Quick and easy homemade ice cream

Here’s a quick and easy way to make homemade ice cream—no ice cream maker required!

Ingredients (Simple Vanilla, Serves 4–6)

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Optional mix-ins: chocolate chips, crushed cookies, fruit, or caramel swirls

Instructions

1. Whip the cream – In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.

2. Mix condensed milk & vanilla – In another bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract.

3. Fold together – Gently fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture until well combined, keeping as much air in the cream as possible.

4. Add mix-ins – Stir in chocolate chips, fruit, or other flavors if desired.

5. Freeze – Pour mixture into a freezer-safe container, smooth the top, cover, and freeze for at least 4–6 hours or overnight until firm.

Tips for Success

• Keep it airy – Fold gently to maintain a creamy texture.

• Flavor variations – Swap vanilla for cocoa, strawberry puree, or coffee extract.

• No ice crystals – Using whipped cream helps make the ice cream smooth and scoopable without an ice cream maker.