This recipe makes a creamy, smooth ice cream without the need for an ice cream maker. It’s incredibly easy and customizable with your favorite flavors.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (1 pint) Heavy Cream (very cold)
- 1 (14 ounce) can Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (or other flavoring)
Instructions:
- Whip the Cream:
- Pour the cold heavy cream into a large, chilled mixing bowl.
- Using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer) with the whisk attachment, beat the cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This means the cream holds its shape when the whisk is lifted. Be careful not to over-whip, or it will turn into butter.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk into the whipped cream.
- Add the vanilla extract (or your chosen flavoring).
- Gently fold the condensed milk and vanilla into the whipped cream using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
- Freeze:
- Pour the ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe container (a loaf pan, airtight container, or even a disposable container works well).
- Cover the container tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, ensuring the plastic wrap touches the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming.
- Freeze for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, until firm.
- Serve:
- Scoop and enjoy your homemade ice cream!
Tips and Variations:
- Flavor Variations:
- Chocolate: Add 1/2 cup cocoa powder and a pinch of salt along with the condensed milk.
- Strawberry: Blend fresh or frozen strawberries and fold them into the mixture.
- Coffee: Add 1-2 tablespoons of instant coffee granules or strong brewed coffee.
- Mint Chocolate Chip: Add mint extract and chocolate chips.
- Cookies and Cream: Fold crushed oreo cookies into the mixture.
- For best results: Ensure the heavy cream is very cold before whipping.
- To soften: If the ice cream is too hard to scoop, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
- Storage: Store leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer.