cold Heavy Cream: This cannot be stressed enough! Chilled cream whips up faster, achieves more volume, and holds stiff peaks better. You can even chill your mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before whipping for an extra boost.
Whip Cream to Stiff Peaks: Beat the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. This means when you lift your whisk, the cream stands up straight. If it’s too soft, your ice cream will be less airy and may become icy. Be careful not to overbeat, which can cause it to become grainy.
Gentle Folding is Key: Once the whipped cream is ready, gently fold in the condensed milk and any flavorings. Aggressive mixing will deflate the air you’ve worked hard to incorporate, leading to a denser, potentially icier texture.
Handle Frozen Fruits Correctly: If using frozen fruits for flavoring, allow them to thaw slightly before pureeing. You want a thick puree, not a watery juice. Excess liquid can lead to ice crystals. A good trick is to use partially frozen fruit, which will blend into a thick, slushy consistency without adding extra water.
Prevent Ice Crystals During Freezing: After pouring the mixture into your container, press a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before securing the lid. This creates a barrier against air and moisture, significantly reducing the formation of ice crystals.
Optimal Storage Time: While homemade ice cream is best enjoyed within the first two weeks for peak creaminess, it can safely be stored in the freezer for up to two months. Beyond three weeks, you might notice tiny ice crystals, but they often disappear if you let the ice cream sit on the counter for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions and Toppings

This versatile no-churn ice cream is delicious on its own, but it truly shines when paired with delightful toppings and accompaniments:

Classic Cones or Bowls: The simplest way to enjoy! Scoop generously into waffle cones, sugar cones, or a chilled dessert bowl.
Drizzle with Sauce: Elevate your scoops with a warm, gooey sauce. Try this incredible 4-ingredient Hot Fudge Sauce or a rich caramel sauce.
Sprinkle with Crunch: Add texture with chopped nuts, crushed cookies, sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or toasted coconut flakes.
Fresh Fruit Medley: Top with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or other seasonal fruits for a burst of freshness.
Create an Ice Cream Bar: For parties, offer several flavors of your homemade ice cream alongside a variety of toppings in small bowls. Let guests customize their own frozen masterpieces!
Dessert Companion: Serve a scoop alongside warm brownies, apple pie, fruit tarts, or even a simple slice of cake for an elevated dessert experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about making and storing this no-churn ice cream:

What is the best way to store homemade ice cream?

For optimal freshness and to prevent ice crystal formation, store homemade ice cream in a shallow, airtight freezer-safe container. Purpose-made ice cream plastic containers are excellent, but you can also repurpose an old ice cream tub, a loaf pan (covered tightly with plastic wrap and foil), or general freezer-safe reusable plastic containers like these options. Always press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the lid.

How long does homemade ice cream stay fresh in the freezer?

Homemade ice cream maintains its best creamy texture and flavor for about two weeks in the freezer. While it is generally safe to eat it for up to two months, you might notice a slight increase in ice crystal formation and a reduction in peak creaminess beyond the two-week mark. Proper storage (airtight container, plastic wrap pressed to surface) can help extend its quality.

Can I use low-fat cream or evaporated milk instead?

No, for this specific no-churn recipe, heavy whipping cream (with at least 36% milk fat) and sweetened condensed milk are essential. Low-fat creams or evaporated milk lack the fat content and sugar/thickness needed to create the rich, creamy texture without an ice cream maker, and using them will likely result in an icy product.

Why did my homemade ice cream turn out icy?

Icy ice cream is usually due to one of a few factors: the heavy cream wasn’t whipped to stiff enough peaks (not enough air incorporated), too much liquid was added (e.g., watery fruit puree), or the ice cream wasn’t properly covered during freezing, allowing air and moisture to form crystals. Ensure your cream is very cold, whip it properly, use thick purees, and cover the surface tightly with plastic wrap before sealing the container.

Proper Storage for Your Frozen Treat

To ensure your delicious homemade ice cream stays perfectly scoopable and free from unwanted ice crystals for as long as possible, follow these storage guidelines:

Airtight Container: Always transfer your freshly made ice cream mixture into a high-quality, airtight freezer-safe container. This minimizes exposure to air, which is the primary cause of ice crystal formation and freezer burn.
Direct Surface Cover: Before placing the lid, press a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper directly onto the surface of the ice cream. This creates an additional barrier, trapping moisture and preserving the creamy texture.
Optimal Shelf Life: While this ice cream is at its peak deliciousness and creamiest texture within the first two weeks of freezing, it can safely be stored in the freezer for up to two months. After about three weeks, you might start to notice tiny icicles forming, but these are generally very small and often disappear if you let the container sit on the counter for just a few minutes before serving.

Serve your homemade ice cream in elegant glasses for a delightful presentation.

Related Recipes and Dessert Inspirations

If you’ve enjoyed making this easy ice cream, you’ll love exploring these other delightful treats:

Authentic Lebanese Booza Ice Cream: For another unique ice cream experience, check out this stunning pistachio and mastic booza ice cream. It boasts authentic Middle Eastern flavors and a wonderfully chewy texture.
Refreshing Mint Simple Syrup: Elevate your drinks and desserts with a burst of refreshing mint flavor by making your own mint simple syrup using this easy and delicious recipe. It’s perfect for cocktails, iced tea, or even drizzling over fruit.
Tropical Hula Pie Recipe: Transport your taste buds to Hawaii with this Hula Pie, a macadamia nut ice cream pie with a rich chocolate Oreo crust. It’s a simple yet spectacular dessert to make at home.
Knafeh Ice Cream Cups: Combine two beloved desserts into one with these delicious kunafa cups, featuring the crispy, buttery pastry of Kunafa paired with creamy ice cream.
Vibrant Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing: When you’re craving a refreshing and vibrant treat that’s a bit lighter, this Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing is the perfect answer.

More Effortless No-Bake Desserts

Love desserts that don’t require turning on the oven? Discover more easy no-bake recipes:

Zesty No-Bake Key Lime Pie: This No Bake Key Lime Pie is a sweet, creamy, and wonderfully refreshing treat, ideal for parties or family gatherings. Its tangy lime filling paired with a buttery crust creates the perfect combination for a quick and easy dessert that’s always a crowd-plaser.

If you love this recipe and tried any of the variations, please consider leaving a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and a comment! Your feedback is incredibly valuable. Thank you for visiting and happy freezing!

Condensed Milk Ice Cream

A luxurious, creamy ice cream recipe made with just three simple ingredients. Easily flavored in endless ways, this no-churn delight requires no eggs and no special ice cream machine, offering a superior homemade treat.

5 from 4 votes

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Diet: Halal

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Freeze for: 8 hours

Servings: 15 scoops

Calories: 110kcal

Author: Amira

Ingredients

2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Flavor Add-ins (Optional):

Cocoa powder
Instant coffee or espresso powder
Birthday cake pieces with frosting
Red velvet cake pieces
Frozen or fresh fruit puree (strawberries, mangoes, blueberries)
Crushed cookies (Oreos, chocolate chip)
Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, pistachios)
Nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter) or Biscoff spread
Marshmallow cream
Food coloring and flavor extracts (e.g., mint extract for mint chocolate chip)

Instructions

In a large, clean mixing bowl (preferably chilled) or the bowl of a stand mixer, pour in the very cold heavy whipping cream.
Using a wire whip attachment or an electric hand mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream on medium-high speed until firm, stiff peaks form. The cream should hold its shape when the whisk is lifted.
Gently pour the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract into the whipped cream.
Using a spatula, carefully fold the condensed milk and vanilla into the whipped cream. Mix until just combined and no streaks of condensed milk are visible. Be gentle to maintain the airiness of the whipped cream. At this point, you have a creamy vanilla ice cream base.
Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container. For best results, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before covering with an airtight lid. Freeze for a minimum of 6-8 hours, or preferably overnight, until thoroughly firm.

To Add Flavors (per cup of vanilla mixture, adjust to taste):

For Coffee Ice Cream: Add 2 teaspoons of instant coffee (or espresso powder) and about ½ teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder.
For Nutty Flavors: Puree about 3 tablespoons of your favorite nuts (e.g., pecans, almonds) and mix them in. You can also swirl in any nut butter or Biscoff spread with some crushed Lotus Biscoff cookies.
For Cookie & Cream: Crush some Oreos or other desired cookies (like frosted animal crackers) and fold them into the base.
For Cake Batter Ice Cream: Cut a small piece of your favorite cake, complete with frosting, and gently mix it in. Don’t forget extra sprinkles for a festive touch!
For Marshmallow Swirl: Fold in a scoop or two of marshmallow cream for a sweet, gooey ribbon.
For Fruit Flavors: In a small blender, puree about ¼ cup of slightly thawed frozen fruits (e.g., strawberries, mangoes) then gently fold them into the mixture. For brighter colors, a drop or two of food coloring can be added.
For Mint Chocolate Chip: Add a drop or two of green food coloring and ½ teaspoon of mint extract, then fold in some chocolate chips.
Once desired flavors are mixed in, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze as per step 5 above.

Notes

The amounts for flavorings are suggestions based on common preferences. Feel free to adjust these quantities to your personal taste and desired intensity.
Storage: This homemade ice cream is at its best within the first two weeks, offering optimal creaminess. However, it can be safely stored in an airtight container in your freezer for up to two months. Always cover the surface directly with plastic wrap or parchment paper before sealing the container to prevent ice crystal formation.
Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy for more information.

Nutrition

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