How to Make Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker

There are no two words that incite childlike joy quite like “ice cream,” but we think adding “easy” and “three-ingredient” to the mix helps those emotions run even higher. No matter your age, chances are, you love ice cream, and if you don’t or can’t, I am truly sorry. (But fear not! There are some pretty good dairy-free options on the market right now.) So hopefully it’ll make you smile to learn that you can easily make your own super delicious ice cream with ingredients and tools that you likely already have. We’re talking creamy, decadent, light, and fluffy in a homemade way that just can’t compare to your run-of-the-mill, store-bought stuff.

Ingredient-wise, you’ll need a 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk, two teaspoons of vanilla extract, and two cups of heavy whipping cream. You’ll also need an electric mixer—either a stand mixer or hand mixer will work here. First, whisk the sweetened condensed milk and the vanilla extract together in a bowl. In a separate large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until it makes stiff peaks. Pro tip: Chilling the bowl beforehand keeps the whipping cream cool and cold cream is much easier to whip into stiff peaks. Fold the sweetened condensed milk-vanilla mixture into the whipped cream. If classic vanilla is your favorite flavor, congrats! You can transfer the mixture to a loaf pan, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it sit in the freezer for 4 to 6 hours.

Of course, there’s no reason you have to stop there. You can instead seize the opportunity to use up extra ingredients (Fresh fruit! Crushed cookies! Spices! Candy pieces! Cocoa powder! Instant coffee! Nuts! Graham crackers! Nut butter! Chocolate syrup! Cake mix! Baking chips! Whatever you want!) and create your new favorite flavor. As long as you freeze the mixtures for the appropriate amount of time, you’ll have incredible custom ice cream.