Craving ice cream but can’t make it to the store? Want to try your hand at homemade ice cream, but you don’t have an ice cream maker? Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered with six easy, no-churn methods that will help you create delicious frozen treats this summer using readily available ingredients.
One of the best aspects of these recipes is that they are highly customizable. You can use natural and readily available ingredients and have fun adding all your preferred toppings, including fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, aromatic natural vanilla extracts, decadent chocolate, and a variety of herbs to infuse unique flavors.
In this article, we will walk you through six simple methods to create the tastiest homemade ice cream and popsicles. Each method offers its own set of benefits, and by the end of this guide, you’ll be a master at all of them.
6 methods to make no-churn ice cream at home
1. Whipped cream method
This technique revolves around whipping heavy cream until it’s thick and fluffy. The other ingredients are then folded in, and the mixture is frozen. The act of whipping keeps the water molecules in the cream tiny and dispersed, preventing them from forming icy crystals, thus resulting in creamy, smooth ice cream.
2. Ice cream in a bag method
This technique involves shaking and turning a bag as it freezes, mimicking the churning of an ice cream machine. The beauty of this method is that no electricity or complex machinery is required, just your hands.
3. Fruit and cream ice cubes method
For this method, you freeze fruits or yogurt in ice cube trays, then crush them in a food processor or blender. It’s as straightforward as the one-ingredient frozen banana ice cream recipe.
4. Whipped cream method
Freeze your bowl: Speed up the freezing process and prevent ice crystal formation by pre-freezing your mixing bowl. Opt for a metallic or glass bowl for optimal results.
Whip your cream and add your ingredients: Using a hand mixer or whisk, whip your cream until it forms stiff peaks. Then gently fold in your preferred flavorings, which could include natural vanilla extracts, fruit pieces or purees, syrups, cocoa powder, or any other essences and extracts of your choice.
Freeze your mixture: Cover your mix with a lid or plastic wrap then freeze for at least four hours. If you want to add nuts, cookies, chocolate chips, or other extras, mix them in after the initial freeze, cover again, and freeze for another three hours.
Serve: Check if your mix has frozen to a scoopable consistency. If not, keep it in the freezer for a bit longer. If it’s ready, serve it up and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
5. Ice cream in a bag method
Mix your ingredients: Combine ingredients like condensed milk, sugar, cream, buttermilk, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Transfer the mixture into a zip-lock bag, pressing out the air before sealing it.
Prepare your ice container: Fill a medium-sized container with ice cubes and coarse sea salt, then place your sealed bag inside. Ensure the container is tightly sealed before the next step.
Shake your mixture: Vigorously shake the container for about 15 minutes. The speed and consistency of your shaking will dictate how quickly it sets.
Serve: Once the mixture has thickened to your liking, rinse the bag, snip off a corner, and squeeze out the ice cream into a bowl. For a firmer consistency, consider freezing for an additional hour before serving.
6. Fruit and cream ice cubes method
Freeze your ingredients: This method is arguably the simplest. Freeze your liquid ingredients in ice cube trays, along with any fruits you want to include.
Process your frozen ingredients: Take your frozen ingredients and process them in a food processor or blender until they reach a creamy, smooth consistency.
Freeze again: Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and freeze again for about an hour, or until it reaches your desired firmness.
With these methods at your disposal, you’re well-equipped to tackle the summer heat with a bevy of homemade frozen delights. Ready to start experimenting? Here are a few ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:
- Spicy Mango Ice Cream
- Peppermint-Chocolate Ice Cream
- Cherimoya Ice Cream
- Peaches and Cream Ice Cream
- Honey-Peanut Butter Ice Cream
- Coffee-Caramel Ice Cream
- Cherry Sorbet
- Rocky Road Ice Cream
Delight in these sweet, frosty treats and make your summer truly unforgettable! Now go forth, scoop, and conquer!
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