Ice Cream without a Machine
How to Make Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Machine with simple no churn methods and flavor ideas! Step-by-step video, recipe, and printable ice cream labels too.
Servings 1 1/2 quarts
Ingredients
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:
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, whip the cream until stiff peaks form. On low speed, mix in the condensed milk, vanilla, and any flavorings.
- Pour into a resealable container, cover the surface with plastic wrap, then seal. Freeze for at least 6 hours, or until firm. Keep stored in the freezer.
Freeze & Stir Methods:
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the milk and sugar until the sugar is dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the cream, vanilla, and salt until combined. If the mixture isn’t cold, place in the refrigerator until chilled, about 30 minutes.
- Place the mixture in a deep stainless steel baking dish and freeze for 45 minutes. As it begins to freeze near the edges, remove it from the freezer and stir vigorously with a spatula. Return to the freezer.
- Continue to check the mixture every 30 minutes, stirring vigorously as it’s freezing. If you have a hand-held mixer or blender, use one of those. Repeat this process for 2 to 3 hours, or until frozen.
Plastic Bag Method:
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the milk and sugar until the sugar is dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the cream, vanilla, and salt until combined. If the mixture isn’t cold, place in the refrigerator until chilled, about 30 minutes.
- Place the ice cream mixture in a quart-size resealable bag, squeezing out as much air as possible and sealing tightly. Place this bag inside another quart bag, again squeezing out as much air as possible and sealing tightly. Put the bags inside a gallon-size resealable bag and fill with about 4 cups crushed ice, then sprinkle with 4 tablespoons coarse salt. The salt lowers the freezing point of the ice and creates an extra-cold environment that absorbs heat, causing the ice cream base to freeze.
- Squeeze out all the air and seal tightly. Wrap the bag in a towel or put gloves on before shaking vigorously and massaging the bag, making sure the ice is surrounding the ice cream mixture constantly. Shake for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the ice cream is frozen. The more vigorously you shake, the smoother your ice cream will be.
Food Processor or Blender Method:
- Note: This is NEW and not covered in the video!
- Make your ice cream mixture according to the recipe directions. Pour into a ziptop bag, squeeze out all air, and seal. Freeze, lying flat, until solid. Remove from freezer and break into chunks small enough to fit into the bowl of your food processor (using the standard s-shaped blade) or high-powered blender. Pulse until completely smooth. If adding mix-ins, either fold them in or pulse until desired consistency is reached, then pour into an airtight container. Cover and freeze until ready to serve.
Video
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.