Amazing 5 Ingredient Ice Cream Recipe

This 5 ingredient ice cream recipe proves you don’t need fancy equipment or complicated techniques to make delicious homemade ice cream. With just five simple ingredients you probably already have, you can create a creamy, dreamy frozen treat that rivals store-bought versions.

Looking for more ice cream recipes? Check out our complete guide to homemade desserts for more inspiration.

Why This 5 Ingredient Ice Cream Works

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The main ingredient in ice cream is always cream, but the combination with sweetened condensed milk creates an ultra-smooth texture without ice crystals. Here’s why it’s foolproof:

• No ice cream maker required
• Uses pantry staples
• Customizable with endless mix-ins
• Perfect for beginners

Essential Ice Cream Ingredients

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s look at the key ice cream ingredients that make this dessert work:

1. Heavy cream – provides richness
2. Sweetened condensed milk – adds sweetness and prevents iciness
3. Milk – lightens the texture
4. Vanilla extract – for classic flavor
5. Salt – enhances all the flavors

Learn more about essential dessert ingredients in our comprehensive baking guide.

Easy 5-Ingredient Ice Cream Recipe (No Churn!)

Make creamy 5-ingredient ice cream in minutes—no cooking or machine needed! Easy to customize with your favorite flavors. 🍨 #IceCreamRecipes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Servings 1

Calories 237 kcal

Instructions

 

• Combine condensed milk, cold milk, vanilla, and salt in a medium bowl. Let it rest.
• Whip heavy cream in a large bowl using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the milk mixture into the whipped cream.
• Transfer the mixture to a shallow 2-quart dish, cover, and freeze for 4 hours, stirring once halfway through or when the edges begin to firm.
• Store or serve in an airtight container for up to 10 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 237kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 59mgSodium: 77mgSugar: 21g

Keyword 5 ingredient ice cream, ice cream ingredients, ice cream recipes​

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mixing the Base

Begin by combining the sweetened condensed milk, cold milk, vanilla extract, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir until fully incorporated. This creates the flavor base for your 5 ingredient ice cream.

2. Whipping the Cream

In a separate large bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This incorporates air into the cream, making your ice cream light and fluffy rather than dense.

3. Combining Everything

Gently fold the milk mixture into the whipped cream. Be careful not to overmix – you want to maintain as much air in the cream as possible for the creamiest texture.

4. Freezing Process

Pour the mixture into a shallow 2-quart dish, cover, and freeze for 4 hours. Stir once after 2 hours when the edges start to harden. This helps prevent large ice crystals from forming.

Customization Ideas

One of the best things about this 5 ingredient ice cream recipe is how easily you can customize it. Before freezing, consider adding:

• Crushed cookies
• Chopped nuts
• Chocolate chips
• Fresh fruit
• Candy pieces

For more ice cream recipes and topping ideas, visit our Pinterest board with hundreds of creative combinations.

Expert Tips for Perfect Ice Cream

After testing countless ice cream recipes, here are our top tips for the best results:

1. Use very cold ingredients – this helps the mixture freeze faster
2. Don’t skip the salt – it balances the sweetness
3. Freeze in a shallow container – promotes even freezing
4. Let soften slightly before serving – improves texture

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use low-fat milk?

While you can substitute lower-fat milk, the texture won’t be as creamy. The fat in whole milk and heavy cream is a key main ingredient in ice cream that creates that luxurious mouthfeel.

How long does it keep?

Stored in an airtight container, this 5 ingredient ice cream maintains great texture for up to 10 days in the freezer. After that, it may develop more ice crystals.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute coconut milk for the dairy milk and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. The sweetened condensed milk would need to be a dairy-free version as well.

The Science Behind Simple Ice Cream

Understanding the role of each ice cream ingredient helps explain why this recipe works so well:

Ingredient	Function
Heavy cream	Provides fat for creaminess
Sweetened condensed milk	Sweetens and prevents ice crystals
Milk	Lightens texture
Vanilla	Adds flavor
Salt	Enhances other flavors

For more in-depth information about ice cream ingredients and techniques, check out our complete dessert science guide.

