This Easy Homemade Ice Cream is the perfect no-machine dessert you can make in minutes! With just three simple ingredients, you get rich, creamy, scoopable ice cream that tastes just as good as store-bought.
Whether you want plain vanilla or fun flavors like Oreo, chocolate, strawberry, or mango, this recipe is the perfect base. It’s kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, and ideal for hot days when you want a quick frozen treat!
⏱️ Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Freeze Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 8
🧰 Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Loaf pan or airtight container
- Plastic wrap or lid
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 1 can (14 oz / 396g) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
🧾 Ingredient Notes
- Heavy whipping cream: Must be cold to whip properly. Creates the creamy texture.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and prevents the ice cream from getting icy.
- Vanilla extract: Gives classic vanilla flavor — you can swap with other extracts (almond, strawberry, etc.).
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1 – Whip the Cream
- Add cold heavy cream to a large bowl.
- Use a hand mixer to whip until stiff peaks form (about 3–4 minutes).
Step 2 – Add Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Pour in the sweetened condensed milk.
- Gently fold the mixture with a spatula — do not overmix.
- Add vanilla extract and stir lightly.
Step 3 – Freeze
- Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan or airtight container.
- Smooth the top and cover with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight until firm.
Step 4 – Serve
- Scoop and enjoy your creamy homemade ice cream!
🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 17g |
| Sugar | 20g |
💡 Tips & Variations
⭐ Tips
- Whip the cream until stiff peaks — this gives the ice cream its creamy texture.
- Use cold cream straight from the fridge.
- Cover tightly before freezing to prevent ice crystals.
⭐ Variations
Add these before freezing:
- Chocolate Ice Cream: Mix in ¼ cup cocoa powder or melted chocolate.
- Strawberry Ice Cream: Fold in 1 cup mashed strawberries.
- Oreo Ice Cream: Add 10–12 crushed Oreo cookies.
- Mango Ice Cream: Mix in 1 cup mango puree.
- Chocolate Chip Ice Cream: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Warm ¼ cup peanut butter and swirl it into the mixture.
- Coffee Ice Cream: Add 1 tablespoon instant coffee.