There’s something truly magical about making ice cream from scratch. It’s a simple pleasure—wholesome ingredients, a little patience, and in the end, a creamy, dreamy dessert that’s all yours. Today, I’m sharing an easy and delightful way to make homemade ice cream with just milk—no eggs required!

This recipe is perfect for when you’re craving ice cream but don’t have an ice cream maker or fancy ingredients on hand. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll be enjoying a refreshing scoop (or two!) in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ No eggs, no problem! This recipe skips the traditional egg custard, making it easier and lighter.
✔ Simple ingredients. You probably have everything you need in your kitchen already.
✔ Customizable. Add flavors, mix-ins, and toppings to make it your own!
✔ No ice cream maker needed. I’ll show you an easy freezer method for creamy results.

What Does This Homemade Ice Cream Taste Like?

This ice cream is smooth, creamy, and subtly sweet with a rich vanilla flavor. If you use whole milk and heavy cream, you’ll get a luxuriously silky texture. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use only milk—just expect a slightly icier consistency. Either way, it’s delicious!

Ingredients for Homemade Ice Cream with Milk

To make this easy ice cream, you’ll need:

• 2 cups whole milk (or your preferred milk)
• 1 cup heavy cream (for a richer texture, but optional)
• ¾ cup sugar (adjust based on your sweetness preference)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or any other flavor you love)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Shallow pan or container
• Ice cream maker (optional)
• Fork or hand mixer (if using the no-churn method)

Can I Make This Without Heavy Cream?

Yes! If you want to make this recipe with just milk, simply replace the heavy cream with an extra cup of milk. The result will still be delicious, though slightly less creamy. Using full-fat milk helps maintain a smoother texture.

How to Make Homemade Ice Cream with Just Milk

Step 1: Prepare the Base

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream (if using), and sugar until the sugar completely dissolves. This helps ensure a smooth texture in your ice cream.

Step 2: Add Flavor

Stir in vanilla extract or any other flavors you’d like. You can experiment with chocolate, fruit purees, or even mint extract for a fun twist!

Step 3: Chill the Mixture

Place the bowl in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the ice cream freeze faster and improves the texture.

Step 4: Churn the Ice Cream (Two Methods)

Method 1: Using an Ice Cream Maker

• Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions (typically, it takes 20-25 minutes to reach a soft-serve consistency).

Method 2: No Ice Cream Maker? No Problem!

• Pour the mixture into a shallow pan or freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for 30 minutes, then stir vigorously with a fork to break up any ice crystals.
• Repeat every 30 minutes for 2-3 hours, until the ice cream is thick and creamy.
• For extra smoothness, use a hand mixer instead of a fork.

Step 5: Freeze and Set

Once your ice cream reaches the desired consistency, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for another 2-3 hours to firm up.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Scoop and serve your homemade ice cream! Enjoy it plain, or add fun toppings like:

🍓 Fresh fruit
🍫 Chocolate chips or sauce
🌰 Nuts
🍪 Cookie crumbles
🍯 Drizzle of honey

Tips for Perfect Homemade Ice Cream

✅ Use whole milk for the best texture—low-fat milk can make the ice cream more icy.
✅ Add mix-ins like chocolate chips or cookie pieces after churning, so they don’t sink to the bottom.
✅ For extra smoothness, blend the mixture before freezing to incorporate air.
✅ Store in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming.

Storage Instructions

Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed within a week for optimal texture and flavor. Store it in an airtight container in the coldest part of your freezer.

🔹 Tip: Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the container to prevent freezer burn.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Only Milk?

Yes! You can make ice cream using just milk, but the texture will be slightly icier. For a creamier result, use whole milk and stir frequently during freezing.

How Can I Make Chocolate Ice Cream?

To make chocolate ice cream, whisk ¼ cup cocoa powder into the milk mixture before chilling. You can also melt ½ cup chocolate chips and stir them in for a richer flavor.

Can I Make This Dairy-Free?

Absolutely! Use coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk instead of dairy milk. Coconut milk gives the creamiest results.

How Do I Make This Ice Cream Softer?

Adding 1 tablespoon of corn syrup or alcohol (like a splash of vodka or rum) helps keep homemade ice cream softer and easier to scoop.

Final Thoughts: A Simple, Creamy Treat

Making homemade ice cream with just milk is a fun and rewarding experience. Whether you use an ice cream maker or the no-churn method, the result is always a delicious frozen treat. Plus, the possibilities for flavors and mix-ins are endless!

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or share your ice cream creations on Pinterest! 🍦✨

More Frozen Treats to Try

🍫 Chocolate Marshmallow Ice Cream – A rich, creamy chocolate base swirled with gooey marshmallows!

Now, go grab a spoon and enjoy your homemade ice cream! 😍🍦

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