Name: Super Simple 3-Ingredient Ice Cream Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract

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This super simple 3-ingredient ice cream recipe is my favorite way to enjoy a creamy, homemade frozen treat without needing an ice cream maker or a long list of ingredients. It’s rich, smooth, and unbelievably easy to make. I love whipping this up when I want dessert but don’t feel like fussing with a complicated recipe.

Super Simple 3-Ingredient Ice Cream Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how fast and flexible this ice cream is. No churning, no eggs, no cooking—just mix, freeze, and enjoy. It’s also the perfect base for adding in my favorite mix-ins, like chocolate chips, fruit, or swirls of peanut butter. It’s a great way to impress without doing much work.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Sweetened condensed milk
Heavy whipping cream
Vanilla extract

Directions

I start by whipping the heavy cream in a large bowl until it forms stiff peaks.
In a separate bowl, I stir the sweetened condensed milk with the vanilla extract.
I gently fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture until smooth and fully combined.
I pour the mixture into a loaf pan or freezer-safe container, cover it, and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight until firm.
I scoop and serve straight from the freezer—no churning, no drama.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Freeze time: 6 hours
Total time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I stir in crushed cookies, swirls of caramel, chopped fruit, or chocolate chips before freezing. I’ve also swapped the vanilla for peppermint or almond extract for something different. The base is super versatile, so I can get creative depending on what I’m craving.

Storage/Reheating

I store the ice cream in a sealed container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. If it’s too firm straight from the freezer, I let it sit for 5–10 minutes before scooping. I never reheat it—just let it soften naturally.

FAQs

Can I make this without a mixer?

Yes, but I’ll need some arm strength to whip the cream by hand. A hand or stand mixer just makes it faster.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, I use full-fat coconut cream and sweetened condensed coconut milk for a delicious dairy-free version.

What’s the best container to freeze it in?

I like using a metal loaf pan or a freezer-safe plastic container with a tight lid.

Can I add flavors or mix-ins?

Definitely. I mix in cocoa powder, fruit purees, crushed candy, or cookie crumbs to make different flavors.

Is this ice cream soft or firm?

It’s rich and scoopable, similar to premium store-bought ice cream, especially after sitting out for a few minutes.

Conclusion

This super simple 3-ingredient ice cream is the easiest way I know to enjoy homemade ice cream that tastes amazing. It’s creamy, customizable, and comes together with almost no effort. Once I make it, I always find myself coming back to it again and again.