No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream

Vanilla ice cream, it’s a classic for a reason, there are very few things a scoop of vanilla ice cream couldn’t fix or at least improve – my No Churn recipe is the easiest vanilla ice cream you’ll ever make!

This is my guide on how to make homemade vanilla ice cream, with no machine or fancy gadgets and you’ll only need four ingredients. Let’s get into it!

Why you’ll love this No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream recipe:

Well, aside from the fact that it’s ice cream:

No Machine Needed – this is a recipe that you don’t need an ice cream machine for, but you still get a smooth, creamy, rich result!
Perfect for Desserts – this is the perfect thing to make alongside any dessert – from crumble, to pie or a sticky toffee pud. You can always take it one step further with some homemade vanilla ice cream.
Only 4 Ingredients – all you need is four ingredients and a little time for homemade ice cream perfection.

Plus, it’s a virtually fail-proof recipe, you actually can’t mess it up!!

What is no churn ice cream?

No churn ice cream is ice cream made without an ice cream machine or long churning times.

It usually relies on just two key ingredients: double cream (heavy cream) and sweetened condensed milk. When whipped and combined, they create a light, airy base that freezes into a smooth, creamy texture.

Simple, but seriously effective.

Ingredient Notes – No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream

The ingredients that go into this dreamy homemade vanilla ice cream:

Double Cream / Heavy Cream – is the perfect base for this creamy homemade vanilla ice cream

Sweetened Condensed Milk – will add sweetness, bind everything together and soften the ice cream

Vanilla Extract & Vanilla Bean Paste – using both adds so much flavour, depth and that classic vanilla smell – but you can just use either extract or vanilla bean paste

Salt – to balance everything out

How to make No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream

In a large mixing bowl, pour in the double cream (heavy cream) and whip until medium-soft peaks form. It should be light, fluffy, and just hold its shape without being too stiff.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the condensed milk mixture into the whipped cream and gently whisk until fully combined and smooth, being careful not to overmix.
Pour the ice cream base into a freezer safe container and even into one smooth layer.
Place the ice cream into the freezer for 8-12 hours, or until frozen solid.
Once frozen, simply scoop, serve, and enjoy!

How do you make no churn ice cream creamy and not icy?

The texture comes down to two ingredients:

Sweetened condensed milk – keeps the ice cream soft and scoopable
Vanilla extract – helps reduce ice crystal formation and adds flavour

Together, they give you that smooth, creamy finish without needing to churn.

How long does no-churn ice cream last in the freezer?

Stored in an airtight container, your ice cream will last 1 month in the freezer.

Just don’t refreeze it if it fully melts—the texture and safety won’t be the same.

Tips and Tricks – No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream

Let the ice cream sit out for 5 minutes to soften, before scooping.
Place your ice cream scoop into a mug of hot water for a couple of minutes before scooping, this will not only make the ice cream easier to serve, but also make the ice cream scoops more even and round.
Using some scrunched up parchment paper to line the tin you put the ice cream into, will make clean up super easy!
The recipe video is on my TikTok and IG – please tag @aceofspoons_ if you make this recipe