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Simple Ice Cream Recipe: Only 4 Ingredients, Very Creamy, Excellent Yields
There’s something magical about homemade ice cream—it’s indulgent, creamy, and filled with flavors that can be tailored to your liking. But the thought of making ice cream at home often feels daunting, right? The long churn times, complicated ingredients, and special machines can be off-putting. But what if I told you that you can make incredibly creamy, delicious ice cream at home with just 4 ingredients and no special equipment required?
Introducing this Simple Ice Cream Recipe: a super easy, no-churn dessert that’s perfect for hot days, family gatherings, or when you’re just craving something sweet. With just four simple ingredients, you’ll be able to whip up a creamy, smooth batch of homemade ice cream that’s far better than anything you’ll find in a store.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 4 Ingredients: That’s right! No need for complex ingredients or special tools. You can make this ice cream with simple pantry staples.
- Super Creamy: The combination of heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk gives this ice cream its irresistibly smooth and creamy texture, without the need for an ice cream maker.
- Excellent Yields: This recipe makes a generous batch, perfect for serving a crowd or enjoying over several days.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the flavors by adding your favorite mix-ins or extracts. Whether you want classic vanilla, rich chocolate, or even something fruity, the possibilities are endless.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Heavy cream: This is the base of the ice cream, giving it a rich, creamy texture. Make sure to use heavy cream (not light cream) for the best results.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This is the secret ingredient that adds sweetness and helps create the smooth, silky texture of the ice cream. It eliminates the need for granulated sugar.
- Vanilla extract: For flavor. While vanilla is the most common choice, you can easily swap it out for other extracts (like almond or mint) to create a different flavor base.
- Pinch of salt: This balances out the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the ice cream.
Optional Add-ins:
- Chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit: For added texture and flavor.
- Chocolate syrup or caramel sauce: For a swirl of extra sweetness.
- Crushed cookies or candy pieces: Think Oreos, Reese’s cups, or your favorite mix-ins for a fun twist.
Directions:
- Whip the Heavy Cream:
- Begin by pouring the heavy cream into a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the cream on high speed until soft peaks form. This should take about 3-4 minutes. You want the cream to hold its shape but not be too stiff.
- Mix the Sweetened Condensed Milk:
- In a separate bowl, pour the sweetened condensed milk. Add a pinch of salt and vanilla extract to the milk and stir until fully combined. The sweetened condensed milk should be smooth and thick.
- Combine the Two Mixtures:
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the sweetened condensed milk mixture. Use a spatula to carefully mix them together until smooth and fully combined. Be gentle to avoid deflating the whipped cream—this helps keep the ice cream light and airy.
- Add Optional Mix-ins:
- If you’re adding any mix-ins like chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or fruit, fold them in gently at this stage. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
- Freeze the Ice Cream:
- Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan or a container with a tight-fitting lid. Smooth the top with a spatula to create an even layer. Cover the container tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Place the container in the freezer for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight to allow the ice cream to set and become firm.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- After the ice cream has frozen completely, scoop it into bowls or cones and enjoy! If it’s too hard to scoop right out of the freezer, let it sit for a few minutes to soften slightly before serving.
Why This Recipe Works:
- No Ice Cream Maker Needed: One of the biggest perks of this recipe is that it doesn’t require an ice cream maker. It’s an incredibly easy, no-churn recipe that anyone can make at home with minimal effort.
- Creamy Texture: The combination of whipped heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk gives this ice cream its luxuriously creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture without any ice crystals, which is often the result of traditional homemade ice cream methods.
- Minimal Ingredients: The simplicity of this recipe is part of its charm. With just four ingredients, you can create a rich, satisfying dessert without having to run to the store for specialty items.
- Perfect for Customization: Whether you like plain vanilla or enjoy adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or even fruit, this recipe is flexible enough to cater to any flavor craving. Plus, you can make different variations in just a few minutes!
