How to Make Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Machine

Craving creamy homemade ice cream but don’t own a machine? You’re in luck! This guide reveals four foolproof methods for making delicious ice cream without special equipment. Whether you want old-fashioned homemade ice cream without a machine or need a quick freezer solution, we’ve got you covered.

These techniques work with any recipe – even if you’re making ice cream with half and half and no heavy cream. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

1. Two-Ingredient Magic
2. Ziploc Bag Science Experiment
3. Freezer + Whisk Technique
4. Blender Hack

Easy Homemade Ice Cream Without a Machine

Learn how to make ice cream without an ice cream machine! Easy no-churn methods, simple ingredients, and delicious flavor ideas. Includes step-by-step video, recipe, and printable labels.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 1

Ingredients

  

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2 Ingredient Method:

• 2 cups heavy cream, chilled
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk, chilled
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Freeze & Stir or Plastic Bag Methods:

• 1 1/4 cups whole milk, chilled
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups heavy cream, chilled
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

 

2 Ingredient Method:

• Whip the cream in an electric mixer bowl until stiff peaks form. Slowly mix in the condensed milk, vanilla, and any flavorings on low speed.
• Transfer the mixture into an airtight container, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface, and close tightly. Freeze for 6 hours or until solid. Store in the freezer.

Freeze & Stir Methods:

• Beat the milk and sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until the sugar dissolves, about 1 to 2 minutes. Mix in the cream, vanilla, and salt until fully combined. Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes if it isn’t cold.
• Pour the mixture into a deep stainless steel baking dish and freeze for 45 minutes. Once the edges start freezing, take it out and stir hard with a spatula. Put it back in the freezer.
• Check the mixture every 30 minutes, stirring vigorously while it freezes. Use a hand mixer or blender if available. Repeat for 2 to 3 hours or until fully frozen.

Plastic Bag Method:

• Beat the milk and sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until the sugar dissolves, about 1 to 2 minutes. Mix in the cream, vanilla, and salt until fully combined. Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes if it isn’t cold.
• 1. Fill a quart-size resealable bag with the ice cream mixture, pressing out excess air and sealing tightly. 2. Insert this bag into a second quart-size bag, removing air again and sealing securely. 3. Place both bags inside a gallon-size resealable bag. 4. Add 4 cups of crushed ice and 4 tablespoons of coarse salt. 5. The salt reduces the freezing point, creating an ultra-cold environment that freezes the ice cream base.
• Remove all air and seal tightly. Wrap the bag in a towel or wear gloves before shaking hard and kneading the bag, keeping the ice around the mixture at all times. Shake for 5 to 8 minutes until the ice cream freezes. Shake more vigorously for smoother ice cream.

Food Processor or Blender Method:

• Follow this new step—it’s not shown in the video.
• Prepare the ice cream mixture as directed. Transfer it to a ziptop bag, remove excess air, and seal tightly. Freeze flat until solid. Take it out, break into small chunks, and process in a food processor or high-powered blender until smooth. For mix-ins, gently fold or pulse to blend, then transfer to an airtight container. Freeze until ready to serve.

Notes

If you want to use the last two methods with homemade custard-based ice cream, check out my How to Make Ice Cream post .

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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

1. Two-Ingredient Magic

This shockingly simple method proves you can make ice cream without heavy cream. All you need:

• 2 cups cold heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

Whip the cream to stiff peaks, then fold in condensed milk. Freeze 6 hours. That’s it! For 3 ingredient ice cream without heavy cream, add vanilla extract.

This technique works for any flavor. Try swirling in fruit puree or crushed cookies before freezing. It’s perfect when you need quick ice cream for freezer without machine.

2. Ziploc Bag Science Experiment

Remember making ice cream in science class? This method works for homemade ice cream no heavy cream no machine situations.

You’ll need:

• 1 gallon ziploc bag
• 1 quart ziploc bag
• 2 cups half-and-half (or milk + cream combo)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 3 cups ice
• 1/3 cup rock salt

Mix dairy, sugar and vanilla in small bag. Seal tightly. Fill large bag with ice and salt. Place small bag inside and shake vigorously for 5-7 minutes. Enjoy your instant no ice cream machine ice cream!

This is how to make ice cream without an ice cream machine using basic kitchen supplies. Kids love helping with this project!

Why These Methods Work

Traditional ice cream makers churn to incorporate air and prevent large ice crystals. Our techniques mimic this process:

• Whipping adds air (two-ingredient method)
• Agitation breaks up crystals (ziploc method)
• Frequent mixing creates smooth texture (freezer method)

For more kitchen science, check out our complete guide to homemade desserts.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Follow these suggestions when making ice cream at home without special equipment:

• Chill all ingredients and equipment beforehand
• Use full-fat dairy for creamiest texture
• Add 1 tbsp alcohol (vodka works) to prevent iciness
• Freeze in shallow containers for faster setting

Want more inspiration? Browse our Pinterest board for creative flavor ideas.

Continue reading for two more brilliant methods to make homemade ice cream without an ice cream maker…

How to Make Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Machine

Making creamy, delicious ice cream at home doesn’t require expensive equipment. With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can enjoy homemade ice cream without heavy cream or a bulky appliance. Here’s everything you need to know to create perfect no ice cream machine ice cream.

Easy Homemade Ice Cream Without Machine: The Basics

Traditional ice cream relies on churning to incorporate air and prevent ice crystals. Without a machine, you’ll need alternative methods to achieve that smooth texture. Here’s how:

• Use a high-fat base: Even without heavy cream, full-fat coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, or Greek yogurt can provide richness.
• Freeze in shallow containers: This speeds up freezing and makes stirring easier.
• Stir frequently: Breaking up ice crystals every 30 minutes for the first 2-3 hours ensures creaminess.

Simple No-Churn Ice Cream Recipes

1. Classic Vanilla (No Heavy Cream)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Whisk all ingredients until smooth.
2. Pour into a loaf pan or shallow container.
3. Freeze for 1 hour, then whisk vigorously.
4. Repeat whisking every 30 minutes for 3 hours.
5. Freeze solid (4+ hours) before serving.

2. Dairy-Free Chocolate Coconut

Ingredients:

• 2 (13.5 oz) cans full-fat coconut milk (chilled overnight)
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup maple syrup or agave
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Scoop out solidified coconut cream (discard watery liquid).
2. Whip with cocoa powder, sweetener, and vanilla until fluffy.
3. Freeze in a container, stirring twice in the first 2 hours.
4. Let set for 6 hours or overnight.

Pro Tips for Perfect Texture

• Add alcohol: 1 tbsp vodka or liqueur lowers the freezing point for softer ice cream.
• Use cornstarch: 1 tsp dissolved in cold milk prevents iciness.
• Pre-chill containers: Metal pans freeze faster than plastic.
• Layer mix-ins: Swirl in nuts, fruit, or chocolate after the last stir.

Flavor Variations (No Machine Needed)

Strawberry Swirl

Fold 1 cup mashed strawberries into vanilla base before final freeze.

Cookies and Cream

Crush 10 Oreos into chocolate or vanilla ice cream during the last stir.

Mint Chip

Add 1 tsp peppermint extract and 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling containers: Leave 1-inch space for expansion.
• Skipping the stirring: Leads to grainy texture.
• Using low-fat substitutes: Results in icy, less creamy outcomes.
• Freezing too quickly: Ultra-cold freezers may require more frequent stirring.

FAQs: Homemade Ice Cream Without Heavy Cream

Q: Can I use regular milk instead of heavy cream?
A: Yes, but combine with thickeners like sweetened condensed milk or cornstarch for creaminess.

Q: How long does no-churn ice cream last?
A: Up to 2 weeks in an airtight container, though best within 5 days.

Q: Why is my ice cream too hard?
A: Try adding 1 tbsp honey or alcohol next time, or let sit at room temp for 5 minutes before scooping.

Advanced Techniques

The “Bag Method” (No Equipment)

Place ice cream mix in a small zip-top bag, seal, then shake inside a larger bag filled with ice and salt for 10 minutes.

Blender Ice Cream

Blend frozen bananas with milk and flavors, then freeze for 1 hour for instant soft-serve texture.

Final Thoughts

With these easy homemade ice cream without machine methods, you can enjoy endless flavor combinations. Whether you prefer dairy-free options or classic flavors, skipping the ice cream maker has never been simpler. Experiment with mix-ins, adjust sweetness to taste, and enjoy the satisfaction of handcrafted frozen treats!