This recipe for homemade vanilla ice cream made with sweetened condensed milk and cream is rich, creamy, and surprisingly simple to make. It takes just three ingredients; sweetened condensed milk, pure (heavy) cream and vanilla extract. Whether you're craving a classic treat on a warm day or looking for a versatile base to customise with your favourite add-ins, this homemade ice cream is about to become a go-to favourite in your kitchen.
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Homemade ice cream is one of the easiest desserts you can make, using simple pantry-staple ingredients. It's free from many of the artificial additives often found in store-bought varieties, and with the help of an inexpensive ice cream maker, it's quick and easy to make.
Don't own a machine? No problem, you can hand churn ice cream as it freezes. I'll step you through both methods in this blog.
Using sweetened condensed milk makes homemade ice cream even easier. There's minimal prep time because you don't need to heat the mixture or spend time dissolving sugar, it's already done for you. Simply whisk together the condensed milk, cream, and vanilla, and your ice cream is ready to churn.
Homemade vanilla ice cream made with condensed milk is rich and creamy, with the signature sweetness of condensed milk and cosy vanilla warmth in every spoonful.
Looking for a wholesome homemade recipe ice cream made with eggs? Try my homemade vanilla ice cream with eggs recipe.
How to make homemade vanilla ice cream with sweetened condensed milk and cream
Ingredients
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Pure (heavy) cream
- Vanilla extract - Choose pure vanilla extract for best results, or make it yourself with my homemade vanilla extract recipe
A full ingredient list with exact amounts and measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Ice cream maker (optional) - Using an ice cream maker is an easy way to make homemade ice cream. I love my freezer-bowl style Cuisineart Ice cream maker which I picked up from Facebook Marketplace. However, if you don't own one you can churn ice cream by hand. I have included instructions in the method below.
- Plastic bowl scraper (optional) - I like to use a plastic bowl scraper (normally used in bread making) to scrape the ice cream from the sides of the ice cream maker freezer bowl without damaging it.
- Large freezer-safe container to store the ice cream. I used an enamel loaf tin because the longer shape great for scooping ice cream.
- Ice cream scoop (optional) - makes serving ice cream easier, no more bent spoons!
Method
If you're using an ice cream maker, be sure to read the instructions before you begin. If you're using a freezer-bowl ice cream maker, you will need to freeze the inner bowl for 24 hours prior to making this recipe.
Tip: If you have enough space, store your ice cream maker freezer bowl in the freezer so it's always ready to use.
Step 1: Combine the condensed milk, cream and vanilla extract in a bowl. Whisk until well combined.
Step 2: Churn the ice cream.
Ice cream maker method: Pour the mixture into the bowl of the ice cream maker, insert the whisk, attach the lid and begin churning. Churn for approximately 25 minutes, or until almost frozen. Then transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container.
Hand churning method: It's best to start the day prior to serving to allow sufficient time for churning and freezing. Pour the ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe container and place it in the freezer. After 45 minutes mix the ice cream with a wooden spoon, scraping down the sides of the container. Return to the freezer for another 45 minutes. Continue this process until almost frozen, for about 8 hours.
Step 3: Cover and freeze for at least 3 hours before serving.
Tips
- After freezing, remove the ice cream from the freezer and allow it to sit at room temperature to soften for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
- Use an ice cream scoop warmed in hot water (then dried) to serve the ice cream.
- Customise with your favourite mix-ins. Simply add one cup of mix-ins after 20 minutes of churning in an ice cream maker, or, if hand churning, when the ice cream is nearly frozen. Try chopped cookies or brownies, small pieces of candy, or toasted and chopped nuts.
- You can substitute low-fat cream or milk for pure (heavy) cream in this recipe, however keep in mind that the higher fat content, the richer and creamier the ice cream will be. Using milk will produce a harder, more icy result.
- In warmer weather, chill the ingredients well before churning.
Storage
Homemade ice cream can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for several months and will remain safe to eat, however for the best flavour and texture, it's best enjoyed within 1 to 2 weeks.
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Recipe
Homemade vanilla ice cream with sweetened condensed milk and cream
Instructions
- Combine the condensed milk, cream and vanilla essence in a bowl. Whisk well until combined.
- Ice cream maker method: Pour the mixture into the ice cream maker and begin churning. Churn for approximately 25 minutes, or until almost frozen. Then transfer the churned ice cream from the ice cream maker into a freezer-safe container and place in the freezer.Hand churning method: Start the day prior to serving. Pour the ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe container and place in the freezer. After 45 minutes remove the container and mix the ice cream with a wooden spoon, scraping down the sides. Return to the freezer for another 45 minutes. Continue this process until almost frozen, about 8 hours.
- Freeze for at least 3 hours before serving.
Notes
- If you're using an ice cream maker, be sure to read the instructions before you begin. If you're using a freezer-bowl ice cream make like mine, you will need to freeze the inner bowl for 24 hours prior to making this recipe.
- After freezing, remove the ice cream from the freezer and allow it to sit at room temperature to soften for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
- Use an ice cream scoop warmed in hot water (then dried) to serve the ice cream.
- You can substitute low-fat cream or milk for pure (heavy) cream in this recipe, however keen in mind that the higher fat content, the richer and creamier the ice cream will be. Using milk without cream will produce a harder, more icy result.
- In warmer weather, chill the ingredients well before churning.
Nutrition
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Frequently Asked Questions
Condensed milk, cream and vanilla extract are whisked together before being churned in an ice cream maker, or poured in a freezer-safe container, placed in the freezer and stirred intermittently (every 45 minutes) until nearly frozen (approximately 8 hours). Follow the recipe in this blog to make ice cream with condensed milk and cream.
Adding condensed milk to ice cream adds sweetness and softness to the ice cream. The sugar in the condensed milk helps reduce the formation of ice crystals which results in a creamier ice cream.
Avoid using low-fat cream or milk which produces a harder, less-creamy result. in warm weather, chill ingredients prior to churning. When using an ice cream maker, ensure the inner bowl is fully frozen prior to churning. Don't expect the ice cream to be ready to serve straight after churning. It needs to transferred to the freezer for at least 3 hours to become firm and 'scoopable'.
I highly recommend purchasing an inexpensive freezer-bowl style ice cream maker to make churning ice cream fast and simple.
Pour the ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe container and place it in the freezer. After 45 minutes remove the container and mix the ice cream with a wooden spoon, scraping down the sides. Return to the freezer for another 45 minutes. Continue this process until almost frozen, about 8 hours. Freeze for 3 hours before serving.
Ice cream with a high-fat content is the most creamy. Use heavy cream for best results.
Putting eggs in homemade ice cream is optional. Egg yolks work as an emulsifier in some ice cream recipes, helping to provide a creamy texture, particularly when milk is being used. This recipe uses only cream and no egg.
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Hi, I'm Emily!
I'm a mum of 2 who is passionate about making real food from scratch, homesteading and creating a cozy handmade home. Here on my blog you'll find recipes, DIY projects and inspiration for simple living.
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