Homemade Ice Cream (No Whipping Cream)

Craving homemade ice cream but don’t have heavy whipping cream or an ice cream machine? No worries! This simple recipe uses basic ingredients like eggs, sugar, and whole milk to create a creamy, delicious treat. While traditional ice cream recipes often call for heavy cream, this version relies on eggs to stabilize and emulsify the mixture, just like old-fashioned ice cream.

Whether you’re making it for yourself or as a fun treat for the kids, this ice cream is a delightful alternative. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite flavors and toppings. Let’s dive in!

What You’ll Need

• 2 large eggs – Separated into yolks and whites. Eggs help emulsify and stabilize the mixture for a creamy texture.
• ½ cup sugar – Divided between the yolks and whites for sweetness.
• 2 cups whole milk – Provides richness and body to the ice cream. You can also use evaporated milk or reconstituted powdered milk.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the ice cream.
• A pinch of salt – Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.

How to Make Ice Cream Without Cream (Step-by-Step Guide)

1. Prepare the Egg Yolk Mixture

• Separate the egg yolks from the whites and place them in a bowl.

• Add ¼ cup sugar to the egg yolks and mix until well combined.
• Pour in ½ cup of whole milk, mix again, and set aside.

2. Heat the Milk

• Pour the remaining 1½ cups of milk into a pot and heat it over medium-low heat.
• Once warm, slowly whisk in the egg yolk mixture while stirring continuously.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened. Avoid bringing it to a full boil.
• Remove from heat and let it cool.

Tip: If using powdered milk, dissolve it in water before heating.

3. Whip the Egg Whites

• In a separate bowl, add the egg whites, a pinch of salt, and the remaining ¼ cup of sugar.

• Lightly mix, then place the bowl over a steam bath (double boiler) and stir continuously for 4-5 minutes.

• Remove from heat and let it cool for 10-15 minutes.
• Using a hand mixer, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This helps create an airy, creamy texture in the final ice cream.

4. Combine Everything

• Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the cooled milk mixture.
• Add the vanilla extract and mix gently with a spatula.
• Use a hand mixer for about one minute to blend everything smoothly. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Freeze the Ice Cream

• Pour the mixture into a deep container and cover with plastic wrap.

• Freeze for 4-6 hours until firm.
• For extra fun, pour some of the mixture into popsicle molds before freezing.
• Enjoy! Scoop and serve immediately. Store leftovers in the freezer.

How to Make This Ice Cream in a Ninja Creami

If you have a Ninja Creami, making this ice cream is even easier!

1. Prepare the mixture – Follow steps 1-4 above.
2. Freeze in a Ninja Creami pint – Pour the mixture into the pint container and freeze for 24 hours.
3. Process in the Ninja Creami – Insert the frozen pint into the machine and select the “Ice Cream” mode.
4. Customize the texture – If it looks too firm, select the “Re-spin” option to make it creamier.
5. Enjoy! Scoop and serve immediately. Store leftovers in the freezer.

Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Ice Cream

•  Whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This step ensures the ice cream is light and airy.
•  Let the mixture cool completely before freezing. This prevents ice crystals from forming.
•  Allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping. It softens slightly, making it easier to serve.
•  Experiment with flavors! Add cocoa powder for chocolate ice cream, fruit puree for a fruity twist, or coffee for a bold flavor.

Serving & Topping Ideas

Once frozen, scoop and serve your homemade ice cream with:

• Chocolate syrup
• Caramel drizzle
• Fresh fruits (strawberries, bananas, or berries)
• Crushed cookies or nuts

Enjoy it in a bowl, a cone, or as a popsicle—your choice!

FAQ

1. Can I use powdered milk instead of whole milk?

Yes! Dissolve powdered milk in water before following the recipe.

2. How do I prevent ice crystals in homemade ice cream?

Mix thoroughly and ensure an airtight seal when freezing. Let the mixture cool properly before freezing.

3. Can I add flavors like chocolate or strawberry?

Absolutely! Add cocoa powder, fruit puree, or flavored extracts while mixing.

4. Is this as creamy as ice cream with heavy whipping cream?

It’s slightly less creamy, but still deliciously smooth and satisfying!

Final Thoughts

Making ice cream without heavy cream is easy and fun! While it may not be as rich as store-bought varieties, this homemade version is a great alternative when you’re out of ingredients or want a lighter treat.

Try it out, experiment with flavors, and let us know how you like it!

Did you enjoy this recipe? Don’t forget to share your photos and tag me @joyfulcook__. See you in the next one!