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Ever wonder how to make ice cream without all the hassle? For most types of simple ice cream, you only need a handful of ingredients, and you don't even need an ice cream maker! Once you know the basics, you can experiment with inventing your own ice cream flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (475 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 14-ounce can (397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, marshmallows, etc. (optional)
Basic Ice Cream [1] X Research source
- 2 cups (475 milliliters) whole milk
- 2 cups (475 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ½ to ¾ cup (115 to 170 grams) white, granulated sugar
- ½ to ¾ cup (120 to 180 milliliters) flavoring, such as chocolate syrup, caramel, or peanut butter (optional)
- ¾ to 1 cup (130 to 175 grams) add-ins, such as: chocolate chips or crushed cookies (optional)
Banana Ice Cream [2] X Research source
- 4 to 5 bananas, peels and frozen
- Peppermint or vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (optional)
- Handful of dark chocolate chips or strawberries (optional)
- 3 ½ cups (820 milliliters) full-fat coconut milk
- 1/3 to ½ cup (115 to 175 grams) honey or agave nectar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
Steps
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Blend together the milk, heavy cream, vanilla, and sugar. Combine 2 cups (475 milliliters) whole milk, 2 cups (475 milliliters) heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ to ¾ cup (115 to 170 grams) white, granulated sugar in your blender. [3] X Research source- Make sure all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- No machine? No problem. See what other wikiHow users recommend for making ice cream at home on the "Tips on how to make ice cream at home?" forum post!
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Add any chunky extras and blend again. Now is the time to add in some extra goodies, such as chocolate chips, crumbled cookies, or even sliced fruit. Pulse the blender a few times until the new ingredients are just mixed in.
- If you are adding fruit, you can blend it until completely smooth.
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Pour the mixture into a freezer safe container. Cover the container with a lid or a sheet of plastic wrap to protect it from getting any ice crystals.
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Freeze the mixture for 6 to 8 hours. For fluffier ice cream, stir the mixture every hour or so.
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Serve the ice cream with an ice cream scoop and freeze any leftovers. The ice cream will last for about 2 weeks in the freezer.
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Peel and freeze 4 to 5 bananas overnight. The more ripe the bananas are, the better your ice cream will turn out.
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Cut or break the bananas into small pieces and add them to a food processor. You want the banana chunks to be about ½ inch (1.27 centimeters). If they are too big, they may clog up your food processor.
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Blend for 40 to 60 seconds, or until the mixture is thick and creamy. Do not over-blend your ice cream, or it will start to melt.
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Consider adding some flavoring and blend for another 10 to 15 seconds. At this point, your ice cream is ready to eat, but you can take it a step further by adding some goodies, such as chocolate chips. Here are some yummy ideas to get you started: [4] X Research source
- To make mint-chip ice cream, add a few drops of peppermint extract and a handful of dark chocolate chips.
- To make chocolate ice cream, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder.
- To make strawberry ice cream, toss in a handful of sliced strawberries and a few drops
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Serve the ice cream immediately, or freeze it for later. Scoop the ice cream out into small serving bowls using an ice cream scoop. If you aren't going to eat it right away, transfer it into a freezer-safe container and put it into the freezer; it will last for about two days. Keep in mind that because this ice cream is made from bananas, it will turn a light brown after some time.
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Beat the heavy cream until still peaks form, about 3 to 4 minutes. Pour the heavy cream into a mixer, and beat on high. This will give you a thick, creamy base for your ice cream. [5] X Research source
- If you don't have an electric mixer, you can use a food processor fitted with whisks.
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Stir together the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Make sure that the bowl is large enough to hold the beaten heavy cream as well.
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Fold the beaten cream into the condensed milk mixture using a spatula. Keep folding and stirring until it is evenly combined. [6] X Research source
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Consider adding some goodies. Gently fold in your desired additions or flavorings with a spatula. Be careful not to over-mix, or your ice cream will lose its fluffiness. Here are some ideas to get you started: [7] X Research source [8] X Research source
- To make mint-chip ice cream, add a few drops of peppermint extract and a handful of mini chocolate chips.
- To make S'mores ice cream, add some mini marshmallows, crumbled graham crackers, and some chocolate chunks.
- To make cookies-n-cream ice cream, add 8 crushed Oreo cookies (or similar sandwich cookies).
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Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and cover with a piece of foil. [9] X Research source The foil will help keep the ice cream soft, and prevent ice crystals from forming.
- You can also pour the mixture into individual cups or bowls to make small, ready-to-serve desserts. [10] X Research source
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Freeze for 4 to 6 hours, and serve. [11] X Research source Once the ice cream is frozen, you can scoop it out into small bowls using an ice cream scoop. If there are any leftovers, put them back into the freezer.