Nutrition Information

While this 5 ingredient ice cream is certainly a treat, here’s what you’re getting in each serving:

• Calories: 237
• Fat: 15g
• Carbs: 22g
• Protein: 4g

Remember, you can always adjust portion sizes to fit your dietary needs.

Conclusion

This 5 ingredient ice cream recipe proves that sometimes simpler is better. With just basic ice cream ingredients and no special equipment, you can create a dessert that impresses everyone. The creamy texture and rich flavor will have people thinking you spent hours making it.

Ready to try more delicious desserts? Explore our collection of easy homemade treats that anyone can master.

Don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest and tag us in your photos!

5 Ingredient Ice Cream: Simple Recipes for Homemade Delights

Making homemade ice cream doesn’t require a long list of ingredients or complicated steps. With just 5 ingredient ice cream recipes, you can create rich, creamy, and delicious frozen treats right in your kitchen. Whether you prefer classic vanilla, decadent chocolate, or fruity variations, these easy recipes will satisfy your cravings without the hassle.

Why 5 Ingredient Ice Cream Works

Using minimal ice cream ingredients ensures a quick and foolproof process while still delivering amazing flavor and texture. The key is balancing sweetness, creaminess, and stability. Most recipes rely on:

• Heavy cream – Provides richness and smooth texture.
• Sweetened condensed milk – Adds sweetness and prevents ice crystals.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances flavor in classic recipes.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and intensifies taste.
• Mix-ins – Chocolate chips, fruit, or nuts for variety.

Classic 5-Ingredient Vanilla Ice Cream

This timeless recipe is a perfect base for endless variations.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• Optional: ½ cup crushed cookies or caramel swirl

Instructions:

1. Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
2. Gently fold in sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and salt.
3. Add mix-ins if desired.
4. Transfer to a loaf pan, cover, and freeze for 6+ hours.

Decadent Chocolate Ice Cream (5 Ingredients Only)

For chocolate lovers, this rich and creamy recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Whisk cocoa powder into sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
2. Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks, then fold in chocolate mixture.
3. Add vanilla and salt, then freeze for at least 6 hours.

Strawberry Swirl No-Churn Ice Cream

Fresh fruit adds a refreshing twist to simple ice cream recipes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup mashed strawberries
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Mix strawberries with lemon juice and set aside.
2. Whip cream until thick, then fold in condensed milk and vanilla.
3. Layer cream mixture with strawberry puree in a pan, then swirl gently.
4. Freeze overnight for best results.

5-Ingredient Coffee Ice Cream

Perfect for a caffeine kick, this recipe is smooth and bold.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tbsp instant coffee granules
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Dissolve coffee granules in 1 tbsp hot water, then cool.
2. Whip cream until stiff, then fold in condensed milk, coffee, vanilla, and salt.
3. Freeze for 6+ hours before serving.

Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream

A creamy, protein-packed treat with just five ice cream ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
• ½ cup peanut butter
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Blend bananas and peanut butter until smooth.
2. Whip cream to stiff peaks, then fold in condensed milk and banana mixture.
3. Freeze in a sealed container for at least 6 hours.

Tips for Perfect 5 Ingredient Ice Cream

• Chill your bowl – A cold bowl helps whip cream faster.
• Fold gently – Overmixing deflates the cream.
• Use quality vanilla – Pure extract makes a difference.
• Freeze airtight – Prevents freezer burn and ice crystals.
• Add mix-ins last – Ensures even distribution.

More Easy Flavor Variations

Customize your 5 ingredient ice cream with these ideas:

• Mint Chocolate Chip – Add 1 tsp peppermint extract and ½ cup chocolate chips.
• Coconut – Replace heavy cream with coconut cream.
• Cookies & Cream – Fold in 1 cup crushed Oreos.
• Pistachio – Mix in ½ cup finely chopped pistachios.

Why Homemade Ice Cream Beats Store-Bought

With these ice cream recipes, you avoid artificial additives, control sweetness, and enjoy fresher flavors. Plus, no ice cream maker is needed—just a mixer and freezer!

Experiment with different ice cream ingredients and find your favorite combination. Whether you stick to classics or try bold new twists, 5-ingredient ice cream is the easiest way to indulge.