Indulging in a scoop of ice cream is one of life's simple pleasures. And what if you could create this delightful treat right in your own kitchen without the need for an ice - cream maker? Enter the world of no - churn ice cream, a versatile and easy - to - make dessert that offers endless flavor possibilities.
One of the greatest advantages of no - churn ice cream is its simplicity. All you need are a few basic ingredients that are likely already in your pantry or fridge. Heavy cream is the base of this ice cream. When whipped to stiff peaks, it provides the creamy texture we all love in ice cream. Condensed milk is another key ingredient. It not only adds sweetness but also helps to bind the ingredients together and gives the ice cream a smooth consistency.
Let's start with the classic vanilla no - churn ice cream. To make this, begin by chilling your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 15 minutes. This helps the cream whip up faster and stiffer. Pour 2 cups of heavy cream into the chilled bowl and start whipping it with an electric mixer on medium - high speed. As the cream starts to thicken, gradually add 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, pour 1 can of sweetened condensed milk. Gently fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to over - mix; you want to maintain the light and airy texture of the whipped cream. Once well - combined, pour the mixture into a freezer - safe container. Cover it tightly and place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours or until firm.
But why stop at vanilla? The beauty of no - churn ice cream lies in its adaptability. For a chocolate lover, simply add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the condensed milk before folding in the whipped cream. You can also melt 4 ounces of dark chocolate and let it cool slightly before incorporating it into the mixture. The result is a rich and decadent chocolate ice cream.
If you're a fan of fruits, the options are endless. For strawberry no - churn ice cream, puree 1 cup of fresh strawberries and strain it to remove any seeds. Mix the strawberry puree with the condensed milk and then fold in the whipped cream. The bright, fresh flavor of strawberries makes this ice cream perfect for summer. You can do the same with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches.
For a more exotic twist, consider making a matcha no - churn ice cream. Sift 2 teaspoons of high - quality matcha powder into the condensed milk and whisk until there are no lumps. Then fold in the whipped cream as usual. The earthy and slightly bitter taste of matcha pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the condensed milk and the creaminess of the ice cream.
You can also add mix - ins to take your no - churn ice cream to the next level. Chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans add a lovely crunch. Mini chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or caramel sauce can also be swirled into the ice cream for added flavor and texture. Just fold them in gently after combining the whipped cream and condensed milk.
No - churn ice cream is not only delicious but also a great activity to do with kids. They can help with measuring the ingredients, whipping the cream, and choosing the flavors and mix - ins. It's a fun way to spend time together in the kitchen and create a sweet memory.
In conclusion, no - churn ice cream is a dessert that offers something for everyone. Whether you prefer classic flavors or want to experiment with more unique combinations, this simple recipe is a must - try. So, go ahead and choose a flavor, any flavor, and let your taste buds embark on a delicious journey.