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Mix the ingredients in a blender until combined, about 30 seconds. [12] X Research source You can also whisk them together in a bowl until everything is evenly combined.
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Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Every ice cream maker will be a little different, so make sure that you follow the directions for your specific maker.
- If you don't have an ice cream maker, transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for 6 to 8 hours. Stir it with a spoon every hour. Keep in mind that the ice cream won't be as creamy. [13] X Research source
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Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container and freeze it for at least 1 hour. Freezing the ice cream for 4 to 6 hours would be recommended, however. [14] X Research source This allows the ice cream to "ripen." It will improve its texture and flavor.
- If you are not using an ice cream maker, then you cam simply pull your ice cream after the initial freezing time.
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Serve the ice cream using an ice cream scoop and freeze any leftovers. If it is too hard, let it soften for about 15 minutes on the counter. The ice cream will last 1 to 2 weeks in the freezer.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionWhich flavor should I use in making banana ice cream?Community AnswerDepends on your personal preference, but ginger works well, as does cocoa or nutmeg.
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QuestionWhat type of cream is used?Community AnswerHeavy cream works the best.
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QuestionCan I use double cream instead of heavy cream?Community AnswerYes, because double cream and heavy cream are very similar. Double cream just has a higher fat percentage.
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Tips
- Garnish your ice cream with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, sprinkles, and a maraschino cherry for the ultimate dessert.Thanks
- Experiment with adding different mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, sprinkles, chocolate sauce, etc.Thanks
- Simple ice cream is a great way to teach kids how to work in the kitchen.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- You can also use avocado as a base and make avocado ice cream! It's super creamy and delicious and a great alternative if you're vegan or paleo. It sounds weird, maybe, but I promise it's delicious!
- We like to add food coloring to our ice cream too, especially to "match" the flavor. For example, we make peppermint ice cream green.
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Things You'll Need
Basic Ice Cream
- Blender or food processor
- Freezer-safe container
Rich and Creamy Ice Cream
- Electric mixer
- Bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Freezer-safe container
- Foil or wax paper
Banana Ice Cream
- Food processor
- Spatula
- Freezer-safe container (optional)
Coconut Cream Ice Cream
- Blender
- Ice cream maker (optional)
- Freezer-safe container
References
- ↑ https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2012/07/simple-no-cook-vanilla-ice-cream.html
- ↑ https://www.oneingredientchef.com/one-ingredient-ice-cream/
- ↑ https://ashleemarie.com/quick-easy-ice-cream-flavor/
- ↑ https://www.oneingredientchef.com/one-ingredient-ice-cream/
- ↑ https://www.onsuttonplace.com/2014/07/homemade-no-churn-ice-cream/
- ↑ https://www.onsuttonplace.com/2014/07/homemade-no-churn-ice-cream/
- ↑ https://www.ebay.com/gds/How-to-Make-No-Churn-Ice-Cream-Plus-10-Favorite-Flavor-Mix-Ins-/10000000205455989/g.html/
- ↑ https://kirbiecravings.com/2015/06/no-churn-cookies-and-cream-ice-cream.html
- ↑ https://www.passionforsavings.com/homemade-oreo-ice-cream-recipe/
- ↑ https://www.ebay.com/gds/How-to-Make-No-Churn-Ice-Cream-Plus-10-Favorite-Flavor-Mix-Ins-/10000000205455989/g.html/
- ↑ https://www.passionforsavings.com/homemade-oreo-ice-cream-recipe/
- ↑ https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/vegan-coconut-chocolate-chunk-ice-cream/
- ↑ https://minimalistbaker.com/vanilla-bean-coconut-ice-cream/
- ↑ https://minimalistbaker.com/vanilla-bean-coconut-ice-cream/
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To make simple ice cream, begin by blending 2 cups of heavy cream, 2 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and 1/2 cup of sugar until the mixture is smooth. Next, add any extras you want in your ice cream, like chocolate chips or sliced strawberries, and pulse the blender a few more times. Then, pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and cover it with a lid. Freeze the mixture for 8 hours, then enjoy! For tips on making an even richer, creamier ice cream with sweetened condensed milk, read on.
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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 303,073 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "Great! I made this while incredibly sick and delirious and vomited into a trash can a few times while making it, but the instructions were very easy to understand! I mixed in Oreo Cookies 'n' Creme instant pudding and pie filling, and it turned out great!" ..." more
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"Great! I made this while incredibly sick and delirious and vomited into a trash can a few times while making it, but the instructions were very easy to understand! I mixed in Oreo Cookies 'n' Creme instant pudding and pie filling, and it turned out great!"
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"The fact that I don't need many ingredients and that all I need is bananas was helpful. "
"It really helped me. I learned how to make my 1st ice cream here. Thumps up."
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