You don’t need an ice cream maker, fancy gadgets, or even a whole afternoon to whip up this dreamy No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream. Lush, creamy, and bursting with bright strawberry flavor in every bite, this freeze-and-scoop treat is my secret weapon for impossible-to-resist summer desserts — and trust me, after one spoonful, you’ll be hooked too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vibrant Fresh Flavor: Each scoop is packed with real strawberries and a swirl of strawberry syrup, showcasing the best of the season.
- Ultra Creamy—No Machine Required: The ingenious no-churn method creates an outrageously silky texture, all with a handheld mixer.
- Ridiculously Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and minutes of prep, it’s an instant kitchen win for busy cooks and beginners alike.
- Customizable to Your Cravings: From add-ins to toppings, this recipe is endlessly adaptable for family fun and flavor adventures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just six simple ingredients transform into the creamiest No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream you’ve ever tasted. Each one brings something special — from the rich, velvety base to the juicy berry bursts and subtle hints of vanilla, every piece works together for a decadent bite.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz.): Adds natural sweetness and keeps the ice cream luxuriously smooth without churning.
- Heavy whipping cream (2 cups): Whips up to stiff peaks, trapping air for that light, fluffy classic ice cream texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of vanilla deepens the cream’s richness and lets the strawberry flavor really shine.
- Strawberries, diced (2 cups): Fold in fresh or perfectly ripe strawberries for juicy texture and bursts of real fruit in every scoop.
- Strawberry syrup or strawberry topping (2 tablespoons): Swirling this in cranks up the berry flavor and brings those tempting pink ribbons to your ice cream.
- Pinch of salt (optional): Just a whisper of salt balances the sweetness and lets all the flavors pop.
Variations
No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream is basically a blank canvas for your sweet tooth and imagination! Feel free to experiment—swap in different fruits, play with toppings, or adjust the recipe to fit dietary needs for a custom treat every time.
- Mixed Berry Delight: Replace half the strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a juicy berry medley.
- Dairy-Free/Vegan: Use coconut cream and dairy-free condensed milk; the texture stays creamy but it’s friendly for everyone.
- Chocolate Swirl: Add ripples of melted dark chocolate or fold in chocolate chunks for a strawberries-and-chocolate twist.
- Crunchy Add-Ins: Toss in crushed graham crackers, pretzels, or toasted nuts for irresistible bits in every bite.
How to Make No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream
Step 1: Whip the Cream Base
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the sweetened condensed milk, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla. Grab your hand-held mixer and whip the mixture on high for about four minutes, until soft clouds form stiff peaks. This air-whipping step is the key to achieving that light, scoopable ice cream texture without a machine.
Step 2: Fold in Strawberries
Once the base is whipped, gently fold in the diced strawberries using a spatula. Be gentle — overmixing can deflate the fluffiness! You want the fruit to be evenly distributed, so every spoonful has plenty of real strawberry goodness.
Step 3: Swirl in Strawberry Syrup
Add the strawberry syrup or topping directly over the folded base, then lightly swirl it through with your spatula. This gives the No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream those beautiful pink streaks and an extra kick of berry flavor. (Don’t fully mix it—you want lush rivers, not pink puree!)
Step 4: Freeze and Wait (The Hardest Part!)
Pour your dreamy, strawberry-studded base into a loaf pan or freezer-safe container. Smooth out the top, cover, and pop it into the freezer for 5-6 hours, or until set. Tip: Resist the urge to check too soon — a full freeze guarantees perfect scoops!
Step 5: Serve & Savor
Scoop your No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream into bowls, cones, or right off the spoon! Top with more berries, extra syrup, or your favorite toppings for a totally custom treat everyone will adore.
Pro Tips for Making No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream
- Chill Your Tools: For best results, pop your mixing bowl and beaters in the fridge for 20 minutes before whipping — cold tools mean even fluffier cream.
- Perfect Berry Prep: Pat strawberries dry after washing and dice small; too much moisture can make icy spots and big chunks weigh down the texture.
- Gentle Swirl Technique: When adding the syrup, use just a few strokes to create beautiful berry ribbons instead of mixing it all the way in.
- Freezer-Friendly Storage: Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent freezer burn and keep that fresh, creamy texture for days.
How to Serve No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream
Garnishes
A little extra love goes a long way! Try topping your No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream with extra diced strawberries, a drizzle of strawberry syrup, or a sprig of fresh mint for maximum color and flavor. For something crunchy, sprinkle with toasted almonds or white chocolate shavings.
Side Dishes
Pair your ice cream with crisp butter cookies, store-bought shortbread, or wedges of homemade pound cake. For a party, serve alongside a platter of fresh fruit or a bubbly sparkling lemonade — the tartness makes the strawberry sweetness shine even brighter.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the bowl! Try sandwiching scoops between chewy sugar cookies for homemade ice cream sandwiches, or scoop into mini cones for kid-friendly treats. For a show-stopper at brunch, serve your No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream over warm waffles or in elegant glass cups layered with berries and whipped cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream tightly covered in the freezer; a layer of plastic wrap pressed against the surface or a well-sealed container helps preserve that fabulous creamy texture and classic strawberry flavor.
Freezing
This ice cream freezes beautifully for up to two weeks. For best scooping, remove the pan from the freezer and let it rest a few minutes on the counter to soften just slightly; this makes serving smooth and satisfying every time.
Reheating
No need to reheat here! If your No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream is too firm to scoop straight from the freezer, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes and it’ll be perfectly scoopable — cold, creamy, and ready to enjoy.
FAQs
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Can I make No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream with frozen strawberries?
Yes! Thaw the strawberries first and drain off excess liquid to prevent icy chunks. Dice them small and fold into the base as you would with fresh berries for delicious results all year round.
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Do I need to use an actual ice cream maker?
No ice cream maker required for this recipe—just a mixer to whip the cream! That’s what makes No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream so approachable, even for beginners.
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Why is my ice cream icy instead of creamy?
Icy texture usually comes from excess water (from wet fruit) or under-whipped cream. Pat your strawberries dry, use ripe ones if possible, and make sure you beat the base until stiff peaks form for that plush, indulgent texture.
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Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely — simply double all ingredients, whip in batches for best results, and use a larger freezer-safe dish (or two loaf pans) so everyone can get a scoop of this irresistible No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a homemade treat that’s as simple to make as it is soul-satisfying to eat, this No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream will win over every strawberry lover at your table. Dive in, share a scoop with friends (or don’t!), and let this become your new summer dessert tradition. Enjoy every creamy, berry-swirled bite!
PrintNo Churn Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy sweetness of homemade strawberry ice cream with this no-churn recipe. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delightful frozen treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base:
- 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt (optional)
Strawberry Swirl:
- 2 cups strawberries, diced
- 2 tablespoons strawberry syrup or strawberry topping
Instructions
- Prepare Ice Cream Base: In a mixing bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla extract.
- Whip the Mixture: Use a hand-held electric mixer to beat the mixture on high speed for about 4 minutes until stiff peaks form.
- Add Strawberries: Gently fold in the diced strawberries into the mixture.
- Swirl in Flavor: Incorporate the strawberry syrup or topping into the ice cream mixture for added flavor.
- Freeze: Transfer the ice cream into a bread loaf pan and freeze for 5-6 hours until firm.
- Serve: Scoop the strawberry ice cream into cones or bowls and add your favorite toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg