Are you craving a cool, creamy, and utterly delightful dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This homemade vanilla ice cream recipe using sweetened condensed milk is your ticket to ice cream heaven. Forget complicated ice cream makers and lengthy processes; this recipe delivers rich, smooth, and intensely flavorful vanilla ice cream with minimal effort. It's the perfect easy recipe for a hot summer day, a delightful treat for a special occasion, or simply a delicious way to end any day. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unbelievably simple yet incredibly delicious homemade dessert!
Ingredients:
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Chill the Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure your heavy cream and whole milk are well-chilled. This helps the ice cream freeze smoother and faster. Pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before you start.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, chilled heavy cream, and chilled whole milk until everything is thoroughly combined and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. The mixture should be creamy and uniform in color and consistency.
Step 3: Freeze the Mixture
Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container, cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, and place it in the freezer.
Step 4: Freezing Time
Now comes the waiting game! Allow the ice cream to freeze for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight. Freezing for a longer period will result in a firmer consistency.
Step 5: Enjoy Your Homemade Ice Cream!
Once frozen, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before scooping and serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade vanilla ice cream!
Tips for the Best Vanilla Ice Cream:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the flavor of your ice cream. Opt for good quality heavy cream and whole milk for the best results.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to icy ice cream. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Freeze in a shallow container: A shallower container will help the ice cream freeze more evenly.
- Consider adding mix-ins: Get creative! Once the ice cream is partially frozen (after about 3-4 hours), you can stir in your favorite mix-ins such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or fresh berries.
Variations:
- Chocolate Ice Cream: Add ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the mixture.
- Strawberry Ice Cream: Puree 1 cup of fresh strawberries and add them to the mixture.
- Coffee Ice Cream: Add 2 tablespoons of instant coffee granules dissolved in 2 tablespoons of hot water.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It's always best to use a nutrition calculator for precise values.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: High
- Sugar: High
- Protein: Moderate
This easy recipe delivers a truly delicious and satisfying homemade vanilla ice cream experience. Perfect for quick dinner ideas or a special treat, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. The creamy texture and intense vanilla flavor will leave you wanting more! Enjoy!