No-Churn Strawberries and Cream Ice Cream: Easy Summer Treat

There’s an undeniable charm when strawberries meet cream. It’s a classic duo, instantly evoking warm, sun-drenched days and the simple pleasure of a perfectly ripe berry. What if you could transform that iconic strawberry flavor into an unbelievably smooth, decadent homemade ice cream? Today, we’re doing just that with this incredibly Easy No-Churn Strawberries and Cream Ice Cream recipe – a true celebration of summer!

My own journey into homemade ice cream started years ago, initially driven by curiosity about making treats without an ice cream machine. The first success, especially with a fruit-based ice cream like this one, was a revelation. This particular strawberries and cream dessert quickly became a family favorite, a go-to for effortless entertaining, and a wonderful kids summer ice cream recipe. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy equipment to create a truly special homemade dessert. This recipe is all about the magic of simple ingredients coming together to create a spectacular frozen treat.

Why This Homemade Strawberries and Cream Ice Cream Will Become Your Favorite

This isn’t merely another ice cream recipe; it’s a gateway to delightful summer moments and a testament to the beauty of easy homemade treats. Here’s why you’ll find yourself making this homemade strawberries and cream ice cream again and again:

The “No Machine Necessary” Advantage

You read that right! This is a genuine no churn strawberries and cream ice cream. This means you can achieve that dreamy, scoopable texture without any specialized homemade ice cream without machine gadgets. It’s perfect for kitchens of all sizes and for anyone who values simplicity.

Explore No-Churn Techniques: Serious Eats – The Best No-Churn Ice Cream Is Easy to Make at Home.

Pure, Simple Ingredients for Pure Flavor

The ingredient list is refreshingly short. We lean on the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries, the richness of quality heavy whipping cream, and the clever use of sweetened condensed milk ice cream techniques to build flavor and texture.

Unparalleled Creaminess Guaranteed

Get ready for a luxuriously smooth creamy texture ice cream that rivals premium store-bought options. The method ensures minimal ice crystals, resulting in a delightful mouthfeel.

A Joyful Treat for All Ages, Especially in Summer

This recipe is a champion among family-friendly desserts. It’s simple enough to be a kid-friendly cooking project and sophisticated enough to impress guests. As a summer treat for kids (and grown-ups!), it’s one of those simple summer recipes that brings everyone together. An easy no churn strawberries and cream ice cream recipe for kids to help with and enjoy is always a winner.

Gathering Your Ingredients: The Stars of Strawberries and Cream Ice Cream

The magic of this no churn ice cream stems from its straightforward, high-quality components. Here’s your shopping list for this enchanting strawberries and cream dessert:

The Fruit and Its Sweetener

• Fresh Strawberries: You’ll need approximately 2 cups (about 1 pound) of hulled fresh strawberries, sliced or diced. The more aromatic and ripe your berries, the more vibrant your strawberry flavor will be.
• Granulated Sugar: Between 2 and 4 tablespoons. This isn’t just for sweetness; it helps the strawberries release their juices, creating a natural syrup.

The Creamy Foundation

• Heavy Whipping Cream: 2 cups, thoroughly chilled. The cold temperature is crucial for achieving good volume. For an exceptional base, consider using a brand known for its quality, like Horizon Organic heavy cream. The richness from organic dairy products can truly elevate the final product. (This essentially answers a common inquiry: “Is Horizon Organic heavy cream a good option for ice cream?” The truth is, its quality renders it a superb selection!)
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: One 14-ounce can. This is a cornerstone of many no churn ice cream recipes, providing sweetness and ensuring a soft, scoopable texture thanks to its sugar content.
• Vanilla Bean Paste or Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste offers visible vanilla specks and a profound flavor. Alternatively, 1.5 teaspoons of high-quality pure vanilla extract serves as a great vanilla extract alternative.
• A Hint of Salt (Optional but Recommended): Just 1/8 teaspoon enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.

(This list clearly answers: “What ingredients are needed for no churn strawberries and cream ice cream?”)

Essential Kitchen Tools: Simplicity is Key

No complex machinery is required, just these everyday kitchen staples:

• Mixing Bowls: You’ll want at least two: a medium one for the berries, and a larger mixing bowl for whipping the cream and combining the ice cream base.
• A Reliable Whisk or Electric Mixer: An electric hand mixer or a stand mixer will make quick work of the whipped cream. However, a good old-fashioned mixing whisk and some enthusiasm will also get the job done.
• Flexible Spatula: Essential for gently folding the ingredients together.
• Freezer-Safe Container: A standard 9×5 inch loaf pan is a popular choice. Any sealable container for freezing with roughly a 1.5 to 2-quart capacity will work splendidly.
• Essential Baking Tools Guide: Food Network – The Best Baking Tools and Equipment, Tested by Food Network Kitchen.
  

Crafting Your Masterpiece: How to Make Strawberries and Cream Ice Cream (Step-by-Step)

Let’s walk through exactly how to make strawberries and cream ice cream without an ice cream machine. It’s a surprisingly straightforward process!

Step 1: Macerating the Strawberries for Maximum Flavor

• In your medium mixing bowl, gently combine the prepared fresh strawberries with the granulated sugar.
• Allow this mixture to sit at room temperature for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to an hour. This step, known as maceration, encourages the berries to soften and release their delicious, syrupy juices. For varied texture, you can lightly crush about half the berries with a fork.

