This No Churn Ice Cream is a dreamy, creamy dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make. With just 15 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking, you’ll create a velvety base that transforms into rich, indulgent ice cream. The texture is luxuriously smooth, with a melt-in-your-mouth quality that rivals any store-bought treat. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—think swirls of caramel, chunks of chocolate, or a burst of fresh fruit. After a quick 4-hour chill, you’ll have a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Each spoonful is a delightful balance of sweet and creamy, with a richness that satisfies without overwhelming. At 369 calories per serving, it’s a treat you can enjoy guilt-free. The recipe makes 8 generous servings, so there’s plenty to share (or savor all to yourself). Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cook, this ice cream is a foolproof way to impress. It’s the ultimate homemade indulgence—no fancy equipment needed, just pure, delicious results.
Ingredients for No Churn Ice Cream

- 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 (473 ml) heavy cream, cold
- Chocolate Ice Cream:
- 4 oz (113 g) semisweet chocolate bar, melted
- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of fine sea salt (about 1/16th teaspoon)
- 2 cups (473 ml) heavy cream, cold
- 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder (see note)
- ½ cup (85 g) mini chocolate chips
- Strawberry Ice Cream:
- 1 lb (453 g) fresh or frozen strawberries, stems removed and quartered
- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of fine sea salt (about 1/16th teaspoon)
- 2 cups (473 ml) heavy cream, cold
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Vanilla Ice Cream:
- Place a metal bowl in the freezer and chill for 15 minutes.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together condensed milk, vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract), and sea salt.
- Remove the cold bowl from the freezer and add cold heavy cream. Beat on low-speed with an electric mixer, gradually increasing to high. Beat until stiff peaks form.
- Pour the condensed milk mixture into the whipped cream and gently fold together until completely combined.
- Pour into a 9×5” bread pan. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it onto the surface of the ice cream. Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
- Chocolate Ice Cream:
- Place a metal bowl in the freezer and chill for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, melt the chocolate bar and set aside to cool.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together condensed milk, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Stir in melted chocolate.
- Remove the cold bowl from the freezer and add heavy cream and cocoa powder. Beat on low-speed, gradually increasing to high, until stiff peaks form.
- Pour the condensed milk mixture into the whipped cream and gently fold together. Stir in mini chocolate chips.
- Pour into a 9×5” bread pan. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it onto the surface of the ice cream. Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
- Strawberry Ice Cream:
- Place a metal bowl in the freezer and chill for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, blend strawberries and pour into a small saucepan.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until thickened and reduced by half. Let cool for 15 minutes.
- Add condensed milk, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the strawberry mixture and stir to combine.
- Remove the cold bowl from the freezer and pour in heavy cream. Beat on low-speed, gradually increasing to high, until stiff peaks form.
- Pour the strawberry mixture into the whipped cream and gently fold together until combined.
- Pour into a 9×5” bread pan. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it onto the surface of the ice cream. Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Delicious Toppings and Mix-Ins to Elevate Your Ice Cream
Take your no-churn ice cream to the next level with creative toppings and mix-ins! For vanilla, try crushed cookies, caramel sauce, or fresh berries. Chocolate pairs perfectly with crushed nuts, marshmallows, or a drizzle of peanut butter. For strawberry, add chunks of pound cake, white chocolate chips, or a swirl of whipped cream. The possibilities are endless—experiment and make it your own!
Perfect Serving Suggestions for Any Occasion
Serve your ice cream in waffle cones for a classic treat or in elegant bowls for a dinner party. Pair vanilla with warm apple pie or brownies, chocolate with fresh cherries or espresso, and strawberry with shortbread cookies or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. For a fun twist, create an ice cream bar with all the toppings and let everyone customize their dessert!
Storage Tips to Keep Your Ice Cream Fresh
Store your no-churn ice cream in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in the freezer. If it hardens too much, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping. For longer storage, consider portioning it into smaller containers for easy serving.
Quick Variations to Try for a Flavor Twist
Experiment with different flavors by swapping ingredients! For mint chocolate chip, add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract and fold in chopped chocolate. For cookies and cream, stir in crushed Oreos. For salted caramel, swirl in homemade or store-bought caramel sauce. These simple tweaks can transform your ice cream into a whole new treat!
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Ice Cream Lovers
To save time, prep your ingredients ahead of time—chill the bowl and measure out the condensed milk and cream the night before. Use a stand mixer for whipping the cream to free up your hands. If you’re short on time, freeze the ice cream for 3 hours instead of 4—it’ll still be delicious, just slightly softer!

No Churn Ice Cream
Ingredients
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 (473 ml) heavy cream cold
Chocolate Ice Cream
- 4 oz (113 g) 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 (473 ml) heavy cream cold
- 2 Tablespoon cocoa powder see note
- ½ cup (85 g) mini chocolate chips
Strawberry Ice Cream
- 1 lb (453 g) 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 (473 ml) heavy cream cold
Instructions
- Vanilla: Place a metal bowl in the freezer and chill for 15 minutes.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together condensed milk, vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract), and sea salt.
- Remove cold bowl from freezer and add cold heavy cream to the bowl. Beat on low-speed with an electric mixer and gradually increase speed to high. Beat on high-speed until stiff peaks form.
- Pour the condensed milk mixture into the heavy cream and use a spatula to gently fold the ingredients together until completely combined.
- Pour ice cream into 9×5” bread pan. Place a piece of plastic wrap tightly over the surface of the pan, gently pressing it into the surface of the ice cream.
- Transfer to freezer and freeze at least 4 hours or (preferably) overnight before scooping and serving.
- Chocolate: Place a metal bowl in the freezer and chill for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, melt your chocolate bar and set aside to cool.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together condensed milk, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Stir in melted chocolate.
- Remove bowl from the freezer and add heavy cream and cocoa powder. Beat on low-speed with an electric mixer and gradually increase speed to high. Beat on high-speed until stiff peaks form.
- Pour the condensed milk mixture into the heavy cream and use a spatula to gently fold the ingredients together until completely combined.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
- Pour ice cream into 9×5” bread pan. Place a piece of plastic wrap tightly over the surface of the pan, gently pressing it into the surface of the ice cream.
- Transfer to freezer and freeze at least 4 hours or (preferably) overnight before scooping and serving.
- Strawberry: Place a metal bowl in the freezer and chill for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, place strawberries in a blender and then pour into a small saucepan.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until thickened and reduced by about half.
- Pour into a medium-sized heatproof bowl and allow to cool for about 15 minutes. Add condensed milk, vanilla extract, and sea salt and stir to combine.
- Remove cold bowl from freezer and pour heavy cream into it. Use an electric mixer and gradually increase speed to high, beat on high-speed until stiff peaks form.
- Pour strawberry mixture into the whipped cream and gently fold together until completely combined.
- Pour into 9×5” bread pan and gently press a piece of plastic wrap into the surface of the ice cream.
- Transfer to freezer and freeze at least 4 hours or (preferably) overnight before scooping and serving.