Easy No-Churn Ice Cream Recipes
You don’t need an expensive ice cream maker or fancy tools to make creamy, flavorful ice cream at home. No-churn ice cream recipes are simple, quick, and rely on basic kitchen equipment and a few pantry staples. Whether you’re craving classic vanilla or something more adventurous like cookies and cream or mango swirl, these recipes are designed for home cooks looking for low-effort treats with high-reward flavor.
With just a bowl, mixer, and freezer-safe container, you can whip up a batch of no-churn ice cream in under 10 minutes (plus freezing time). Each recipe here features ingredients in both U.S. and Metric units, with clear instructions and nutritional information per serving.
Essential Equipment
Before we dive into the flavors, let’s cover what you need:
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Freezer-safe container (metal loaf pans or reusable plastic tubs work great)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Kitchen scale (optional for Metric users)
Prep time for all recipes is approximately 10 minutes. Freeze time: 6–8 hours or overnight.
1. Classic Vanilla No-Churn Ice Cream
Ingredients
| Ingredient | U.S. Amount | Metric Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy whipping cream | 2 cups | 480 ml |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1 can (14 oz) | 396 g |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp | 10 ml |
Instructions
- Pour the heavy cream into a large bowl. Beat with a mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form (2–3 minutes).
- In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture using a rubber spatula.
- Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container. Smooth the top, cover, and freeze for 6–8 hours or overnight.
Nutrition (per ½ cup serving)
- Calories: 270
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 4g
2. Chocolate Fudge Swirl
Ingredients
| Ingredient | U.S. Amount | Metric Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy whipping cream | 2 cups | 480 ml |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1 can (14 oz) | 396 g |
| Cocoa powder (unsweetened) | ½ cup | 40 g |
| Chocolate syrup | ¼ cup | 60 ml |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 5 ml |
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk cocoa powder into the condensed milk until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whip the cream until stiff peaks form.
- Fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture.
- Pour half into your container. Drizzle chocolate syrup and swirl with a knife. Add the rest and repeat.
- Freeze until solid.
Nutrition (per ½ cup serving)
- Calories: 310
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 28g
- Sugars: 26g
- Protein: 5g
3. Strawberry Cheesecake Swirl
Ingredients
| Ingredient | U.S. Amount | Metric Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy whipping cream | 2 cups | 480 ml |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1 can (14 oz) | 396 g |
| Cream cheese (softened) | 4 oz | 113 g |
| Strawberry jam | ½ cup | 120 g |
| Crushed graham crackers | ½ cup | 50 g |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 5 ml |
Instructions
- Beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in condensed milk and vanilla.
- Whip cream in a separate bowl until stiff.
- Fold whipped cream into the cheese mixture.
- Pour half into the container. Spoon strawberry jam and sprinkle graham crackers; swirl gently. Repeat with remaining mixture.
- Freeze.
Nutrition (per ½ cup serving)
- Calories: 330
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 29g
- Sugars: 26g
- Protein: 5g
4. Cookies and Cream
Ingredients
| Ingredient | U.S. Amount | Metric Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy whipping cream | 2 cups | 480 ml |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1 can (14 oz) | 396 g |
| Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies | 1½ cups | 150 g |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 5 ml |
Instructions
- Whip the cream until stiff.
- Mix condensed milk and vanilla in another bowl.
- Fold cream into milk mixture.
- Stir in crushed cookies, reserving a few to sprinkle on top.
- Freeze in container until solid.
Nutrition (per ½ cup serving)
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 32g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 4g
5. Mango Coconut Cream
Ingredients
| Ingredient | U.S. Amount | Metric Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy whipping cream | 2 cups | 480 ml |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1 can (14 oz) | 396 g |
| Mango puree (fresh or frozen) | 1 cup | 240 g |
| Coconut milk (full-fat) | ¼ cup | 60 ml |
| Lime juice (optional) | 1 tsp | 5 ml |
Instructions
- Mix mango puree, coconut milk, lime juice, and condensed milk in a bowl.
- Whip cream until stiff.
- Fold whipped cream into mango mixture.
- Freeze in a container, and let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping.
Nutrition (per ½ cup serving)
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 19g
- Carbs: 29g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 4g
6. Mint Chocolate Chip
Ingredients
| Ingredient | U.S. Amount | Metric Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy whipping cream | 2 cups | 480 ml |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1 can (14 oz) | 396 g |
| Peppermint extract | 1 tsp | 5 ml |
| Green food coloring | a few drops | — |
| Mini chocolate chips | ¾ cup | 130 g |
Instructions
- Mix peppermint extract and green coloring into condensed milk.
- Whip cream to stiff peaks and fold in.
- Add mini chocolate chips and stir gently.
- Freeze until firm.
Nutrition (per ½ cup serving)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 21g
- Carbs: 28g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 4g
Tips for Best Results
- Freeze Overnight — While six hours may be enough, overnight freezing creates the best texture.
- Use Full-Fat Cream — Avoid light cream. Full-fat whipping cream ensures stability and creaminess.
- Store Well — Use an airtight container to avoid ice crystals. A layer of plastic wrap pressed on the surface can help.
Flavor Add-In Ideas
Want to get creative? Try these no-fuss add-ins:
- Toasted nuts — Almonds, pecans, or pistachios
- Chocolate chunks or shavings
- Nut butters — Swirl in peanut or almond butter
- Dried fruits — Like cherries or chopped apricots
- Spices — Cinnamon, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice
Healthier Swaps
If you’re looking for a lighter take:
- Use low-fat condensed milk (although it may affect texture).
- Substitute part of the cream with Greek yogurt.
- Try natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in moderation (though they will affect freezing behavior).
Final Thoughts
No-churn ice cream is a foolproof way to enjoy a homemade frozen dessert without stress or special machines. Whether you want a kid-friendly cookies and cream scoop or a sophisticated mango coconut blend, these recipes offer something delicious for everyone. With just 10 minutes of prep, you’re on your way to impressively creamy results—perfect for hot days or anytime treats.
So grab your mixing bowl and whip up your next frozen masterpiece. Your freezer (and your family) will thank you.
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