How to Make Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker

Total Time Prep/Total Time: 20 min. + freezing
Yield 1 quart
Test Kitchen Approved
You don’t need an expensive ice cream maker to churn ice cream at home. We’ll show you two foolproof techniques for how to make ice cream without an ice cream maker.

Ingredients

  • PLASTIC BAG METHOD:
  • 1 cup half-and-half cream
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons evaporated milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 4 cups coarsely crushed ice
  • 3/4 cup salt
  • FREEZER METHOD:
  • 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream

Directions

  1. Plastic Bag Method: In a small resealable plastic bag, combine the cream, sugar, evaporated milk and vanilla. Press out air and seal. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the ice and salt; add the sealed small bag.
  2. Seal the large bag; place in another large resealable plastic bag and seal. Shake and knead for 5-7 minutes or until cream mixture is thickened. Serve immediately or freeze. If desired, garnish with toppings of your choice.
  3. Freezer Method: In a large bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, vanilla and salt. In another large bowl, beat cream at medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, 4-5 minutes.
  4. Fold whipped cream into bowl with condensed milk mixture until incorporated. Transfer mixture to a 9x5-in. loaf pan. Place in freezer; stir every 30 minutes, until mixture is soft frozen, about 4 hours.

Nutrition Facts

1/2 cup: 72 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 19mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.

Make homemade ice cream without any kitchen gadgets! This recipe is beginner-friendly and gets you a quart of vanilla ice cream. Once you're ready to try other flavors, add your favorite ingredients—like strawberries, chocolate chips and more—to the mix. —Cathy Trochelman, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Recipe Creator

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