Are you craving a cool, creamy treat that's surprisingly simple to make? Then look no further! This evaporated milk ice cream recipe is a game-changer, offering a rich, decadent dessert without the fuss of complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Perfect for a hot summer day or a cozy night in, this homemade ice cream is a delicious addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unbelievably smooth and satisfying ice cream – all made with your trusty ice cream maker!
Ingredients:
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Chill the Ingredients: Before you begin, ensure your heavy cream, evaporated milk, and bowl are well-chilled. This is crucial for achieving the perfect creamy texture. Cold ingredients are essential for quick freezing and a smoother final product.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the chilled evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream until just combined. Avoid overmixing; you just want the ingredients to blend smoothly. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
Step 3: Churn in Your Ice Cream Maker: Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. This typically takes about 20-30 minutes. The ice cream will gradually thicken and become creamy.
Step 4: Harden (Optional): Once churned, your ice cream will be soft-serve consistency. For a firmer texture, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the ice crystals to fully develop, giving you a denser, scoopable ice cream.
Tips for the Best Evaporated Milk Ice Cream:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the ice cream! Opt for high-fat heavy cream for maximum creaminess.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to a less dense ice cream. Gentle mixing is key.
- Patience is a Virtue: Allow the ice cream to harden sufficiently in the freezer. The longer it sits, the firmer it will become.
- Taste and Adjust: Before churning, taste the mixture and adjust sweetness or vanilla to your preference. You can add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cocoa powder for a delicious twist.
Variations:
- Chocolate Ice Cream: Add ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the mixture along with the vanilla.
- Coffee Ice Cream: Stir in 2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder.
- Strawberry Ice Cream: Add 1 cup of pureed fresh strawberries.
- Mint Chocolate Chip: Add ¼ cup of finely chopped chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of mint extract.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on serving size and specific ingredients used, but a general estimate per 1/2 cup serving is:
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: Around 18-20g
- Saturated Fat: Around 11-13g
- Sugar: Around 25-30g
This quick dinner idea is easy to customize and create delicious dishes that the whole family will love. Making homemade ice cream is surprisingly easy and fun; this recipe is a perfect example of simple yet delicious recipes you can easily create at home. Enjoy your creamy, dreamy ice cream!