Craving creamy, dreamy ice cream but short on time? This Instant Vanilla Pudding Ice Cream recipe is your answer! Forget complicated churning and hours of freezing. This ridiculously simple recipe uses instant vanilla pudding mix as a base for a luxuriously smooth, homemade ice cream that will impress everyone. It’s the perfect quick dessert for a hot day, a last-minute addition to a dinner party, or a satisfyingly sweet treat any time you need a delicious pick-me-up. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade ice cream without the fuss! This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes, healthy meals (with adjustments!), and quick dinner ideas that can easily be transformed into a delightful dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and creamy. This should take only about a minute, and you’ll see the mixture thicken quickly. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow it to set fully.
Step 2: Incorporate the Cream & Sugar: Gently fold in the heavy cream and granulated sugar. Don’t overmix; you want to keep the mixture light and airy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Freeze: Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container. Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the pudding to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Step 4: Freeze & Serve: Freeze for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the ice cream to fully set. Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping.
Tips for the Best Instant Vanilla Pudding Ice Cream:
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the sugar to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet ice cream, start with 1/4 cup of sugar and add more to taste.
- Milk Alternatives: For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the milk and heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or another suitable alternative. The texture might differ slightly.
- Flavor Variations: Get creative! Add chocolate chips, sprinkles, chopped nuts, or cookie crumbs for extra texture and flavor. You could also experiment with different pudding flavors, like chocolate or butterscotch.
- Faster Freezing: For faster freezing, pour the mixture into a shallow, wide container to increase the surface area.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used. This recipe serves approximately 4-6.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Protein: Approximately 4-6g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-40g
- Sugar: Approximately 25-35g
This incredibly easy Instant Vanilla Pudding Ice Cream recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes you can make at home. It's a delightful addition to your repertoire of homemade cooking and best recipes, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!