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Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream (No-Churn Ice Cream)

This homemade vanilla ice cream is a simple, 3 ingredient ice cream that’s made without an ice cream machine. Homemade ice cream doesn’t get easier than this!

2 scoops of homemade vanilla ice cream in a glass bowl with a spoon sticking out

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Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream 

You scream! I scream! We all scream for no-churn vanilla ice cream! (That’s a bit of a mouth-full.)

The dog days of summer are almost to an end, but we’re not packing away the beach towels until we make this no-churn ice cream recipe (several times)! Don’t worry, this easy ice cream recipe will pair perfectly with all of those Thanksgiving pies you’re already dreaming of.

There are different opinions out there about when ice cream first came to be. Some say that the first ice cream dates back to ancient China where people would freeze a concoction of buffalo milk, flour, and spices. Others believe that ice cream (sorbet) was first indulged in by the French in the 17th century. All I know is that I am thankful for the brilliance that brought us ice cream. 

In more recent history, or as I like to say, “back in the day” people used a bucket with a crank handle to make their ice cream. Sure, it was fun and well worth the hard work, but then came the geniuses that said ice cream didn’t need to be confined to a bucket. The result was no-churn creamy smooth ice cream. 

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream in a silver loaf pan lined with parchment paper ready to be served

What You Need To Know About This Easy Ice Cream Recipe:

The thing I love most about this no-churn vanilla ice cream recipe is that it’s built of the simplest ingredients. You most likely have these ingredients in your kitchen right now. This no-churn ice cream is also super cost-effective and also easy enough for kids to lend a hand. 

The simplicity of it all is well…a beautiful thing. Minimal ingredients and equipment paired with that perfect “made from scratch” taste is my type of go-to dessert!

Did you make this recipe? Leave a star rating and let me know in the comments! You can also leave a photo/comment on this pin for others to see.

Homemade Ice Cream Ingredients

  • (1) 14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of fine salt
  • 2 cups of heavy cream, cold

sweetened condensed milk being poured into a bowl of whipped cream to make no churn homemade vanilla ice cream

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Equipment Needed to Make Homemade Ice Cream Without Machine

  • bowl
  • whisk
  • electric or stand mixer 
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • rubber spatula 
  • 2 qt. freezer-safe container

How to Make Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker

Step 1. Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt to a large bowl or bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whip on low speed with an electric hand mixer and whisk attachment or with the stand mixer/whisk attachment. 

Step 2. Once the cream starts to thicken, slowly increase the speed to medium-high and continue to whip until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk until completely incorporated. 

Step 3. Transfer to a 2-qt freezer-safe container. Freeze for at least 4-6 hours or overnight.

overhead shot of homemade vanilla ice cream in a silver loaf pan lined with white parchment paper that has started to be scooped


Tips for Making Condensed Milk Ice Cream

  • Use high-quality ingredients. When you’re working with such few ingredients, the better the quality, the better the end result will be.
  • Keep it chilly! A cold bowl and whisk plus super cold whipping cream will give you the best homemade whipped cream for an even better ice cream.
  • Fold well. Make sure that the condensed milk is folded into the whipped cream. A smooth fold makes for a consistently sweet ice cream.

Other Homemade Ice Cream Recipes To Try

homemade vanilla ice cream being scooped from a silver pan with a bowl of ice cream already scooped in the background


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2 scoops of homemade vanilla ice cream in a glass bowl with a spoon sticking out

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream (No-Churn)

4.66 from 23 ratings
This homemade vanilla ice cream is a simple, 3 ingredient ice cream that’s made without an ice cream machine. Homemade ice cream doesn’t get easier than this!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 2 quarts
Print Rate Pin

Ingredients

  • 2 cups very cold heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
  • Pinch of fine sea salt optional

Instructions

  • Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt to a large bowl or bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.
  • Whip on low speed with an electric hand mixer and whisk attachment or with the stand mixer/whisk attachment. Once the cream starts to thicken, slowly increase the speed to medium-high and continue to whip until soft peaks form.
  • Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk until completely incorporated.
  • Transfer to a 2-qt freezer-safe container. Freeze for at least 4-6 hours or overnight.

Notes

  1. For more of a soft-serve texture freeze for 1-2 hours.
  2. Vanilla bean paste can be used in place of the vanilla extract.
  3. I highly suggest using the salt and not omitting it. It really helps to balance the flavor.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1g | Calories: 281kcal

Disclaimers

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Facts are estimated and aren't always accurate. Please consult a doctor or nutritionist if you have special dietary needs.

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Did you make this recipe? Leave a star rating and let me know in the comments! You can also leave a photo/comment on this pin for others to see.

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Sincerely,
Shay

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