Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream delivers all the creamy, dreamy satisfaction of traditional homemade ice cream without the need for an ice cream maker. The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luxuriously smooth dessert that’s bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. What makes this recipe truly special is its foolproof nature – even beginners can achieve professional-quality results every time. The combination of sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream creates an incredibly rich texture that rivals any premium store-bought ice cream, while fresh strawberries provide natural sweetness and vibrant color that makes this dessert as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
How to Make No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries Wash, hull, and chop the fresh strawberries into small pieces. Place them in a bowl and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance their natural flavor. Set aside to allow the strawberries to release their juices, approximately 10-15 minutes.
Step 2: Create the Base In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Whisk together until smooth and well incorporated. The sweetened condensed milk serves as both the sweetener and provides the creamy base that prevents ice crystals from forming.
Step 3: Whip the Cream Using an electric mixer or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This typically takes 3-4 minutes on medium-high speed. Be careful not to over-whip, as this can lead to a grainy texture in your finished ice cream.
Step 4: Fold Together Gently fold one-third of the whipped cream into the sweetened condensed milk mixture to lighten it. Then carefully fold in the remaining whipped cream in two additions, being mindful not to deflate the air you’ve incorporated. Finally, gently fold in the prepared strawberries and their juices.
Step 5: Freeze Transfer the mixture to a 9×5-inch loaf pan or similar freezer-safe container. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming. Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight until completely firm.
Helpful Tips:
Use room temperature ingredients when possible, as they combine more easily and create a smoother final texture. When selecting strawberries, choose the ripest, most fragrant berries available for maximum flavor impact. If your strawberries aren’t perfectly sweet, consider macerating them with a tablespoon of sugar along with the lemon juice to draw out more natural sweetness.
For the smoothest texture, ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free from any grease residue before whipping the cream. Cold equipment can also help achieve better whipped cream results. When folding ingredients together, use a gentle motion from bottom to top to preserve the airiness that creates the light, creamy texture.
Details:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Freeze Time: 6 hours minimum
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8-10 generous scoops
Difficulty Level: Easy
This No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream recipe yields approximately 1.5 quarts of finished ice cream. The texture will be perfectly scoopable after the initial freeze time, though allowing it to freeze overnight will result in an even firmer consistency that’s ideal for serving at parties or special occasions.
Notes:
Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe, but you can substitute with frozen strawberries that have been thawed and drained. If using frozen berries, reduce the lemon juice slightly as frozen strawberries tend to release more liquid. For an even more intense strawberry flavor, consider pureeing half of the strawberries and leaving the other half chopped for texture contrast.
The lemon juice serves multiple purposes in this recipe: it prevents the strawberries from browning, enhances their natural flavor, and adds a subtle brightness that balances the richness of the cream and condensed milk. Don’t skip this ingredient, as it’s crucial for both flavor and appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this without an electric mixer?
While possible, whipping cream by hand requires significant effort and time. If you must whip by hand, chill your bowl and whisk in the freezer for 15 minutes before beginning, and expect the process to take 10-15 minutes of vigorous whisking.
How long will this ice cream keep in the freezer?
Properly stored No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream will maintain its best quality for up to 2 months in the freezer. After this time, it may develop ice crystals or lose some of its fresh strawberry flavor.
Can I add mix-ins to this recipe?
Absolutely! Consider folding in chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or chopped nuts during the final mixing stage. Keep mix-ins to about 1/2 cup total to maintain the proper texture.
Why is my ice cream too soft or won’t set properly?
This usually occurs when the cream hasn’t been whipped to proper stiff peaks or when the mixture hasn’t been frozen long enough. Ensure your cream reaches stiff peaks and allow at least 6 hours of freezing time.
Storage Instructions:
Store your No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream in an airtight, freezer-safe container to prevent it from absorbing other flavors in your freezer. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing with a lid to minimize ice crystal formation. For best results, place the container in the back of your freezer where temperatures remain most consistent.
When ready to serve, remove the ice cream from the freezer 5-10 minutes before scooping to allow it to soften slightly for easier serving. Use a warm ice cream scoop for the cleanest, most attractive scoops.
Conclusion:
This No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream proves that you don’t need specialized equipment to create restaurant-quality frozen desserts at home. With just five simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you can enjoy the pure, fresh taste of strawberry ice cream that’s far superior to most commercial varieties. The recipe’s flexibility allows for endless variations – try it with different berries, add complementary flavors like basil or balsamic, or use it as a base for more complex creations. Whether you’re cooling off on a hot summer day or looking for the perfect ending to a special meal, this No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream delivers impressive results with minimal effort, making it a recipe you’ll return to again and again.