Condensed milk ice cream

First of all, not everyone has an ice cream maker – and even when you do have one, using it can be messy (depending on the model). With this recipe, you don’t have to think about any equipment at all. Actually, you don’t even need a hand mixer. You can whip the heavy whipping cream by hand using a simple whisk.

This no-churn ice cream has a fantastic texture! There’s no need to take it out from the freezer to mix it because there’s no ice crystals to break. Just pour the whipped cream with condensed milk heavy cream into a container and freeze overnight.

It takes 5 minutes to make! Of course you need to wait for it to solidify, but this is exactly why I suggest you make it in the evening. You’ll wake up to a perfectly sweetened, creamy ice cream.

If you want to make a large batch, just double or even triple the recipe. However, make sure to spread it between 2-3 containers so it freezes faster.

• Heavy whipping cream - The fattier your heavy cream, the creamier the texture.
• Sweetened condensed milk - You can make condensed milk at home or you can buy just one can for this easy homemade ice cream.
• Vanilla extract - If you like vanilla ice cream, add some vanilla extract. However, there are other ways you can flavor this ice cream that you can learn about further in the post.
• Salt - Add a generous pinch of salt for flavor balance.

1. In a large bowl, add the heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Whip with a hand mixer to soft peaks.
2. Add the condensed milk to the whipped cream and whip again until stiff peaks form. Don't overwhip!
3. Transfer into an 8" x 8" brownie pan or similar, cover with plastic wrap so it touches the mixture, and place it in the freezer overnight. Scoop and enjoy your homemade vanilla ice cream.

The main reason to make condensed milk at home is for situations where you want to create more complicated flavors than vanilla. Of course, you can easily add chocolate or fresh berries when you make this recipe to make it your own, but you can't simply add lavender, rosemary, or matcha flavors. 

To create lavender-flavored homemade ice cream, you will need to infuse the condensed milk with the flavor. You can do this by cooking milk, sugar, and some lavender until it thickens. Then, leave the mixture to cool down to room temperature. This will be enough time to infuse the milk with lavender. 

Strain out the lavender using a fine mesh strainer and throw it away. You can now chill the remaining mixture before using it to make ice cream with condensed milk.

Same goes for other herbs, zests, and powders, like matcha, that don't completely dissolve in liquids. Also, if you prefer to use a whole vanilla bean, this is the method you want to use.

Chocolate - Fold in some chocolate chips before freezing the mixture or pour in a little Chocolate ganache and fold a couple of times with a rubber spatula to make it look like marble.

Peanut butter - Fold in some peanut butter (which should be runny) with a rubber spatula and freeze.

Berries - Cube fresh strawberries to fold into the mixture or just use any berries as a topping.

Berry sauce - Swirl your favorite berry jam into the mixture before freezing, or make your own Raspberry coulis and mix it in.