Make creamy homemade vanilla ice cream with just 5 ingredients! This easy no-churn recipe is rich, smooth, and perfect for summer treats.
It’s the perfect base recipe to unleash your creativity and add your favorite flavors, mix-ins, or swirls. Whether you’re craving vanilla bean, chocolate fudge, or fruity ripple, this no-churn method gives you a delicious head start.
No-Churn Ice Cream Recipe
This quick and easy 3-ingredient ice cream is the ultimate summer treat — no cooking, no churning, and no fancy equipment needed!
Made with just sweetened condensed milk, whipping cream, and vanilla extract (or your flavor of choice), this soft, smooth, and velvety ice cream base comes together in about 15 minutes. Then all it needs is time to chill in the freezer while you sit back and wait for the magic to happen.
Unlike traditional ice cream recipes that require tempering eggs and making a custard on the stovetop, this recipe skips the heat and the hassle. There’s zero churning involved, so no ice cream machine, rock salt, or extra cleanup.
I first discovered this method through TheKitchn.com, and let me tell you — it changed the way I make ice cream forever. This has become my go-to base recipe for every flavor, from classic vanilla and chocolate to mix-ins like Oreos, strawberries, and mango purée.
Best of all, this method produces super creamy results without any icy texture or freezer burn. Thanks to the magic of whipped cream and condensed milk, the mixture stays smooth and scoopable — no annoying ice crystals in sight!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Ice Cream
This homemade ice cream recipe is unbelievably easy — we’re talking just 5 simple ingredients and about 15 minutes of hands-on prep. That’s it!
Sure, there are a few hands-off steps that require a little patience (hello, freezer time!), but trust me — the reward is well worth the wait. Once you scoop into that creamy, dreamy goodness, you’ll know why this recipe is a summertime must.
Whether you’re making it for a weekend treat, a backyard BBQ, or just because it’s hot outside, this ice cream delivers every single time. It’s rich, velvety, and oh-so-satisfying — truly the ultimate way to cool down and indulge
If you’ve ever been disappointed by homemade ice cream that turned out grainy or rock-hard, this recipe will be a game changer. Let’s get started, shall we?
How to Make Homemade Ice Cream (Step-by-Step)
Making this ice cream is super easy — no ice cream maker or cooking required. Just follow these steps:
1. Whip the Cream
In a large mixing bowl, pour in 2.5 to 2.75 cups of chilled whipping cream (with 30% to 50% fat content).
Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for flavor.
Note: If you’re using vanilla essence, use only 1 teaspoon.
2. Beat Until Stiff Peaks Form
Using an electric hand mixer on full speed, begin whipping the cream.
⏱ Time: 8 to 10 minutes (varies by brand and fat content — e.g., Amul cream).
Whip until you get stiff peaks — meaning when you lift the beaters, the cream stands straight without collapsing.
Tip: A hand mixer helps you stay in control. Don’t over-beat — or you’ll end up with butter instead of fluffy cream!
3. Add Sweetened Condensed Milk
Gently pour in 400 grams (400 ml or about 1.6 cups) of chilled sweetened condensed milk into the whipped cream.
4. Fold to Combine
Using a spatula, gently fold the condensed milk into the whipped cream.
Mix just until combined and the texture is uniform and airy.
6. Transfer to a Freezer-Safe Container
Pour the ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe container or box.
If your mixing bowl is freezer-safe, you can use that too!
7. Cover and Freeze
Seal the container with a tight-fitting lid and place it in the freezer.
Let it freeze for 7–8 hours, or ideally overnight, until the ice cream is firm and set.
8. Scoop and Enjoy!
Before serving, let the container sit on the counter for 5 minutes to soften.
Scoop and serve this creamy, dreamy homemade ice cream as-is, or customize it:
Top with chocolate syrup, caramel, fruit preserves, chocolate chips, sprinkles, or fresh fruit.
Enjoy every cold, creamy bite!
Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe Ingredients
Making homemade vanilla ice cream is super easy with just 5 simple ingredients:
- Heavy cream – This is the secret to a rich and creamy ice cream base.
- Whole milk – Don’t swap it with low-fat or skim milk. Whole milk gives your ice cream that smooth, non-icy texture thanks to its higher fat content.
- Cane sugar – Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to the mix.
- Vanilla extract – Brings in that classic vanilla flavor.
Got vanilla bean paste? Use it instead for a richer taste and those beautiful specks of vanilla bean.
- Salt – Just a pinch! It helps to enhance and balance all the flavors.