Craving ice cream but don’t have an ice cream maker? No worries! You can easily make delicious homemade ice cream with just a few ingredients and some simple tools you already have at home. This method is fun, easy, and perfect for a family activity or a personal treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make ice cream without an ice cream maker, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 1 cup of whole milk
- ¾ cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract (or any flavoring of your choice)
- Pinch of salt
Optional add-ins:
- Chocolate chips, fruit, nuts, or any toppings you like.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Prepare the Ice Cream Base
In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved. You can taste the mixture at this point and adjust the sweetness or flavoring as needed.
2. Chill the Mixture
Once you’ve prepared your ice cream base, place the mixture in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours. This helps the ingredients cool down, allowing the ice cream to set faster when it’s frozen.
3. Use the Freezer Method
Here’s the fun part! You’ll be freezing the mixture in a way that mimics the churning of an ice cream maker.
Option 1: Ziplock Bag Method
- Pour the ice cream mixture into a quart-sized ziplock bag. Make sure to seal it tightly.
- Fill a larger gallon-sized ziplock bag halfway with ice and add ½ cup of rock salt.
- Place the small bag with the ice cream mixture into the larger bag with the ice and seal it tightly.
- Shake the bag for about 10-15 minutes. The salt lowers the freezing point of the ice, allowing the mixture to freeze faster as you shake it.
- After shaking, check the consistency. It should be thick and creamy! Once it reaches the desired texture, scoop it out, and enjoy!
Option 2: Freeze and Stir Method
- Pour the chilled mixture into a shallow freezer-safe dish, like a baking pan.
- Place it in the freezer for about 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, take it out and stir it vigorously with a whisk or fork, breaking up any ice crystals that form.
- Repeat this process every 30 minutes for 2-3 hours until the ice cream is thick and smooth.
4. Add Mix-Ins (Optional)
After the ice cream has thickened, you can stir in any of your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, cookie dough, or fruit chunks.
5. Serve or Store
Once your ice cream reaches the desired consistency, it’s ready to serve! If you prefer a firmer texture, let it freeze for another hour or two. Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer.
Conclusion
Making homemade ice cream without an ice cream maker is easier than you might think! With just a few ingredients and some simple techniques, you can whip up a creamy, delicious treat in no time. Plus, it’s a great way to experiment with different flavors and mix-ins to create a customized dessert that everyone will love.