Step 2: Whipping the Cream to Airy Perfection

• Pour the very cold heavy whipping cream into your large, preferably chilled, mixing bowl.
• Using your electric mixer (or vigorously with a mixing whisk), whip the cream. How do you get soft peaks when whipping cream for ice cream? Begin at a low speed, then gradually increase to medium-high. You’re looking for soft peaks – they should hold their shape generally, but the tips will gently curl over. Avoid over-whipping, as this can lead to a buttery texture.

Step 3: Creating the Luscious Ice Cream Base

• In a separate bowl, thoroughly whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, your choice of vanilla bean paste (or extract), and the optional salt. This blend establishes the wonderfully sweet and flavorful core of your nascent ice cream.

Step 4: Gently Combining for an Ethereal Texture

• Introduce about one-third of the whipped cream into the sweetened condensed milk mixture. Fold it in gently with your spatula until just combined; this lightens the base, making it easier to incorporate the rest of the cream.
• Add the remaining whipped cream and continue to fold carefully until no streaks remain. The goal is to preserve the airiness of the cream.

Step 5: The Artful Strawberry Swirl

• What is the best way to fold strawberries into the ice cream base? Pour about half of your macerated strawberries, along with their flavorful juices, over the ice cream base. Use your spatula to make just a few gentle folds, creating visible ribbons of fruit rather than a uniformly blended mixture.
• Transfer half of this strawberry-swirled ice cream mixture into your prepared loaf pan or sealable container for freezing.
• Scatter the remaining strawberries and their juice over this layer. Top with the rest of the ice cream mixture. For an attractive finish, you can use a knife or skewer to lightly swirl the surface.

Step 6: The Patient Wait – Freezing to Perfection

• Cover the container very well. Pressing a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream helps prevent ice crystal formation. Then, add another layer of plastic wrap, foil, or an airtight lid.
• Place your creation in the coldest section of your freezer. How long should I freeze homemade strawberries and cream ice cream? Allow it to freeze for a minimum of 6 to 8 hours, though overnight is ideal for it to firm up completely for easy scooping.
• Freezing and Food Safety: USDA – Freezing and Food Safety.
  

Pro Tips for the Creamiest No-Churn Delight

Unlock the secrets to an exceptionally smooth homemade frozen dessert with these tips for making creamy strawberries and cream ice cream at home:

Temperature Matters

• Chill Your Tools: Using very cold heavy whipping cream and even chilling your primary mixing bowl and beaters helps the cream achieve maximum volume and stability quickly.
• Consistent Freezer Temp: Store your ice cream in the main body of the freezer, not the door, where temperatures fluctuate more.

Technique is Everything

• The Gentle Fold: When combining the whipped cream into the base and adding the strawberries, use a light hand. Aggressive stirring will deflate the mixture, leading to denser ice cream.
• The Role of Sweetened Condensed Milk: How does sweetened condensed milk affect the texture of ice cream? This ingredient is a no-churn hero. Its high sugar concentration inhibits the formation of large ice crystals by lowering the freezing point of the mixture. This results in a softer, smoother sweetened condensed milk dessert that’s easy to scoop.

Protecting Your Creation

• Airtight is Right: A proper seal during freezing is crucial. Covering the surface directly, as mentioned, is a top tip to ward off freezer burn and ice crystals.

Simple Variations & Smart Substitutions

While this simple strawberries and cream ice cream recipe with sweetened condensed milk is fantastic as written, here’s a common query:

• Vanilla Choice: Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean paste in this recipe? Yes, indeed. If vanilla bean paste isn’t on hand, 1.5 teaspoons of good-quality pure vanilla extract is an excellent vanilla extract alternative and will still yield a delicious result.
• Berry Swaps: Don’t hesitate to try this method with other summer berries like raspberries, blueberries, or even a mix! Just follow the same maceration process.

Kid-Friendly Fun: Making Ice Cream Together

This easy strawberries and cream ice cream recipe is a superb avenue for engaging kids in the kitchen. It transforms into a memorable kid-friendly cooking project without involving stovetops or sharp blades (for the youngest helpers).

• Can kids help make this strawberries and cream ice cream? Absolutely! Depending on their age, they can assist with washing berries, measuring ingredients (a great early math lesson!), pouring the condensed milk, and even guiding the electric mixer with adult supervision, or taking turns with the folding. Witnessing simple ingredients turn into a delightful summer snack is pure magic for them.
• What are some fun summer activities to do with kids involving cooking? Beyond this ice cream, consider making homemade popsicles, fruit skewers, no-bake energy bites, or even simple salads. Any simple summer recipes that allow for hands-on participation tend to be big hits. This ice cream recipe stands out as one of the most rewarding easy dessert recipes to create a summer treat for kids.

Storing Your Homemade Treasure

Your batch of homemade strawberries and cream ice cream will maintain its best flavor and texture in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. While it will still be safe to eat beyond that, you might notice some slight changes in texture. To ensure the ice cream glides effortlessly from your scoop, allow it to soften on the counter for a brief 5 to 10-minute window just before you’re ready to enjoy it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A Scoop of Pure Summer Bliss

This no churn strawberries and cream ice cream is far more than just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience. It embodies the essence of summer, the satisfaction of creating something wonderful from basic ingredients, and the joy of sharing. It’s one of my most cherished summer dessert ideas with strawberries and cream ice cream due to its effortless nature and universal appeal.

So, I encourage you to gather your supplies and treat yourself and your loved ones to this remarkable homemade dessert. A single taste of this rich, fruity, and impeccably creamy texture ice cream is all it takes to fall in love. How do you enjoy incorporating fresh strawberries into your summer treats? I’m always eager to hear new ideas!