How to Make Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Machine

Want to enjoy homemade ice cream but don’t have an ice cream maker? You’re in luck! This guide will show you exactly how to make ice cream without an ice cream machine using simple ingredients and techniques anyone can master.

In this article, you’ll discover:

• The secret to creamy homemade ice cream without special equipment
• 3 easy methods that work with common kitchen tools
• How to make ice cream without heavy cream (yes, it’s possible!)
• Pro tips for perfect texture every time

Why Make Ice Cream Without a Machine?

Making ice cream without an ice cream machine is easier than you think. Traditional ice cream makers can be expensive and take up valuable kitchen space. With these no-machine methods, you can enjoy homemade ice cream whenever the craving strikes.

These techniques are perfect for:

• Small kitchens with limited storage
• Last-minute dessert cravings
• Budget-conscious home cooks
• Those who want to avoid single-purpose appliances

Basic Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of no-machine ice cream is its simplicity. Most recipes use just a few basic ingredients:

• Dairy base: Heavy cream, half-and-half, or milk alternatives
• Sweetener: Sugar, honey, or condensed milk
• Flavorings: Vanilla, cocoa powder, fruit purees
• Stabilizers (optional): Cornstarch or egg yolks for creaminess

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

The Whipped Cream Method

This is one of the easiest ways to make ice cream without an ice cream machine. The whipped cream method creates a light, airy texture similar to soft-serve.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Whip cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form
2. Gently fold in sweetened condensed milk
3. Add your favorite flavorings
4. Transfer to a freezer-safe container
5. Freeze for at least 4 hours

This method works great for making quick ice cream for freezer without machine. The air incorporated during whipping helps prevent ice crystals from forming.

The Condensed Milk Method

Sweetened condensed milk is the secret ingredient for creamy homemade ice cream without heavy cream. Its thick consistency and natural sweetness make it perfect for no-churn recipes.

Basic Recipe:

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups cold heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Simply whisk together the condensed milk and flavorings, then fold in whipped cream. Freeze until firm. This is how to make icecream without ice cream maker for super smooth results.

No Cream Ice Cream Options

Can you make ice cream without cream? Absolutely! Here are some clever alternatives:

• Coconut milk: Creates rich, dairy-free ice cream
• Banana base: Blend frozen bananas for “nice cream”
• Avocado: Adds creaminess without dairy
• Silken tofu: Provides protein and smooth texture

For more dairy-free dessert ideas, check out our guide to eggless baking.

Delicious Flavor Variations

Once you master the basic techniques, the flavor possibilities are endless. Try these popular variations:

Cookies and Cream

Fold crushed Oreos into vanilla ice cream base for a classic favorite.

Chocolate Peanut Butter

Swirl peanut butter into chocolate ice cream before freezing.

Strawberry Cheesecake

Mix strawberry puree and graham cracker crumbs into your base.

For more inspiration, visit our Pinterest board with hundreds of ice cream recipes.

Easy No-Churn Ice Cream Recipe (No Machine Needed!)** or **How to Make Creamy Ice Cream Without a Machine** or **Simple No-Churn Ice Cream in Just 3 Steps** or **Homemade Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker** or **No Machine? No Problem! Easy Ice Cream Recipe

"Make smooth, creamy no-churn ice cream with just 4 ingredients! Easy, customizable, and ready in 15 minutes—no machine needed. Try endless flavors!" (137 chars)

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 1

Calories 369 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

Vanilla Ice Cream

• 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 Tablespoon vanilla bean paste or 1 scraped vanilla bean or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Pinch of fine sea salt about 1/16th teaspoon
• 2 cups heavy cream cold

Chocolate Ice Cream

• 4 oz semisweet chocolate bar melted
• 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Pinch of fine sea salt about 1/16th teaspoon
• 2 cups heavy cream cold
• 2 Tablespoon cocoa powder see note
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips

Strawberry Ice Cream

• 1 lb fresh or frozen strawberries stems removed and quartered
• 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
• ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• Pinch of fine sea salt about 1/16th teaspoon
• 2 cups heavy cream cold

Instructions

 

Vanilla

• Chill a metal bowl in the freezer for 15 minutes.
• Whisk condensed milk, vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract), and sea salt in a medium bowl.
• Take the cold bowl from the freezer and pour in the cold heavy cream. Use an electric mixer to beat on low speed, then slowly raise to high. Continue beating on high until stiff peaks form.
• Gently fold the condensed milk mixture into the heavy cream with a spatula until fully incorporated.
• Scoop ice cream into a 9x5” loaf pan. Cover the top tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it gently against the ice cream.
• Freeze for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results, before scooping and serving.

Chocolate

• Chill a metal bowl in the freezer for 15 minutes. Melt the chocolate bar and let it cool.
• Whisk condensed milk, vanilla extract, and sea salt in a medium bowl. Mix in melted chocolate.
• Take the bowl out of the freezer. Pour in heavy cream and cocoa powder. Mix on low speed using an electric mixer, then slowly raise the speed to high. Continue beating at high speed until stiff peaks appear.
• Gently fold the condensed milk mixture into the heavy cream with a spatula until fully incorporated.
• Add the chocolate chips and mix well.
• Transfer the ice cream into a 9x5-inch bread pan. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it gently against the ice cream.
• Freeze for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, before scooping and serving.

Strawberry

• Chill a metal bowl in the freezer for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, blend the strawberries and transfer to a small saucepan.
• Heat over medium-low, stirring often, until thickened and reduced by half.
• Transfer to a medium heatproof bowl and let cool for 15 minutes. Mix in condensed milk, vanilla extract, and sea salt until fully combined.
• Take the cold bowl from the freezer and add the heavy cream. Whip with an electric mixer, slowly raising the speed to high, and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
• Gently fold the strawberry mixture into the whipped cream until fully incorporated.
• Transfer the mixture into a 9x5-inch bread pan and lightly press plastic wrap onto the ice cream surface.
• Freeze for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before scooping and serving.

