Creamy No-Churn Vanilla Soft Serve Ice Cream
Easy, Velvety Homemade Soft Serve (No Ice Cream Maker Needed!)
Enjoy the nostalgic bliss of soft serve right at home—no ice cream machine required! This ultra-creamy, no-churn vanilla soft serve ice cream comes together with just 4 ingredients, delivering smooth, fluffy swirls of vanilla perfection. Perfect for summer days, family gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a quick and effortless treat.
Ingredients
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2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
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1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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½ cup whole milk
Prep & Freeze Time
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Freeze Time: 6 hours (or overnight)
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Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
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Yield: Approximately 8 servings
Equipment Needed
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Electric mixer or stand mixer (with whisk attachment)
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Mixing bowls
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Rubber spatula
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Loaf pan or freezer-safe container
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Plastic wrap
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Piping bag (optional, for authentic soft serve swirl)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Chill & Whip Cream
Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes. Pour the cold whipping cream into the chilled bowl and beat on high until stiff peaks form (about 3–4 minutes).
Step 2: Mix Ice Cream Base
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and whole milk until smooth and combined.
Step 3: Combine Gently
Gently fold the vanilla mixture into the whipped cream using a rubber spatula. Carefully maintain the fluffy texture and avoid overmixing.
Step 4: Freeze
Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan or a freezer-safe container. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals.
Step 5: Set & Serve
Freeze the mixture for at least 6 hours or overnight. When ready to serve, let it soften slightly at room temperature (about 5 minutes). Scoop into bowls or pipe into cones for a classic soft serve experience.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your soft serve topped with:
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Chocolate syrup
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Sprinkles
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Fresh berries
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Chopped nuts
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Caramel sauce
Storage & Tips
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Store covered tightly in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
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Allow a few minutes at room temperature for easier scooping or piping.
Pro Tips
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Chill equipment for fluffiest whipped cream texture.
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Use high-quality pure vanilla extract for best flavor.
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For authentic soft serve appearance, transfer slightly softened ice cream into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip, and pipe into cones or cups.
Creamy No-Churn Vanilla Soft Serve Ice Cream
Equipment
- Electric mixer or stand mixer (with whisk attachment)
- mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
- Loaf pan or freezer-safe container
- Plastic wrap
- Piping bag (optional, for authentic soft serve swirl)
Ingredients
- 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
Instructions
- Chill mixing bowl and beaters for 10 minutes. Beat cold whipping cream until stiff peaks form (3–4 minutes).
- In another bowl, whisk sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and whole milk until smooth.
- Gently fold vanilla mixture into whipped cream until combined, careful not to deflate the mixture.
- Transfer to a loaf pan or freezer-safe container. Cover tightly with plastic wrap directly on surface.
- Freeze at least 6 hours or