21 Easy and Delicious No Churn Ice Cream Recipes to Make at Home

Apparently Summer’s just around the corner (despite what the British weather would have you believe). And if you’re craving creamy, homemade ice cream but don’t have an ice cream maker, these 21 no churn ice cream recipes that you can whip up in your own kitchen are perfect. Easy and delicious, they only need a few simple ingredients and a little bit of your time.

What Does No Churn Ice Cream Mean?

No churn ice cream is exactly what it says. It’s a way of making ice cream without the need for an ice cream maker or any other special equipment. Traditional ice cream recipes are churned to incorporate air and create a smooth texture. No churn recipes achieve a similar creamy consistency by using a combination of whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk, to mimic the light, airy texture of churned ice cream. They’re simple, quick, and perfect for home cooks.

How to Make Easy No Churn Homemade Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Machine

This super easy and speedy Vanilla Ice Cream recipe explains the basic no churn method for homemade ice cream. Once you’ve got the hang of it, you can get more adventurous and add pureed, fresh, or frozen fruit, and different extracts, like almond, lemon, or mint. And don’t forget to decorate with some pretty edible flowers as well!

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

Whip the Cream: in a large mixing bowl*, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. This will take about 3-5 minutes. You can either use a hand whisk* and elbow grease, or an electric mixer* (as I do).

Mix the Base: in a separate bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk with the vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine: use a spatula* or a metal spoon* to gently fold the whipped cream into the sweetened condensed milk mixture until smooth, being careful not to lose all air in your whipped cream.

Freeze: pour the mixture into a freezer-safe, airtight container* and smooth the top with a spatula. Place in the coldest part of your freezer for at least four to six hours, or overnight, until the ice cream is firm.

Serve: scoop and enjoy your homemade no churn ice cream!

We Scream for Flavoured Ice Cream – 20 More No Churn Ice Cream Recipes to Make at Home

In no particular order, here are 20 more of the easiest and yummiest homemade no churn ice cream recipes I’ve found.

Blackberry Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream by The Forked Spoon

Freshly picked blackberries and chocolate chunks come together to make the best no churn ice cream for summer. This is such a decadent combination, and it makes a great way to cool off on a hot afternoon.

Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream by The Cozy Plum

Fresh juicy berries make this no churn ice cream vibrant and beautiful. The chunks of cheesecake mixed in mean you’re bound to have a second scoop of this homemade sweet.

Cinnamon Bourbon Peach Ice Cream by xoxo Bella

If you love peaches then this is the ice cream recipe for you. It has spicy cinnamon, juicy peaches and a special bourbon kick that’s hard to resist! Serve in a cone, over a pie, or just by the scoop.

Graham Cracker Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream by Cupcakes and Kale Chips

You only need 4 ingredients to make this easy homemade ice cream. With a creamy base and chocolate chunks with Graham crackers (or Digestive biscuits for us in the UK) mixed in, this is perfect for snacking.

Peach Cobbler Ice Cream by Quiet Baking Day

This recipe is perfect for summer because it brings two classic desserts together in one cool and creamy dish. Juicy chunks of peaches with the best crumb topping mix brilliantly with a sweet creamy peach base.

Peanut Butter Ice Cream by Cincyshopper

Reese’s lovers will want to make this ice cream on repeat. It’s so easy and has the perfect ratio of chocolate to peanut butter.

Honey Roasted Peanut Ice Cream by Grits and Gouda

Peanut butter fans will also want to try this peanut butter ice cream with added honey roasted peanuts. So delicious and easy to make, it’s one I’ll be making a lot of for sure.

Earl Grey Ice Cream by Sweet Fix Baker

With Earl Grey tea and a generous amount of vanilla extract, this easy no churn ice cream is sure to be a favourite thanks to its lovely sweet flavour.

Oreo Ice Cream by Vintage Kitchen Notes

This homemade Oreo ice cream recipe is as good as any store-bought version. It comes together with just a few simple ingredients and really delivers on the cookies and cream flavour.

Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream by Modern Honey

Who doesn’t love chocolate ice cream with lots of decadent chocolate chunks added in? You’ll love this in a cone, in a bowl, or served with a slice of cake!

Blueberry Ice Cream by The Cheerful Cook

A truly tasty ice cream to make with fresh summer fruits. Easy, creamy and sweet, make it with blueberries first, then try with strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, or even rhubarb with honey, which is delicious.

Key Lime Ice Cream by Chenee Today

If you like key lime pie, then you’ll love this sweet, slightly tart, and dreamy combination that’s perfect on a hot summer day.

Butterfinger Ice Cream by Kathryn’s Kitchen

This homemade ice cream is loaded with Butterfinger candy and is so easy to recreate at home. Here in the UK, you could try using a Crunchie bar instead.

Rocky Road Ice Cream by DIY and Fun

With chocolate, nuts and marshmallows, this no churn ice cream has something for everyone in every bite.

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream by Simply Stacie

Cool off on a hot day with a classic mint chocolate chip. It’s vibrant, cool, and chocolatey – what’s not to love?

Cookie Monster Ice Cream by Britney Breaks Bread

Colourful, cute and, best of all, loaded with cookies – even the Sesame Street character would love to indulge in a scoop.

Milk Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream by Caroha

Cool and creamy, milk chocolate ice cream with fresh cherries is a classic combination, and this recipe is deliciously easy to make.

Butterbeer Ice Cream by To Simply Inspire

Save your money on a trip to Universal Studios, while getting your fill of some Harry Potter inspired butterbeer ice cream, at home!

Banana Pudding Ice Cream by Bakers Table

Scoops of banana pudding ice cream will hit the spot in a cone, by the scoop, over wafer cookies. or as an accompaniment to a Tarte Tatin (as we do!).

Black Forest Ice Cream by I Heart Eating

With homemade brownies, a super fluffy chocolate base, and juicy sweet cherries, this is perfect to share in a cone or in a cup.

Other Frequently Asked Questions About No Churn Ice Cream

How Long Does Homemade Ice Cream Last?

Homemade ice cream, when properly stored in an airtight container, can last in the freezer for about two to three weeks. Although it at its best in terms of flavour and texture within the first week. Over time, it may develop ice crystals and become less creamy, so make sure you store it at a consistently cold temperature.

How Long Does No Churn Ice Cream Take to Freeze?

No churn ice cream typically takes between four and six hours to freeze completely. For best results and a firmer, scoopable texture, let it freeze overnight.

Why Is My No Churn Ice Cream Not Freezing?

This could be due to a number of reasons:

1. Insufficient Freezing Time: see above about how long it needs to freeze completely.
2. Freezer Temperature: is your freezer is set to the correct temperature, ideally at 0°F (-18°C) or colder?
3. Container Placement: place the ice cream container in the coldest part of the freezer, away from the door where the temperature fluctuates more.
4. Container Type: use a shallow, freezer-safe, airtight container to ensure even freezing.
5. Recipe Ratios: make sure you’ve used the right mix of ingredients, especially the balance between whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk, as too much liquid can prevent proper freezing.
6. Overfilled Freezer: if you have a very full freezer (guilty as charged) this can block airflow, slowing down the freezing process.

How Do You Prevent Ice Crystals in No Churn Ice Cream?

In addition to my earlier points, try these tips:

1. Proper Mixing: mix all your ingredients thoroughly, especially the whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk.
2. Limit Mix-ins: if you’re adding fruit or chocolate chips, make sure they’re dry and well-chilled as any excess moisture can lead to ice crystals forming.
3. Plastic Wrap: adding a piece of plastic wrap or cling film on top of your ice cream before you seal the container will also help reduce air exposure.
4. Avoid Frequent Opening: don’t be tempted to keep opening the freezer door to check if your ice cream is freezing, you need to maintain a consistent, cold temperature.

So, there you go. How to create no churn ice cream at home without the need for an ice cream maker. With just a few ingredients and some creative mix-ins, you can whip up a creamy, refreshing treat whenever you feel like it. Perfect for family gatherings, parties, or to satisfy your own sweet tooth, these easy recipes mean you’ll always have some delicious homemade ice cream ready to enjoy. Happy churning and happy scooping!

Have you every made no churn ice cream before? Which of the 21 recipes listed above is your favourite? Do you have a no churn ice cream recipe to share?

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