No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream: Creamy, Fruity, and Incredibly Easy
This no-churn strawberry ice cream proves that you don’t need an ice cream maker to enjoy rich, homemade ice cream. Fresh strawberries are blended into a smooth puree, then folded into a whipped cream and condensed milk base for an ultra-creamy, fruity dessert. With swirls of real strawberry throughout and chunks of fresh fruit for extra texture, this recipe tastes even better than store-bought — and comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No ice cream machine needed: A simple whip-and-fold method creates creamy ice cream without special equipment.
- Real strawberry flavor: Fresh strawberries, both pureed and chopped, deliver authentic fruity taste throughout.
- Rich, creamy texture: Whipped cream and condensed milk combine for a smooth, scoopable consistency.
- Simple ingredients: Just a few pantry staples and fresh strawberries come together for a delicious treat.
- Great make-ahead dessert: Perfect for preparing in advance for hot summer days.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, very cold
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped strawberries for extra texture, optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the strawberries: Wash and chop the strawberries.
- Make the puree: Blend the strawberries with the sugar until you get a smooth strawberry puree.
- Whip the cream: In a large bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Add condensed milk: Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, then gently fold everything together until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in strawberries: Add the strawberry puree and chopped strawberries. Fold gently to create a beautiful, creamy strawberry mixture with visible swirls.
- Freeze: Transfer to a freezer-safe container, smooth the top, cover, and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Serve: Scoop and serve with fresh strawberries on top.
Tips for the Best Results
- Make sure the heavy cream is very cold before whipping for the best volume and stability.
- Fold gently rather than stirring vigorously to keep the mixture light and airy.
- Leave some strawberry puree unmixed for beautiful visible swirls throughout the ice cream.
- Cover the container tightly to prevent ice crystals from forming during freezing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this no-churn strawberry ice cream scooped into bowls or cones, topped with fresh strawberry slices for extra flavor and presentation. It’s a refreshing, homemade treat perfect for summer gatherings, family desserts, or anytime a creamy fruit-forward ice cream is craved.