Notes

Different flavors See post for different flavor suggestions including cookies & cream, cookie dough, mint chocolate chip & more! Cocoa powder I recommend unsweetened cocoa powder for a milder chocolate flavor and Dutch process cocoa powder for a more intense bittersweet chocolate flavor. Strawberry You can just simply blend the strawberries and then add them directly to the ice cream without cooking down, but the fruit contains a lot of water and tends to create ice crystals which result in a firmer, icier ice cream. You should let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping and use a warm spoon to make scooping easier if you opt to make the ice cream this way.

Nutrition

Calories: 369kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 84mgSodium: 79mgSugar: 30g

Keyword easy homemade ice cream without machine, homemade ice cream without heavy cream, how to make ice cream without an ice cream machine

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Stay tuned for part 2 where we’ll cover advanced techniques, troubleshooting common issues, and more creative flavor combinations!

How to Make Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Machine

Making ice cream at home doesn’t require fancy equipment or heavy cream. With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can enjoy creamy, delicious homemade ice cream without an ice cream machine. Here’s how to do it effortlessly.

1. The No-Churn Ice Cream Base

The secret to creamy homemade ice cream without heavy cream lies in the base. Instead of heavy cream, you can use whole milk, condensed milk, or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Here’s a basic no-churn recipe:

• 2 cups whole milk or full-fat coconut milk
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk and condensed milk until smooth.
2. Add vanilla extract and salt, then mix well.
3. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container.
4. Freeze for 4-6 hours, stirring every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours to prevent ice crystals.

2. The Whipped Cream Method

If you prefer a richer texture, whipped cream can replace heavy cream in homemade ice cream. Here’s how:

• 2 cups cold whipping cream
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Whip the cold cream until stiff peaks form.
2. Gently fold in condensed milk and vanilla.
3. Transfer to a loaf pan, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze for 6 hours.

3. The Banana “Nice Cream” Hack

For a healthy, dairy-free alternative, frozen bananas make an excellent base:

• 4 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen
• 2 tbsp peanut butter or cocoa powder (optional)
• Splash of milk (if needed)

Instructions:

1. Blend frozen bananas in a food processor until creamy.
2. Add peanut butter or cocoa for flavor.
3. If too thick, blend in a splash of milk.
4. Serve immediately or freeze for 1 hour for a firmer texture.

4. The Yogurt-Based Ice Cream

Greek yogurt adds creaminess without heavy cream:

• 2 cups Greek yogurt
• ½ cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Fresh fruit or nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix yogurt, sweetener, and vanilla in a bowl.
2. Fold in fruit or nuts if desired.
3. Freeze in a covered container for 4-5 hours, stirring once halfway.

5. The Coffee Can Ice Cream Trick

An old-fashioned method for homemade ice cream without a machine:

• 1 large coffee can with lid
• 1 small coffee can with lid
• Ice cream base (any of the above recipes)
• Rock salt and ice

Instructions:

1. Pour the ice cream base into the small can and seal tightly.
2. Place the small can inside the large can.
3. Fill the space between the cans with ice and rock salt.
4. Roll the can back and forth for 20-30 minutes until thickened.
5. Freeze for 2 hours before serving.

6. The Ziploc Bag Method

A fun, kid-friendly way to make ice cream without a machine:

• 1 gallon-sized Ziploc bag
• 1 quart-sized Ziploc bag
• 2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
• 2 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Ice and salt

Instructions:

1. Mix milk, sugar, and vanilla in the small bag and seal tightly.
2. Fill the large bag halfway with ice and ¼ cup salt.
3. Place the small bag inside the large bag and seal.
4. Shake vigorously for 5-10 minutes until thickened.
5. Enjoy immediately or freeze for firmer texture.

7. The Custard-Based Ice Cream (Without Heavy Cream)

For a richer flavor, try a custard base using eggs:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 egg yolks
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Heat milk in a saucepan until steaming (not boiling).
2. Whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale.
3. Slowly pour hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
4. Return to the saucepan and cook on low until thickened.
5. Strain, add vanilla, and chill before freezing.
6. Freeze, stirring every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours.

8. The Avocado Cream Method

A creamy, dairy-free alternative:

• 2 ripe avocados
• ½ cup coconut milk
• ¼ cup honey or agave
• 1 tsp lime juice

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Freeze in a covered container for 4 hours, stirring once.

9. The Silicone Ice Cube Tray Trick

For single-serve portions:

• Any ice cream base (above recipes)
• Silicone ice cube tray

Instructions:

1. Pour the base into the tray and freeze for 2 hours.
2. Pop out cubes and blend briefly for a soft-serve texture.
3. Re-freeze for 1 hour if firmer ice cream is desired.

10. The Mason Jar Shake-Up

A portable way to make ice cream without a machine:

• 1 pint-sized mason jar with lid
• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
• 2 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to the jar and seal tightly.
2. Shake vigorously for 5 minutes until thickened.
3. Freeze for 2-3 hours before serving.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Ice Cream Without a Machine

• Stir frequently: Prevents ice crystals for smoother texture.
• Use full-fat ingredients: Ensures creaminess without heavy cream.
• Add mix-ins last: Stir in chocolate chips or fruit after the base is partially frozen.
• Chill your bowl: A cold mixing bowl helps whipped cream set faster.

With these easy methods, you can enjoy homemade ice cream without an ice cream machine or heavy cream. Experiment with flavors and textures to create your perfect frozen treat!