Making homemade ice cream without an ice cream maker is easy and fun! You can achieve creamy, delicious results with a few simple methods. Here’s how to make ice cream using common kitchen tools and ingredients.
1. No-Churn Ice Cream Recipe
This method is ideal for a simple, creamy ice cream using a few basic ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Add-ins: (chocolate chips, fruit, nuts, etc.)
Instructions:
- Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gently fold the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract into the whipped cream until well combined.
- Add Mix-Ins: Fold in any additional mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit.
- Freeze: Transfer the mixture to a lidded container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
2. Ice Cream in a Bag
This method uses a bag of ice and salt to freeze the ice cream mixture. It’s a fun activity for kids!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Ice
- 1/2 cup salt (rock salt or kosher salt works best)
Instructions:
- Prepare Ice Cream Mixture: In a bowl, mix the cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour into a Bag: Pour the mixture into a small resealable plastic bag and seal tightly.
- Prepare Ice Bag: Fill a larger resealable plastic bag halfway with ice and add the salt.
- Place and Shake: Place the small bag with the ice cream mixture inside the larger bag with ice. Seal the larger bag and shake vigorously for 5-10 minutes.
- Check Consistency: The mixture should thicken and freeze. Remove the small bag, wipe it off, and serve the ice cream.
3. Ice Cream with a Plastic Bag and Salt
Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Ice
- 1/2 cup salt
Instructions:
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla until sugar dissolves.
- Pour Mixture: Pour the mixture into a quart-sized resealable plastic bag. Seal tightly.
- Prepare Ice and Salt: Fill a gallon-sized resealable plastic bag halfway with ice and add salt. Place the smaller bag with the ice cream mixture inside the larger bag.
- Shake: Seal the larger bag and shake vigorously for 10-15 minutes until the ice cream thickens.
- Serve: Remove the smaller bag from the ice and salt mixture. Wipe off any salt and serve the ice cream.
4. Freezer Bag Method
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Add-ins: (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix Ingredients: Combine cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Pour into a Container: Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container.
- Stir Occasionally: Place the container in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork to break up ice crystals until the ice cream is fully frozen (about 3-4 hours).
5. Instant Ice Cream with Frozen Fruit
Ingredients:
- 2 cups frozen fruit (such as berries, mangoes, or bananas)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or heavy cream
- 1-2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
- Blend Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine frozen fruit, Greek yogurt or heavy cream, and sweetener if using. Blend until smooth.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately for a soft-serve consistency or freeze for an additional 1-2 hours for a firmer texture.
Tips for Homemade Ice Cream:
- Texture: Homemade ice cream may be slightly different in texture compared to store-bought. Stirring it periodically during freezing helps create a smoother texture.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts, fruit, or mix-ins to customize flavors.
- Storage: Store homemade ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks for the best quality.
These methods allow you to enjoy homemade ice cream without an ice cream maker, giving you creamy and delicious results right from your kitchen!