Ingredients Overview
Because this ice cream has very few ingredients, quality matters. Use full-fat dairy for the richest texture and flavor.
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🥛 Ice Cream Base Ingredients
• 2 cups (480 ml) cold heavy whipping cream (minimum 35% fat)
• 1 cup (240 ml) full-fat sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of fine salt (enhances flavor)
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🍫 Optional Add-Ins (Choose Your Favorite)
• ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
• ½ cup crushed cookies or biscuits
• ½ cup caramel or chocolate sauce
• ½ cup chopped nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, pecans)
• ½ cup fruit puree or jam (strawberry, mango, raspberry)
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🍽️ Equipment Needed
• Large mixing bowl (preferably chilled)
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Freezer-safe container with lid
• Plastic wrap or parchment paper
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❄️ Step 1: Chill Everything for Best Results
Before starting, place:
• The mixing bowl
• The beaters or whisk
• The cream
into the refrigerator or freezer for 15–20 minutes.
Cold equipment helps the cream whip faster and trap more air, resulting in a lighter, creamier ice cream.
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☁️ Step 2: Whipping the Cream
Pour the cold heavy cream into the chilled bowl.
Using an electric mixer, whip the cream on medium speed until soft peaks form. This means the cream holds its shape but gently folds over when you lift the whisk.
⚠️ Do not overwhip. If the cream becomes grainy, the final ice cream will be dense instead of smooth.
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🍯 Step 3: Sweetening the Ice Cream Base
Add the sweetened condensed milk to the whipped cream.
Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Using a spatula, gently fold the mixture together using slow, circular motions. This step keeps the air inside the cream, which is essential for a soft, scoopable texture.
The mixture should be thick, glossy, and smooth.
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🍦 Why Condensed Milk Works So Well
Sweetened condensed milk:
• Sweetens the ice cream
• Prevents ice crystals
• Creates a creamy texture without eggs or cooking
This is why this recipe works perfectly without an ice cream machine.
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🍫 Step 4: Adding Flavors or Mix-Ins (Optional)
If you want flavored ice cream, now is the time to customize.
Gently fold in:
• Chocolate chips for classic vanilla-chocolate
• Swirls of caramel or chocolate sauce
• Crushed cookies for cookies & cream
• Fruit puree for fruity ice cream
👉 For swirls, add sauce after pouring into the container and lightly swirl with a knife.
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📦 Step 5: Freezing the Ice Cream
Transfer the mixture into a freezer-safe container.
Smooth the top with a spatula.
Press plastic wrap or parchment paper directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals.
Cover with a lid and freeze for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
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🍨 Step 6: Scooping & Serving
Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping.
Use a warm ice cream scoop for perfect, round scoops.
Serve in:
• Cones
• Bowls
• With brownies, cake, or pie
• Between cookies for ice cream sandwiches
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🍓 Flavor Variations You’ll Love
This rich base can become endless flavors:
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🍫 Chocolate Ice Cream
Add:
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted)
• OR 150 g melted dark chocolate (cooled)
Fold gently into the base.
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🍓 Strawberry Ice Cream
Add:
• ½ cup thick strawberry puree or jam
For best results, cook the puree briefly to remove excess water, then cool completely.
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☕ Coffee Ice Cream
Dissolve:
• 1½ tablespoons instant coffee
in 1 tablespoon hot water, cool, then add to the mixture.
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🥜 Nut & Praline Ice Cream
Add:
• Chopped roasted nuts
• Caramelized sugar pieces
This creates a crunchy, luxurious texture.
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🧊 Storage Tips
• Store ice cream tightly covered
• Keeps well for up to 2 weeks
• For best texture, consume within 7–10 days
• Avoid frequent thawing and refreezing
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❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Using low-fat cream (won’t whip properly)
• Overwhipping the cream
• Adding watery fruit without reducing it
• Freezing uncovered (causes ice crystals)
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💡 Pro Tips for Ultra-Rich Ice Cream
• Use real vanilla extract, not artificial
• Add a tablespoon of honey or corn syrup for extra softness
• Always fold gently—never stir aggressively
• Chill add-ins before mixing
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🍰 Serving Ideas for Special Occasions
• Drizzle with hot chocolate sauce
• Add fresh berries and mint
• Serve with warm brownies or waffles
• Sprinkle with crushed nuts or biscuits
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❤️ Final Thoughts
This Easy Homemade Ice Cream – Rich Edition proves that you don’t need fancy equipment to make exceptional ice cream at home. It’s creamy, smooth, indulgent, and endlessly customizable. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought.