If you’re looking for a simple and delicious treat, this easy no churn vanilla ice cream recipe is perfect! It’s creamy, flavorful, and requires no ice cream maker.

This recipe for no churn vanilla ice cream is a game-changer for anyone who loves a scoop of homemade goodness. It’s incredibly easy to make, delivering rich, creamy results without any special equipment, making it a fantastic choice for a quick dessert.
Introduction to No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream
This homemade ice cream is a delightful treat that captures the classic essence of vanilla in every spoonful. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; it’s a perfect dessert to whip up anytime you crave something sweet and satisfying. You can easily find variations and inspiration for desserts on Food Network.
This no-fuss recipe requires just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, making it ideal for both novice and experienced bakers. With this approach, you can create a smooth, creamy dessert that rivals the best store-bought ice cream, all from the comfort of your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity; you only need a few ingredients to create a delicious dessert. Using high-quality ingredients will significantly enhance the flavor and texture of your ice cream. If you’re looking for other easy dessert ideas, consider exploring some delicious crumbl cookies.
- 2 cups heavy cream, very cold
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How to Make No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream

Whip the Heavy Cream
In a large mixing bowl, chill the bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for about 15 minutes before starting. Pour the very cold heavy cream into the chilled bowl and begin whipping with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
The stiff peaks are crucial for achieving the right texture, so make sure to watch carefully and stop mixing when the cream holds its shape. A great tip is to use a metal bowl because it will keep the cream cold, helping it whip up perfectly.
Combine the Ingredients
Gently fold the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt into the whipped cream. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; you want to maintain the airiness of the whipped cream.
Use a spatula to fold the ingredients together until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can deflate the cream and affect the final texture. For a more intense flavor, consider using vanilla bean paste instead of extract.
Freeze the Ice Cream
Transfer the mixture to an airtight container. A loaf pan works perfectly for this, or you can use any freezer-safe container.
Cover the container and freeze for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the ice cream to fully set. The longer it freezes, the firmer the ice cream will be. If you’re looking for other dessert recipes to try, consider making some peanut butter cookies.
Serve and Enjoy
Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. This will make it easier to scoop.
Serve your delicious no churn vanilla ice cream on its own or with your favorite toppings. Try a scoop on top of a warm slice of chocolate strawberry cake for an extra special treat.
Tips for the Best Results

Use High-Quality Ingredients
Since this recipe is so simple, the quality of your ingredients really shines through. Use the best heavy cream and vanilla extract you can find.
Consider using pure vanilla extract or even vanilla bean paste for a more intense and authentic vanilla flavor. The better the ingredients, the better the final product will taste. For other simple recipes, you might enjoy making lemon cookies.
Chill Your Equipment
Chilling your mixing bowl and whisk before whipping the heavy cream is crucial for achieving stiff peaks. A cold bowl helps the cream whip up faster and hold its shape better.
This step ensures that your ice cream has the perfect, creamy texture. Cold equipment will prevent the cream from melting as you whip it, which is essential for achieving the right consistency. You can also explore ice cream recipes for more ideas.
Don’t Overmix
Avoid overmixing the whipped cream, as this can lead to a grainy texture. Stop mixing as soon as stiff peaks form.
When folding in the other ingredients, use a gentle hand to maintain the airiness of the whipped cream. Overmixing can cause the ice cream to become dense and less creamy. If you are a fan of cookies, you may also like sweet potato chocolate cookies.
Proper Freezing
Make sure to freeze the ice cream in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming. Ice crystals can affect the texture and make the ice cream less smooth.
Covering the surface of the ice cream with plastic wrap before sealing the container can help prevent ice crystals. Also, freezing the ice cream for at least 6 hours is essential for it to set properly. This is an easy no churn ice cream recipe.
No Churn Ice Cream Variations
Flavor Infusions
Experiment with different extracts and flavorings to create unique ice cream variations. Try adding a teaspoon of almond extract or a tablespoon of instant coffee for a mocha flavor.
You can also stir in other ingredients like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or fresh fruit during the folding stage. The possibilities are endless when it comes to no churn ice cream flavors.
Fruit Purees
Add fruit purees for a burst of fresh flavor. Blend fresh strawberries, raspberries, or other fruits and fold them into the mixture.
Be sure to strain the puree to remove any seeds, which can affect the texture. You can also swirl the puree into the ice cream for a beautiful marbled effect. Consider trying a no churn strawberry ice cream for a delicious treat.
Chocolate Ice Cream
For no churn chocolate ice cream, add unsweetened cocoa powder to the mixture. Start with a quarter cup and adjust to taste.
You can also add chocolate chips or a swirl of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence. This is a very easy no churn chocolate ice cream recipe.
Nut Butters
Add nut butters like peanut butter or almond butter for a creamy and nutty flavor. Start with a few tablespoons and adjust to your liking.
Ensure the nut butter is well-incorporated to avoid any clumps. This is a great way to add protein and healthy fats to your dessert. If you want to try other dessert recipes, explore dessert recipes.
Serving and Storage
Serving Suggestions
Serve your homemade ice cream with your favorite toppings. Classic choices include hot fudge, whipped cream, sprinkles, and fresh fruit.
You can also use your ice cream to make sundaes, milkshakes, or affogatos. This simple vanilla ice cream recipe is a perfect base for all kinds of creative desserts. For vanilla ice cream topping ideas, try using caramel sauce, chopped nuts, or fresh berries.
Storage Instructions
Store your no churn ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. Properly stored, it will last for up to two weeks.
To prevent freezer burn, place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container. This will help maintain its creamy texture. If you want to make the best vanilla ice cream, follow this recipe.
Print
no churn vanilla ice cream Recipe
- Total Time: PT6H15M
- Yield: About 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream, very cold
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container.
- Cover the container and freeze for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, until solid.
- Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and serving.
Notes
- For best results, make sure your heavy cream and mixing bowl are very cold. You can chill the bowl in the freezer for about 15 minutes before using.
- Feel free to add mix-ins like chocolate chips, sprinkles, or chopped nuts after the ice cream has frozen.
- Store leftover ice cream in the freezer. It is best consumed within a week.
- Prep Time: PT15M
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Ice Cream
- Method: No-Churn
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Protein: 3g







