This Easy 3-Ingredient No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream is a creamy treat that anyone can whip up! Just strawberries, cream, and sweetener come together for a refreshing dessert.
No ice cream maker? No problem! Just mix, freeze, and enjoy. It’s like summer in a bowl, and the best part is, no fancy tools are needed. Perfect for hot days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are best for bright flavor. You can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw them out and drain excess liquid to avoid a watery mixture.
Heavy whipping cream: This ingredient gives the ice cream its creamy texture. For a lighter version, you can try using half-and-half, but the texture may be less rich.
Sweetened condensed milk: This adds sweetness and creaminess. If you want a healthier option, look for reduced-sugar versions, or you can use coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative, although the flavor will be a bit different.
How Do You Whip Heavy Cream to the Right Texture?
Getting the right texture with whipped cream is crucial for a fluffy ice cream. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a cold bowl and cold beaters for the best results. It helps the heavy cream whip faster.
- Pour the heavy whipping cream into the bowl and beat on medium speed until you see soft peaks.
- Then, increase the speed to high, and whip until stiff peaks form, which means the cream stands up straight when you lift the beaters out.
Be careful not to over-whip, or it could turn into butter! Aim for a fluffy, airy texture that will mix perfectly with the strawberry puree.
Easy 3-Ingredient No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious strawberry ice cream takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires a freezing time of at least 6 hours or overnight until firm. So, plan to make it ahead of time for the best results!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberries:
Begin by washing the strawberries thoroughly. Remove the green tops (hulling) and slice them. Then, place the sliced strawberries in a blender or food processor. Blend them until smooth, but if you prefer a little texture, feel free to leave some small chunks!
2. Whip the Cream:
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to whip the cream until it reaches stiff peaks. This means that when you lift the beaters, the peaks should stand up straight and not fall over.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Gently fold the sweetened condensed milk into the whipped cream with a spatula. Make sure it’s well combined but be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
4. Mix in the Strawberry Puree:
Once the condensed milk is mixed in, add the strawberry puree to the whipped cream mixture. Again, fold it in gently so that the mixture becomes a beautiful pink color, but don’t overmix—it’s nice to see some swirls!
5. Freeze the Mixture:
Pour the strawberry mixture into a freezer-safe container. Smooth out the top with a spatula, making sure it’s evenly spread. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
6. Let it Firm Up:
Place the container in the freezer and let the ice cream freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight. This will ensure it firms up nicely.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Once it’s frozen, take the ice cream out of the freezer about 5 minutes before you want to serve. This will make scooping easier. Serve it in bowls, and if you like, top it with fresh strawberry slices for that extra touch!
Enjoy this refreshing, creamy strawberry ice cream that’s easy to make without any special equipment!
FAQ for Easy 3-Ingredient No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid to prevent the ice cream from becoming too watery. Then blend them as you would with fresh strawberries.
How Can I Sweeten This Ice Cream Without Condensed Milk?
If you want to skip sweetened condensed milk, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup, adjusting the quantity to taste. Just keep in mind that this might change the creaminess and texture slightly.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It will keep well for up to 2 weeks, but for the best texture, try to consume it within a week. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping if it hardens too much.
Can I Add Other Ingredients or Flavors?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or different fruit purees for a twist. Just fold them in along with the strawberry puree before freezing to create your own unique flavor combinations!