Homemade Country Vanilla Ice Cream

This easy homemade no-churn vanilla ice cream is the perfect simple dessert to make with kids. With just a few pantry ingredients and no ice cream machine needed, this creamy vanilla ice cream comes together in minutes and freezes into a smooth, scoopable treat. It’s a fun family kitchen project and a delicious dessert for summer parties, birthdays, or anytime you want an easy homemade sweet.

If you’re looking for more easy family desserts and fun kitchen ideas for kids, be sure to browse my other simple treats and homemade recipes that are perfect for sharing together like this watermelon ice cream recipe, a love potion ice cream float, and this easy 3 ingredient snow ice cream recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No ice cream machine needed
• Only a few simple ingredients
• Extra creamy texture
• Perfect base for mix-ins
• Freezes beautifully for make-ahead desserts

Ingredients

• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined.

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

Gently fold the whipped cream into the milk mixture until smooth and fully incorporated.

Pour into a freezer-safe container or loaf pan.

Cover tightly and freeze for 3–6 hours or overnight, until firm and scoopable.

Best Way to Prevent Freezer Burn (better than plastic wrap trick)

For the creamiest texture and to prevent ice crystals:

✅ Press a layer of parchment paper OR plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream

✅ Then cover the container with a tight lid or foil

This prevents air pockets and keeps the ice cream smooth.

(This is the method professional kitchens use.)

🍦 Variations

• Add chocolate chips or chopped cookies before freezing
• Swirl in caramel or hot fudge
• Mix in crushed Oreos for cookies & cream
• Add fresh berries for a summer version
• Stir in mini peanut butter cups

🍰 What to Serve With Vanilla Ice Cream

This homemade vanilla ice cream is perfect with:

• Warm apple pie or cherry pie
• Peach cobbler or blueberry cobbler
• Brownies like these cheesecake brownies
• Chocolate cake
• Fresh berries

📦 Storing

Store tightly covered in the freezer for up to 2 weeks for best texture.
After that, it’s still safe but may start to form ice crystals.

🍨 Serving Tips

Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping for the smoothest texture.

❓ FAQs

Do I really not need an ice cream maker?
Nope — this recipe is designed to freeze creamy without one.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Heavy cream works best for structure and texture. Substituting may result in softer ice cream.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just freeze in two containers for faster, more even freezing.

👨‍👩‍👧 Serving Size

Makes about 8 servings (depending on scoop size).

Here’s the recipe printable for this ice cream

~Melissa – KidFriendlyThingsToDo.com