How to Make Ice Cream Without Heavy Cream

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You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream. You might want to scream louder if we want to make ice cream at home and don't have any heavy cream. Luckily, it is possible to make delicious ice cream at home without any heavy cream. Best of all, some of these recipes don't require an ice cream maker either. If you are vegan, don't worry, there's an option for you too!

Ingredients

Using Condensed Milk [1]

  • 1 14-ounce (397-gram) can condensed milk, chilled
  • 2 cups (475 milliliters) half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vanilla extract

Makes about 1 pint

Using Coconut Milk

  • 1 13.5-ounce (398-milliliter) can full-fat coconut milk, chilled overnight
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) almond milk
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons (45 grams) granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Makes about 1 pint

Using Bananas

  • 2 to 3 overripe bananas, frozen
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons (30 to 60 milliliters) milk
  • 1 pinch salt

Makes 1 to 2 servings

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using Condensed Milk

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  1. How far in advance you do this depends on the type of ice cream maker you are using, as each brand is a little different. In most cases, you need to freeze it the night before.
    • An ice cream maker will give you the best results for this recipe. If you don't use one, then you will have to add heavy cream. [2]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Ice Cream Without Heavy Cream
    You will need a 14-ounce (397-gram) can of chilled condensed milk, 2 cups (475 milliliters) of half-and-half, and 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of vanilla extract. Stir everything together with a whisk until the color and texture are consistent.
    • If you are using sweetened condensed milk, reduce the vanilla extract to 2½ teaspoons.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Ice Cream Without Heavy Cream
    Set up your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions first, then pour the mixture into the bowl. Churn the ice cream maker for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the ice cream is set.
    • Add some tasty additions half-way through the churning period, such as mini chocolate chips.
  4. Pour the ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe container, such as a Tupperware container or an ice cream container. Freeze the ice cream for 6 to 8 hours.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Coconut Milk

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  1. Take the coconut milk out of the fridge and open it without shaking it up. Use a spoon to scoop the thick, fatty layer from the top of the can, and transfer it into a mixing bowl. Discard the coconut water or save it for another recipe.
    • You must use full-fat coconut milk.
    • You must chill the coconut milk overnight in the fridge.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Ice Cream Without Heavy Cream
    Add the remaining ingredients into the bowl with the coconut cream in it. Use a whisk to mix everything together for about 2 minutes, or until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Pour the mixture into a shallow container that's safe to go into the freezer. Great examples include metal loaf pans and Tupperware containers. The ice cream will be frozen in this container, so make sure that it is convenient to use and store.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Ice Cream Without Heavy Cream
    Place the entire container into the freezer. Every 30 minutes, give the mixture a stir with a whisk. After about 3 to 4 hours of doing this, the ice cream should be ready.
    • You can try freezing the ice cream in an ice cream maker instead. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
    • The ice cream may be very hard when you take it out of the freezer. Let it sit on the counter for about 5 minutes before scooping it.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using Bananas

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Ice Cream Without Heavy Cream
    Get 2 to 3 overripe bananas that are starting to turn brown. Peel them, cut them into bite-sized pieces, then freeze them in a plastic freezer bag or container.
    • The size of the banana pieces does not matter. This is simply to make it easier on your blender or food processor.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Ice Cream Without Heavy Cream
    Once the bananas have frozen, transfer them into a blender or food processor. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons (30 to 60 milliliters) of your choice of milk and a pinch of salt.
    • The more milk to add, the smoother the ice cream will be.
    • Whole milk is a great choice, but you can also use non-dairy milk, such as almond or coconut.
  3. This recipe is only a base, and it will yield somewhat-banana-flavored ice cream. It is still very delicious, but you can give it more flavor with some tasty extras. For example:
    • For chocolate ice cream, add ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract and 3 tablespoons (22.5 grams) of cocoa powder. [3]
    • For peanut butter ice cream, add 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 45 grams) of peanut butter. [4]
    • For cookies'n cream, add 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of coconut butter. Crush up some chocolate sandwich cookies and have them ready for later. [5]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Ice Cream Without Heavy Cream
    Keep blending until the mixture takes on the texture of soft-serve ice cream. From time-to-time, you may want to open up the blender or food processor, and push down any unmixed ice cream towards the bottom with a rubber spatula.
    • If you are making cookies'n cream ice cream, fold in the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies after you blend everything together. [6]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Ice Cream Without Heavy Cream
    Transfer the mixture into a freezer-safe container, such as a Tupperware container or an ice cream container. Place it into the freezer, and leave it there for 30 minutes, or until it becomes scoop-able.
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Join the Discussion...

Tips on how to make ice cream at home?
WikiCapybaraFlyer168
50
WikiCapybaraFlyer168
I'm a big ice cream gal but I'd like to get a little craftier in the kitchen and make my own cool flavors! So, what are your tips/recipes for mak... Read More
WikiMountainReader141
1
WikiMountainReader141
I have been making my own ice cream for the last few years and I hardly ever buy it anymore--and when I do, it's often not as good as what I can... Read More
WikiLemmingWhisperer521
WikiLemmingWhisperer521
You can also make it with ziplock baggies. after you've blent the ice cream like the above recipe says pour it into a quart bag, squeeze out the... Read More
See all 7 Replies and
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I use condensed milk or evaporated milk instead of whole milk?
    Community Answer
    Condensed milk would be your best option if you do not have whole milk.
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  • Question
    How long do I have to freeze the bananas?
    Anna Peterson
    Community Answer
    It doesn't matter as long as they're cold and somewhat compact, especially if you're making ice cream.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 13
  • Question
    Is it compulsory to add the vanilla extract and cocoa powder?
    Qamar
    Top Answerer
    Both the vanilla extract and cocoa powder add flavor to the ice cream, so it's highly recommend to add them. If you cannot add them, try replacing them with another sweet substitute.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • Stir in liquid and powdered flavorings, such as cocoa powder or vanilla extract before blending the ice cream.
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      • Add in solid extras, such as chocolate chips, cookie chunks, or pieces of fruit after you have finished blending.
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      • Covering the ice cream mixture with a sheet of plastic wrap before you freeze it will help reduce ice crystals.
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      Things You'll Need

      Using Condensed Milk

      • Large mixing bowl
      • Whisk
      • Ice cream maker
      • Freezer-safe container
      • Freezer

      Using Coconut Milk

      • Mixing bowl
      • Spoon
      • Whisk
      • Freezer-safe container
      • Freezer

      Using Bananas

      • Blender or food processor
      • Rubber spatula
      • Freezer-safe container
      • Freezer

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      References

      1. ↑ http://eclecticrecipes.com/3-ingredient-ice-cream
      2. ↑ http://eclecticrecipes.com/3-ingredient-ice-cream
      3. ↑ http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2016/08/22/banana-ice-cream-healthy
      4. ↑ http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2016/08/22/banana-ice-cream-healthy
      5. ↑ http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2016/08/22/banana-ice-cream-healthy
      6. ↑ http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2016/08/22/banana-ice-cream-healthy

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make ice cream without heavy cream, use coconut milk instead. First, chill a can of full fat coconut milk in the fridge overnight. Then, transfer the fatty layer of coconut milk into a bowl and discard the water underneath. Mix in almond milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and salt, then transfer the mixture into a freezer-safe container. Put it in the freezer for 3 to 4 hours. Stir the ingredients every 30 minutes with a whisk. Once your ice cream is frozen, spoon it into a bowl and enjoy! To learn how to make ice cream with bananas, keep reading!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Divine Kamau

        Apr 19, 2020

        "The homemade ice cream was delicious when I made with condensed milk but the recipe didn't include sugar."
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