Description
A rich, silky, and ultra-creamy homemade ice cream that requires no ice cream machine. By whipping heavy cream and folding in sweetened condensed milk with real vanilla beans, you achieve a texture that rivals premium brands in just 15 minutes of active time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream, cold
- 1 can (14 oz / 397g) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 whole vanilla beans
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: 1 cup fresh berries, chopped
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons bourbon, rum, or vanilla vodka
Instructions
- Split the vanilla beans lengthwise with a small knife and scrape out the seeds. Add both the seeds and the pods to a small bowl.
- Pour the cold heavy cream into a large mixing bowl. Whip with an electric mixer on medium speed, gradually increasing to high speed, until stiff peaks form (about 3-5 minutes). Do not over-whip.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the whipped cream. Add the scraped vanilla seeds and pods.
- Gently fold the mixture together using a rubber spatula until uniform, being careful not to deflate the air in the cream.
- Pour the mixture into a 9×5 inch loaf pan or similar freezer-safe container. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- If using add-ins like chocolate chips or fruit, fold them in gently now.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the ice cream to prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight until firm.
- Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping.
Notes
Ensure the heavy cream is ice cold for best whipping results. If you cannot find vanilla beans, substitute with 2 tablespoons of high-quality vanilla extract. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and maple syrup instead of heavy cream and condensed milk. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the loaf pan
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 30
- Sodium: 45
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Protein: 3
Keywords: no-churn ice cream, vanilla bean ice cream, homemade ice cream, easy dessert, summer treats, dairy dessert, frozen dessert