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Craving delicious homemade ice cream, but don’t have an ice cream maker? I got you! I’ll share THREE tried-and-true, foolproof methods to create dreamy, creamy, no churn ice cream – all without a machine. Let me show you the tips and tricks you need to make the perfect scoop at home, ice cream machine-free!
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No churn ice cream recipes mean that you don’t need to invest in an ice cream maker to get delicious dessert on your spoon. That’s why I’ve developed a no churn ice cream method… or three!
No churn method #1: Condensed milk ice cream
Summertime is for swimming in pools, sunbathing by lakes, flipping burgers, and sipping margaritas. Who has time for complicated ice cream recipes? That’s why my favorite method for no churn ice cream utilizes condensed milk – it’s quick, so easy, sweet, and involves zero scraping! Using condensed milk is a game-changer. Not only does it make for a rich and creamy base, but it also perfectly sweetens the ice cream, so it has a pleasant flavor base before you even add any mix-ins!
This ice cream reminds me a lot of Breyer’s Ice Cream – the outcome is very soft and fluffy!Here’s why this method works:
No churn method #2: Scrape and stir
This method is the most traditional approach to making no churn ice cream at home. It does take a little bit more effort and time, but the results speak for themselves. If you have a recipe in mind that you love that doesn’t call for condensed milk, you can use this method.
Here’s why this method works:
By periodically stirring the mixture, you break up any ice crystals that are forming before they have a chance to form—no one wants icy or grainy ice cream! Each time you stir the mixture, you incorporate some air, making it more similar to churned ice cream. This method requires more patience and attention (and muscles!), but it is a tried and true method that makes delicious ice cream. Plus, there is just something satisfying about knowing you made it all by hand!
No churn method #3: The blender
Finally, we have the blender method. This is a quick and easy way to make no-churn ice cream, but note that it requires a decent blender. If you don’t have a high-powered blender, it might miss the mark on this one.
Here’s why this method works: When you initially freeze the ice cream base with the parchment paper, you’re allowing the ice cream to freeze evenly, and it makes it easy to remove it from the pan when it’s time to blend. Again, the blender method works by incorporating air into the mixture.
And there you have it: three foolproof, no churn ice cream methods to make delicious homemade ice creams without the machine!
Ice cream flavor variations
Why have plain ice cream, when you can have flavored ice cream!! If you’re using the condensed milk method, you can easily incorporate a few ingredients to make a flavor variation for your no churn ice cream. If you’re using the other two methods, you can follow any recipe you desire!
Here are some of my favorites flavors:
No churn chocolate ice cream: Add melted chocolate and cocoa powder. You can play around here, using milk chocolate or dark chocolate. Or, check out my white chocolate ice cream for inspiration!
No churn vanilla ice cream: Add vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract for a smooth vanilla flavor.
No churn strawberry ice cream: Simmer chopped strawberries until they are soft and most of the liquid evaporates. Then, blend them until they are smooth, or leave them a bit chunky-your choice. This works for other berries, too, like blueberry or raspberry!
Mix-ins: Add a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella, or sprinkle in some coconut flakes or crumbles of cookies (I love using Oreos!)
If you’re using method 2 or 3, you can use any ice cream base. I happen to have a bazillion ice cream recipes!
Frequently asked questions
If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for here, you can ask it in the comments below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
How to make no churn ice cream? If you’ve wondered how to make no churn ice cream, we’ve got three methods for you to choose from! The first method uses condensed milk to make an ice cream base – you can incorporate any toppings you would like! For the other two methods, you can use whatever ice cream recipe you’d like to follow. What’s the best way to make no churn ice cream? Personally, I love the condensed milk method, as I find it to be by far the easiest! However, each method works really well, so it depends on what you want. You can only use that method if you’re using condensed milk, so if the recipe you’re craving has different ingredients, method 2 or 3 will have your back! How do you store no churn ice cream? Store your no-churn ice cream in the freezer in an ice cream container or another airtight container. You can also use a loaf pan—extra points if it has a lid! Otherwise, ensure it’s sealed well by pressing a piece of parchment paper onto the top of the ice cream; otherwise, you may risk freezer burn. Can I customize the flavor for no churn ice cream? You sure can! These methods allow for endless flavor combinations. To change the flavors, you can add fruits or citrus, mix-ins, or chocolates. How long does it take to prepare no churn ice cream? The total time will vary depending on the method and the time it takes to freeze, but generally, you can prepare and freeze it within a few hours. If you’re planning to serve this to guests, you’d want to make it the morning of or the day before.
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Three Methods to Make No Churn Ice Cream
Prep: 10 minutes minsFreeze Time: 6 hours hrsCook: 0 minutes minsTotal: 6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Craving delicious homemade ice cream, but don’t have an ice cream maker? I got you! I’ll share THREE tried-and-true, foolproof methods to create dreamy, creamy, no churn ice cream – all without a machine. Let me show you the tips and tricks you need to make the perfect scoop at home, ice cream machine-free!
Instructions Method #1: Condensed Milk Ice CreamMethod #2: Scrape and Stir
Video
NotesNote 1: The condensed milk ice cream method is by far the easiest, but can only be used with this recipe. If you try simply freezing traditional, custard-based ice cream, it will turn very hard and icy.
Note 2: The blender method makes creamier ice cream than the scrape and stir method, but it does require a decent blender.
Note 3: For variety, try dividing the condensed milk version into 2 or 3 portions and flavoring each differently. You can let your imagination run wild and add anything you think would be tasty!
Note 4: To make strawberry puree, simmer chopped strawberries until they are soft and most of the liquid evaporates. Then, blend them until they are smooth, or leave them a bit chunky-your choice. Add food coloring if you would like a brighter color.
Note 5: This recipe makes about 6 cups – a bit more depending on the add-ins.
Make this recipe for a chance to win a $150 gift card!
This no churn ice cream recipe is July’s Cooking Club Challenge recipe. If you make it, take a picture of it, share it in the comments, and you’ll be automatically entered into the contest. You can see all of the details here.
NutritionServing: 1 = ½ cup, Calories: 241kcal (12%), Carbohydrates: 19g (6%), Protein: 4g (8%), Fat: 17g (26%), Saturated Fat: 11g (69%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 56mg (19%), Sodium: 56mg (2%), Potassium: 160mg (5%), Sugar: 19g (21%), Vitamin A: 671IU (13%), Vitamin C: 1mg (1%), Calcium: 120mg (12%), Iron: 0.1mg (1%)
