4 Ingredient No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream
There’s something about homemade vanilla ice cream that instantly brings back happy memories. A simple scoop after dinner, ice cream cones on warm summer holidays and family gatherings where dessert was always the highlight. The good news is you don’t need an ice cream maker or a complicated recipe to make it yourself.
This 4 Ingredient No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream is rich, creamy and beautifully smooth, made with just thickened cream, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla and a pinch of salt. It takes only a few minutes to prepare and the freezer does the rest, making it one of the easiest homemade desserts you’ll ever make.
I love keeping a container tucked away in the freezer during the warmer months because there always seems to be someone asking for a scoop after dinner. It’s perfect served in waffle cones, topped with fresh berries or paired with your favourite desserts.
If you enjoy easy frozen treats, be sure to try my 2-Minute Raspberry Sorbet or Mango Sorbet too. Both are simple homemade desserts that are perfect for hot Australian summers.
Whether you're making it for a family barbecue, a birthday celebration or simply because you're craving something sweet, this easy no churn vanilla ice cream is a recipe you'll find yourself making again and again.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Only 4 ingredients
Made with simple pantry and fridge staples you may already have on hand.
Rich and creamy
Smooth, velvety vanilla ice cream with a texture that rivals store-bought varieties.
Perfect for entertaining
A simple dessert that always impresses family and friends.
Great to keep in the freezer
Ideal for those moments when you need a quick dessert or unexpected guests drop by.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an ice cream maker?
No. This is a no churn ice cream recipe, which means no ice cream machine is required. The whipped cream creates a light texture while the condensed milk keeps the ice cream smooth and creamy.
How long does no churn ice cream take to freeze?
For best results, freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight until firm.
Can I use pure cream instead of thickened cream?
Yes. Both pure cream and thickened cream work well in this recipe, provided they contain enough fat to whip properly.
Why do I add salt to vanilla ice cream?
A small pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances the vanilla flavour without making the ice cream taste salty.
Can I add mix-ins?
Absolutely. Chocolate chips, crushed cookies, chopped nuts, caramel sauce, fruit coulis or fresh berries all work beautifully.
How long will homemade ice cream keep?
Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month for the best flavour and texture.
Can I make different flavours?
Yes. Once you've mastered the vanilla base, you can easily customise it with cocoa powder, fruit purees, coffee, caramel or your favourite flavourings.
4 Ingredient No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream
This 4-ingredient no churn ice cream is rich, creamy and velvety smooth - everything you want in a frozen treat, without the fuss. With thickened cream, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla and just a pinch of salt, it’s ready to whip up in under 4 minutes (plus some freezer time). All you need is a stand mixer, electric beaters or even a blender to whip everything together.
Ingredients
- 600ml thickened cream
- 1 x 395g can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
- Pinch of sal
Instructions
- Add the cream, condensed milk, vanilla and salt to a large mixing bowl.
- Using a stand mixer, electric beaters, or a blender, whip on high speed for 2–3 minutes, or until stiff peaks form.
- Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container with a lid. (If your container doesn’t have a lid, cover it tightly with glad wrap or alfoil.)
- Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight, until firm.
- To serve, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 minutes to soften slightly. Dip your ice cream scoop into hot water before scooping for smooth, easy servings.
Notes
Top Tips
- Flavour Swirls: Gently fold through chocolate ganache, caramel or berry coulis before freezing for a marbled effect.
- Chunky Add-Ins: Stir in choc chips, crushed biscuits, nuts or lollies to make your own mix-ins.
- Fruit Twist: Fold through chopped strawberries, mango or blueberries for a fresh and fruity version.
- Cookies & Cream: Crush up Oreo cookies and swirl them through for an easy cookies & cream treat.
- Serving Idea: Scoop into cones, sandwich between biscuits for ice cream sandwiches or serve with a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
418Fat
32 gSat. Fat
20 gCarbs
29 gFiber
0 gNet carbs
29 gSugar
29 gProtein
6 gSodium
83 mgCholesterol
102 mgThe nutritional information provided is computer generated and is only an estimate. This data is provided as a courtesy for informational purposes only.
