12 Ice Cream Recipes Without Ice Cream Machine

Who doesn't love a scoop of creamy, dreamy ice cream? As great and lovable as we all do enjoy this sweet, frozen dessert, it's actually a few who can consider dishing up homemade ice cream in their kitchen without an ice cream maker. I shared a lot of my recipes on my YouTube channel, and millions of people all over the world have tried them; the feedback was just incredible. Well, today I am going to be able to show you how to make your very own batch of homemade ice cream with just a few ingredients that you probably already have right at home. Now, let's get going and turn that kitchen into the best ice-cream parlor in town!

How to make ice without ice cream machine?

The process to make ice cream from home without an ice cream maker is indeed very simple and asks for literally just a few key ingredients.

• Sweetened condensed milk - which is for the purpose of sweetness and a creamy texture.
• Heavy cream for both richness and volume
• Flavoring ingredient of your choice - so that you can add the desired flavor and taste that you want your ice cream to carry. Such as: peanut butter, strawberries, chocolate, caramel and more.

Start off by whipping the heavy cream until stiff peaks hold. Lightly fold in with the sweetened condensed milk and chosen flavor ingredient. Pour into a freezer-proof container and freeze until firm, at least for six hours. The result is smoothly and easily scooped homemade ice cream—just the kind of thing that makes one proud.

What equipment do you need to make homemade ice cream without ice cream machine?

To make homemade ice cream without an ice cream machine, you'll need a few basic kitchen tools. Here’s a list of the essential equipment:

• Mixing Bowls - You'll need at least one large mixing bowl to combine your ingredients.
• Electric Mixer or Whisk - An electric mixer is ideal for whipping the heavy cream to the right consistency. If you don’t have one, a manual whisk will also work, though it requires more effort.
• Spatula - A spatula is helpful for folding the sweetened condensed milk and flavor ingredients into the whipped cream and ensuring that everything is evenly mixed without deflating the cream.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons - For accurately measuring your ingredients.
• Freezer-Safe Container - A loaf pan or any other shallow container works well for freezing the ice cream mixture. Make sure it’s freezer-safe.
• Plastic Wrap or Aluminum Foil - To cover the container before placing it in the freezer, which helps prevent ice crystals from forming.
• Freezer - Essential for freezing your ice cream mixture until it reaches the desired consistency.

You probably already have all the equipment needed to make endless flavors of homemade ice cream. However, if you want to upgrade your kitchen arsenal, check out this article: 10 Highly Recommended Baking Tools.

Tips to make the best homemade ice cream

Making the best homemade ice cream, especially when opting for a no-churn method, can be delightfully simple and rewarding.

• Start with Cold Ingredients: For a soft, creamy texture, begin with cold ingredients. This speeds up the freezing process, reducing the formation of ice crystals that can make your ice cream hard.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since no-churn ice cream typically involves fewer ingredients, each one makes a significant impact. Opt for high-quality heavy cream and flavorings to ensure your ice cream tastes fantastic.
• Whip to Perfect Peaks: For a light and airy texture, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks before gently folding in other components like sweetened condensed milk. This step is critical as it introduces air into the mixture, simulating the effect of an ice cream machine.
• Keep It Simple with 2 Ingredients: Many no-churn recipes can be made with just two ingredients, such as sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream. These provide a perfect base that's easy to flavor with additions like vanilla extract, chocolate, or fruit purees.
• Choose Your Mix-ins Wisely: If you’re adding flavors or textures, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or swirls of caramel or fruit sauce, add them after the base is mixed but before freezing. Ensure they are distributed evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
• Freeze Quickly and Thoroughly: Pour your ice cream mixture into a shallow dish to help it freeze quickly and evenly. This reduces ice crystal formation and maintains a soft consistency.
• Store Properly: To keep your no-churn ice cream soft and ready to scoop, cover the surface with plastic wrap before sealing the container. This prevents ice crystals and keeps the ice cream smooth.
• Let It Thaw Slightly Before Serving: To achieve the best texture, remove the ice cream from the freezer a few minutes prior to serving. This slight thawing makes scooping easier and enhances the creaminess of your dessert.

FAQs

Why is my homemade ice cream too hard?

If your ice cream is too hard, it may be due to a high water content in the mix or freezing it at too low a temperature. Try lowering your freezer's temperature setting, and ensure your mixture is well combined and whipped before freezing.

Can I make ice cream without sweetened condensed milk?

Yes, you can make ice cream using alternatives like regular milk and sugar, or cream and honey. However, you'll need to adjust the quantities and may need to whip the mixture more thoroughly to incorporate air.

How do I prevent ice crystals from forming in my ice cream?

To minimize ice crystals, make sure to cover the surface of the ice cream mixture directly with plastic wrap before closing the container with a lid. This prevents ice buildup and keeps the texture smooth.

Is it possible to make sorbet without an ice cream machine?

Yes, you can make sorbet by pureeing fruit, adding sugar and lemon juice, and then freezing the mixture. Stirring the mixture every hour during the first few hours of freezing can help break up ice crystals, mimicking the texture achieved by an ice cream machine.

Why is condensed milk used in making ice cream?

Condensed milk is a popular ingredient in making ice cream, especially for no-churn recipes, due to several reasons:

• Sweetness and Flavor: Condensed milk is sweetened milk that has been reduced, which not only adds a rich, creamy sweetness to the ice cream but also a slightly caramelized flavor due to the heating process during its manufacture.
• Texture: The thick consistency of condensed milk helps create a smooth, creamy texture in the finished ice cream. It contributes to the body of the ice cream and helps prevent the formation of large ice crystals, which can make the ice cream grainy.
• Simplicity: Using condensed milk simplifies the ice cream making process. Traditional ice cream recipes often require cooking a custard base, which includes tempering eggs and sugar. Condensed milk eliminates the need for this step, making it easier and quicker to prepare the ice cream base.
• Stability: Condensed milk contains high sugar and fat content, which helps in stabilizing the ice cream mixture and allows it to freeze well without becoming too hard or icy. This is particularly beneficial in no-churn recipes where the ice cream isn’t mechanically churned to incorporate air.
• Versatility: It pairs well with various flavors and mix-ins, from classic vanilla and chocolate to fruits and nuts, making it an excellent base for experimenting with different types of homemade ice cream.

What is a substitute for condensed milk in ice cream?

If you need a substitute for condensed milk in ice cream, there are several alternatives you can use depending on your dietary preferences and the flavor profile you're aiming for. Here are some options:

• Heavy Cream and Sugar: You can replace condensed milk with a mixture of heavy cream and sugar. Heat the cream gently and dissolve sugar into it to mimic the sweetness and texture of condensed milk. This mixture won't be as thick, but it can work well in many ice cream recipes.
• Evaporated Milk and Sugar: If you're looking for something with a similar consistency to condensed milk but less sweetness, you can use evaporated milk and add sugar to taste. This combination needs to be heated to dissolve the sugar properly.
• Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream is an excellent choice. It's thick and creamy, much like condensed milk, and adds a subtle coconut flavor to the ice cream. You can sweeten it with sugar or a sugar alternative to achieve the desired sweetness.
• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese can be used for a rich, tangy substitute that adds body and creaminess to the ice cream. It should be mixed with sugar and possibly a little milk or cream to adjust the consistency.
• Greek Yogurt and Honey: For a tangier, healthier alternative, you can use Greek yogurt mixed with honey or another sweetener. This substitute works well in fruit-flavored ice cream recipes and adds a nice creamy texture.
• Silken Tofu and Sugar: Silken tofu can be blended with sugar to create a smooth, creamy base that is low in fat and high in protein. This is another great vegan option that can be flavored as desired.

How to store homemade ice cream?

Homemade ice cream should be stored in an airtight container to minimize exposure to air, which can cause freezer burn and ice crystal formation. Cover the surface of the ice cream with plastic wrap before sealing the container to further protect it. Store it in the coldest part of your freezer to maintain its consistency and flavor. It is best enjoyed within two weeks.

What's the difference between regular ice cream and no-churn ice cream?

Regular ice cream is typically made using an ice cream maker, which churns the mixture as it freezes to incorporate air, resulting in a creamy texture with minimal ice crystals. No-churn ice cream, on the other hand, does not require an ice cream machine. Instead, ingredients like whipped cream are used to add air, and the mixture is simply frozen. While no-churn ice cream is easier to make and requires fewer tools, it may have a slightly denser texture than churned ice cream.

How to make homemade vegan ice cream?

To make vegan ice cream, replace dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk, almond milk, or cashew milk, which provide a creamy texture. Use full-fat versions for better creaminess. Sweeten with ingredients like maple syrup, agave nectar, or cane sugar. Stabilizers like xanthan gum or arrowroot powder can help improve texture and prevent iciness. Blend the ingredients until smooth, chill thoroughly, then freeze using your preferred method.

