Easy Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the classic comfort of a big bowl of creamy vanilla ice cream. This Easy Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe brings that nostalgic flavor to life with just 5 minutes of prep and 3 simple ingredients, and the best part? No ice cream machine required!

What is No-Churn Ice Cream?

No-churn vanilla ice cream is a wonderfully simple method for making rich, creamy ice cream without the need to churn with an ice cream maker. In this vanilla version, whipped cream is folded into sweetened condensed milk and flavored with vanilla extract. That’s it! From there, you can get creative, the flavor variations are endless, just like the options in your grocery stores’ freezer aisle. Once mixed, pour it into a loaf pan or springform pan, freeze until firm, and you’ve got a delicious homemade dessert. It’s one of the easiest treats to make, and a must-have recipe for any dessert lover.

Ingredients to Make Easy Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe with Condensed Milk

Ingredients you’ll need to make Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Cream – One pint of heavy cream (2 cups), gives the ice cream a velvety texture.
• Milk – One can of sweetened condensed milk provides ample sweetness for this no churn ice cream. That being said, you can adapt the sweetness adding more granulated sugar or powdered sugar to suit your personal taste.
• Flavoring – One tablespoon vanilla extract gives the ice cream its signature vanilla flavor. You could use vanilla bean paste in its place, using around 1-2 teaspoons. Vanilla bean past is more concentrated in flavor and it will take less to achieve the delicious vanilla nuances that makes this homemade ice cream recipe so irresistible.
• Serve – Ice cream cones, waffle cones or bowls, hot fudge, warm caramel, sprinkles, whipped cream, chopped nuts and maraschino cherries for serving.

How to Make the BEST Easy Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

• Whip the Cream – Use an electric mixer to whip heavy cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, don’t overbeat.
• Fold the Whipped Cream – Add the condensed milk to a separate medium bowl. Fold in the whipped cream using a non stick spatula or large spoon by hand until fully combined.
• Transfer to the Loaf Pan – Spread the whipped cream mixture into a 9-inch loaf pan or 2-quart freezer-safe container.
• Chill – Freeze the ice cream mixture for at least 8 hours or overnight.
• Enjoy – Scoop and serve in cones, turn into hot fudge sundaes, scoop it onto warm cobblers, pies and cake.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Vanilla Ice Cream without a Machine

• Stand mixer or hand mixer to whip the heavy cream. You need to use a mixer, a whisk won’t get the job done.
• 9-inch loaf pan for freezing the ice cream plus plastic wrap for covering the pan.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Ice cream scoop for serving.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

The classic flavor profile of vanilla ice cream gives you the option to add any variety of mix-ins to suit your fancy. You can get creative!

• Classic – Chocolate chips or chunks, crushed Oreos or other cookies, chopped nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts), caramel or fudge swirls, colorful jimmies or sprinkles for a funfetti effect!
• Fruity Twist – Fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, peaches or blueberries. Chopped mango or pineapple, swirl in fruit preserves or jam (swirled in before freezing).
• Unique Flavor Combinations – Sea salt plus caramel sauce, strawberry ice cream with white chocolate chips, crushed pretzels or potato chips (for a sweet and salty crunch) with chocolate chips, toasted coconut and pineapple, cinnamon or chai spice, espresso powder or instant coffee granules or add a ribbon of peanut butter or nutella swirled into the ice cream before freezing.
• Dessert-Like Additions: Brownie bits, chopped pie pieces (like apple or pecan), crumbled cake, cheesecake or pound cake, cookie dough chunks, candy, chopped Reese’s cups or turn it into s’mores (add mini marshmallows, chocolate and graham cracker pieces prior to freezing).

Storage and Leftovers

• Freezer: Allow ample time for the ice cream to firm prior to serving. You should allow at least 8 hours or overnight is ideal.
• Leftovers: Store Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream in an airtight container frozen for up to 2 months.

More Ice Cream Recipes and Frozen Desserts to Make

• Frozen Berry Fruit Salad doubles as a side dish or a dessert.
• This crunchy coated Easy Fried Ice Cream isn’t fried at all!
• The kiddos will flip for these Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites.
• Turtle Ice Cream Pie is an impressive make ahead dessert.
• Easy Frozen Strawberry Lime Margaritas can be made family friendly or in adult version.
• Red White and Blue Ice Cream Cake is ready for any Patriotic celebration.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream features swirls of fresh strawberry puree.
• This kiddos will flip for these Ice Cream Cupcakes!
• Jello Popsicles from Yummi Haus.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Loaf Pan
• Mixer
• Mixing Bowls
• Ice Cream Scoop