If you are craving a luscious and refreshing treat that feels like summer in every bite, this No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe is your new best friend. Rich, creamy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, this recipe comes together effortlessly without the need for an ice cream machine. The perfect balance of sweetened condensed milk and fresh strawberries creates a dreamy texture that melts in your mouth, ideal for hot days or when you just want to impress friends with a homemade dessert that tastes like it took hours of effort. Trust me, once you try this No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to achieving that perfectly creamy and flavorful ice cream. Each one plays a crucial role, from contributing a velvety texture to enhancing sweetness and the vibrant pink hue that makes this dessert so inviting.
- Heavy whipping cream (2 cups, cold): This is the heart of the ice cream’s creamy, airy texture, so make sure it is well chilled.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1 14 oz can): Acts as a natural sweetener while helping to achieve that rich and silky consistency without needing to churn.
- Fresh strawberries (1½ cups, stems removed): Provide the fresh fruity flavor and beautiful color; using ripe berries makes a huge difference.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds a warm, comforting undertone that deepens the overall flavor.
- Strawberry preserves (¼ cup): Boosts sweetness and adds delightful bursts of texture throughout the ice cream.
- Pinch of salt: Balances all the sweetness and enhances the berries’ natural flavor with a subtle hint of contrast.
- Optional – Strawberry jam (2 tbsp): Perfect for swirling into the mixture to create beautiful ribbons of extra strawberry goodness.
How to Make No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Puree Your Strawberries
Begin by blending your fresh strawberries until they’re smooth for a delightful creamy base. If you love texture, pulse just a little to keep some strawberry chunks in the mix. This step ensures your ice cream will have that unmistakable fresh strawberry punch.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
Next, whip your cold heavy cream in a large bowl until it forms stiff peaks. This aerated cream is what gives the ice cream its fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth quality, so it’s important not to under- or over-whip.
Step 3: Mix Condensed Milk with Flavors
In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, pinch of salt, pureed strawberries, and strawberry preserves. This creamy mixture will be the flavorful core of your ice cream, balancing sweetness and fruitiness beautifully.
Step 4: Fold in the Whipped Cream
Gently fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk and strawberry mixture. Be delicate here — you want to keep as much air in the mixture as possible to maintain that soft, creamy texture. Overmixing will lead to denser ice cream.
Step 5: Freeze to Perfection
Pour the mixture into a loaf pan or any freezer-safe container. If you’re feeling adventurous, swirl in the optional strawberry jam to create pretty, fruity ribbons. Cover tightly and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight to set fully. A little patience here yields divine results.
How to Serve No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this ice cream with fresh strawberry slices or a sprig of mint adds a pop of color and freshness. A drizzle of strawberry syrup or a sprinkle of crushed nuts can also enhance texture and provide a stunning finish to your presentation.
Side Dishes
This ice cream pairs wonderfully with a warm brownie, a slice of pound cake, or even a homemade waffle. The contrast between warm and cold creates a dynamic taste experience that will delight anyone at your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe in hollowed-out strawberries or in mini waffle cones for an adorable and portable treat. Another fun idea: layer it with fresh berries and whipped cream for a quick strawberry ice cream parfait that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover ice cream can be covered tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and stored in the freezer for up to one week without loss of texture or flavor. Make sure it stays sealed well to avoid freezer burn or unwanted ice crystals.
Freezing
When freezing your ice cream for the first time, use an airtight container to keep moisture out. Place a piece of parchment paper directly on the surface of the ice cream before sealing to help maintain its smooth texture and prevent ice crystals from forming.
Reheating
No need to reheat ice cream, but before scooping, let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. This slight thaw helps soften it enough to scoop easily while keeping that luscious creamy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen strawberries work well, just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before blending to prevent watery ice cream.
Do I really need heavy whipping cream?
Heavy whipping cream is essential because it whips into stiff peaks, giving your ice cream that creamy, airy texture. Lower-fat creams won’t whip the same way and may affect the final result.
Can I substitute the strawberry preserves?
If you prefer, you can use strawberry jam or omit it entirely. The preserves add extra sweet bursts and texture, but fresh strawberries still deliver wonderful flavor on their own.
How long does it take to freeze the ice cream properly?
For the best consistency, plan on freezing your ice cream for at least 6 hours, though overnight is ideal for a perfectly firm yet scoopable texture.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and use a larger container for freezing. Keep in mind that freezing times may increase slightly due to the larger volume.
Final Thoughts
This No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy homemade ice cream without the fuss of special equipment. It’s creamy, fresh, and perfectly sweetened, making it a winner every time. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you might just find that this easy recipe becomes your favorite way to cool off and celebrate strawberries all year round.
Print
No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream recipe delivers creamy, homemade strawberry ice cream without the need for an ice cream maker. Using simple ingredients like fresh strawberries, heavy whipping cream, and sweetened condensed milk, it’s easy to whip up a delicious frozen treat with swirls of strawberry preserves for extra flavor. Perfectly smooth with optional chunks, this ice cream is a refreshing, fruity dessert that can be prepared in under 15 minutes and frozen for hours.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Strawberry Mixture
- 1½ cups fresh strawberries (stems removed)
- ¼ cup strawberry preserves
- Optional: 2 tbsp strawberry jam (for extra swirls)
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Puree: Blend the fresh strawberries until smooth using a blender or food processor. If you prefer chunks of strawberry in your ice cream, pulse just a few times instead of blending completely. Set the puree aside for use in the base mixture.
- Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cold heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. This means the cream should hold its shape firmly when the beaters are lifted.
- Mix Condensed Milk and Flavorings: In another bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, pinch of salt, strawberry puree, and strawberry preserves. Stir gently until evenly combined.
- Fold the Cream into Strawberry Mixture: Carefully fold the whipped cream into the strawberry mixture using a spatula. Do this gently to avoid deflating the whipped cream, just until the ingredients are combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Freeze the Mixture: Pour the combined ice cream mixture into a loaf pan or any freezer-safe container. If using, swirl in the optional strawberry jam for extra strawberry flavor and visual effect. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Freeze Until Firm: Place the container in the freezer and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the ice cream to set properly.
- Serve: Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping. This softens it slightly for easier serving.
Notes
- For chunkier strawberry pieces, pulse strawberries instead of fully blending.
- Make sure the heavy cream is cold before whipping to achieve stiff peaks.
- Use an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming during freezing.
- Allow ice cream to sit at room temperature a few minutes before scooping for better texture.
- Swirling in extra jam gives an enhanced strawberry flavor and a beautiful marbled look.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