Can we make ice cream at home?

Absolutely! Making ice cream at home is quite feasible and can be a fun activity. You can use either a traditional ice cream maker for churned ice cream or simple freezing methods for no-churn ice cream. Both methods allow for customization of flavors and ingredients according to your taste preferences.

How long does homemade ice cream last?

Homemade ice cream is best consumed within one month of making it, as it lacks the commercial stabilizers used in store-bought ice cream that extend shelf life. After this period, it may start to develop ice crystals and lose its smooth texture.

Can we make homemade ice cream without eggs?

Yes, you can make ice cream without eggs. Many no-churn ice cream recipes are naturally egg-free, relying on whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk instead. For traditional recipes, you can substitute eggs with cornstarch or cream cheese to help thicken and stabilize the mixture without affecting the creamy texture.

How to make homemade ice cream not icy?

To prevent your homemade ice cream from becoming icy, ensure your mixture is well chilled before freezing. Use ingredients like cream, which has a higher fat content to reduce ice crystal formation. Adding a small amount of alcohol, such as vodka, can also help lower the freezing point and reduce iciness. Stir the ice cream a few times during the freezing process if you’re not using an ice cream maker, to break up ice crystals.

12 Easy Homemade Ice-cream Recipes Anyone Can Make

1. Lemon Ice Cream

Enjoy the zest and zip of summer with this easy lemon ice cream recipe, bursting with bright citrus flavor. It’s the perfect homemade ice cream to cool down on a hot day. Get the Lemon Ice Cream recipe.

2. Chocolate Ice Cream

Dive into the rich and velvety smoothness of homemade chocolate ice cream. This recipe delivers deep cocoa flavors in every scoop, and it's surprisingly easy to make without an ice cream maker. Get the Chocolate Ice Cream recipe.

3. Strawberry Ice Cream

This strawberry ice cream is a sweet celebration of fresh strawberries, blended into a smooth and creamy base. It's an easy homemade ice cream recipe that requires no ice cream machine. Get the Strawberry Ice Cream recipe.

4. Pistachio Ice Cream

A unique, nutty flavor of pistachio ice cream. This homemade treat is rich, creamy, and easy to whip up, even without an ice cream maker. Get the Pistachio Ice Cream recipe.

5. Salted Caramel Ice Cream

Master the perfect balance of sweet and salty with this salted caramel ice cream. It’s a luxurious, smooth ice cream that’s easy to make at home, requiring no ice cream machine. Get the Salted Caramel Ice Cream recipe.

6. Oreo Ice Cream

This Oreo ice cream is a dream come true for cookie lovers. Creamy homemade ice cream is packed with chunks of Oreo cookies, all without needing an ice cream maker. Get the Oreo Ice Cream recipe.

7. Cherry Ice Cream

Savor the sweet taste of summer with cherry ice cream, featuring real cherry pieces swirled through creamy, smooth ice cream. It’s an easy recipe that doesn’t require an ice cream machine. Get the Cherry Ice Cream recipe.

8. Lotus Biscoff Ice Cream

Experience the irresistible charm of Lotus Biscoff in this smooth ice cream. It’s a delightful twist that’s easy to make at home, capturing the caramelized sweetness of the iconic cookie without an ice cream maker. Get the Lotus Biscoff Ice Cream recipe.

9. Mango Ice Cream

Tropical and tantalizing, this mango ice cream is a creamy, dreamy treat. It’s easy to make at home and perfectly smooth, all without the need for an ice cream machine. Get the Mango Ice Cream recipe.

10. Chocolate Hazelnut Ice Cream

If you a Nutella lover, you need to try this blend of chocolate and hazelnuts in this homemade ice cream. It’s rich, creamy, and easy to prepare, even without an ice cream maker. Get the Chocolate Hazelnut Ice Cream recipe.

11. Tiramisu Ice Cream

Transform the classic Italian dessert into a delicious ice cream. This tiramisu ice cream is smooth, creamy, and infused with the flavors of coffee and mascarpone, easy to whip up at home without an ice cream machine. Get the Tiramisu Ice Cream recipe.

12. Peanut Butter Ice Cream

Delight in the creamy, nutty flavor of peanut butter ice cream. This homemade treat is simple to make and wonderfully smooth, making it an irresistible no-machine recipe. Get the Peanut Butter Ice Cream recipe.