Until now, I had this image of homemade ice cream requiring fancy machines, endless churning, and an exhaustive ingredient list. But let me ask, what if I told you that a creamy, dreamy 3 Ingredient Vanilla Ice Cream can be whipped up in only minutes? No ice cream maker, no eggs, no fuss-just pure velvety goodness!
And that first time when I tried the recipe, you wouldn’t believe how effortless it was. A mix of chilled whipped cream, condensed milk, and vanilla essence comes out as silky and luscious ice cream ever.
Be it a refreshing summer dessert, a homemade quick dessert, or a fun recipe to try with kids, this no-churn ice cream is a thing that one should not miss. What to say, then? Ready to make one? Follow my easy guide to savor your very own summer treat. Keep an eye out for some side dish ideas too!
What Is 3 Ingredient Vanilla Ice Cream?
Vanilla is a classic, always loved across cultures and generations. Actually, it comes from the 17th century when it became a delicacy of European royals. With time, vanilla ice cream came into the everyday lives of people around the world, as it paired well with cakes, pies, fruits, or enjoyed on its own.
Traditional ice cream making involves an ice cream maker, eggs, and some seriously complicated churning. But with this 3-ingredient vanilla ice cream recipe, you can have the same creamy-luscious texture– no churning or eggs needed!
How to Make 3 Ingredient Vanilla Ice Cream
To make this 3 ingredient vanilla ice cream is as easy as mixing, layering, and freezing! Here’s how— In a bowl whip 1 cup of whipped cream until thick creamy, then, add ½ cup condensed milk and ½ teaspoon vanilla essence, beat it for 2 more minutes.
Separate 1 cup of the cream mixture for the topping. Then, add pink food coloring to the remaining cream and mix it well with a spoon. Fold in half of the white base in a container, add the pink base, and cover with the remaining white base. Seal and freeze for 7-8 hours or overnight.
Once set, scoop and sprinkle with nuts; your 3 Ingredient Vanilla Ice Cream is ready!
3 Ingredient Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup chilled whipped cream
- ½ cup condensed milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla essence
- A few drops of pink food color
- Chopped nuts like almonds and pistachios
Directions
- In a big bowl take 1 cup of chilled whipped cream.
- Using an electric whisker keep beating until the cream thickens. It should get a soft and creamy consistency like the image.
- Next, add ½ cup of condensed milk with the whipped cream.
- Add ½ teaspoon of vanilla essence.
- Now beat the creamy mixture again for 2 more minutes at medium speed. And your ice cream base is ready.
- Take out 1 cup of the whipped cream into a small bowl and keep it aside separately.
- Into the remaining cream mix a few drops of pink food color. (Feel free to experiment with any other food color you want)
- Using a spoon mix it well. Don’t use the electric whisker as it may affect the consistency. Keep the pink base aside for a while.
- After that take out the white ice cream base and pour half of it into your ice cream container.
- Now, add the pink layer on top of the white ice cream base. Cover it with the remaining white base and smooth it out.
- Cover the container with a lid and let it set in the refrigerator for 7 to 8 hours. Even better, if you give it an overnight stay.
- After 7 to 8 hours your 3 ingredient vanilla ice cream is ready! Scoop out the cooling sweet delight and garnish with some almond, pistachio, and other nut variants.
- All that’s left now is to enjoy these soothingly chilled and sweet delights with your family and friends!
Side Dish & Topping Ideas for Your Vanilla Ice Cream
Of course, this 3 Ingredient Vanilla Ice Cream can be great on its own, but adding a few toppings will take it to the next level! For a classic touch, drizzle some rich chocolate syrup or swirl in caramel sauce; the sweetness pairs so wonderfully with this creamy vanilla base.
If you are feeling fruity, top with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or chunks of mango. If you are feeling super indulgent, dollop on a bit of whipped cream and a cherry on top for a sundae treat!
And if you’re feeling adventurous, pair this ice cream with a warm apple pie or some fudgy brownies for a comforting dessert combination.
Chef’s Tips
- Make sure that your whipped cream is well-chilled before whisking; this way, it will whip so much faster.
- Gently fold in the food color, using a spoon to keep the mixture airy and light.
- Let your ice cream set in the freezer for as long as possible for a firmer texture.
- When serving, let the container sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before scooping—this makes it easier.