15 Delicious Homemade Ice Cream Recipes That Don’t Require a Machine
Ice cream is a summer staple for a reason, but let’s be real: Sometimes a walk through the freezer aisle can be overwhelming. And despite the array of flavors, you still might not find the perfect tub you’re looking for. That’s when homemade ice cream can come in clutch.
Making your own ice cream can be fun and satisfying, especially in the summer, Marisa Moore, RDN, LD, tells SELF. The possibilities for flavors and combinations are pretty much endless: Find yourself gravitating toward cherry pie or blueberry cobbler once the temperatures start heating up? Make an ice cream inspired by those pastries by folding in some seasonal fruit. And if dairy isn’t your thing, you can swap it for some coconut cream or puréed avocados, which provide an even smoother texture than milk-based options, says Moore. It’s really about innovating with what you have on hand to match whatever taste profile you’re craving.
While making your own frozen dessert may sound complicated, it’s actually simpler than you may think. An ice cream machine can be useful, sure, but you absolutely can still make magic happen with just a blender, loaf pan, and your freezer, Moore says.
And the best part? Homemade ice cream comes together without a whole lot of hands-on time. The prep usually takes under 15 minutes—and then the ice box does the rest of the work.
So if you’re feeling ready to start scooping, get your bases ready—say, heavy cream, coconut milk, or puréed bananas—then check your pantry for potential add-ins (think chocolate chips, pecans, or berries), and get cranking. Looking for a bit more of a direction or some really tasty inspo? We’ve rounded up 15 homemade ice cream recipes to get you one step closer to cooling off this summer.
LaKita Anderson via SimplyLakita1Cookies and Cream Ice Cream from Simply Lakita
You’re only four ingredients—Oreos, heavy whipping cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla—away from spinning up this cookie-filled, chocolate-studded treat. You’re in charge of the Oreo crushing here, so make the chunks as big or as fine as you’d like.
Get the recipe here.
Eden Westbrook via Sweet Tea and Thyme2Easy Cherry Cheesecake Ice Cream from Sweet Tea and Thyme
If you want to impress your guests, try this cheesecake-inspired recipe. It’s packed with cream cheese, which gives it that sweet yet tart flavor, and topped with canned cherry pie filling and crunchy graham crackers for an added boost. Not only is the taste rich, but it looks fancy too, thanks to the fruit and cookie swirls in each scoop.
Get the recipe here.
Brittany Mullins via Eating Bird Food3Banana Ice Cream from Eating Bird Food
What if we told you that all you need is a couple of frozen bananas and a blender to make ice cream? That’s the truth with this recipe, which proves that cold and luscious desserts don’t have to be complicated.
Get the recipe here.
Shanika Graham-White via Orchids and Sweet Tea4No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream from Orchids and Sweet Tea
Have extra nuts left over from baking? Then bookmark this butter pecan ice cream recipe, which gives you a fun way to use up those pantry items so they’ll never go stale again.
Get the recipe here.
LaKita Anderson via SimplyLakita5Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream from Simply Lakita
This ice cream recipe is refreshing thanks to the mint, and only requires two additional ingredients: heavy whipping cream and sweetened condensed milk. You can also throw in some green food coloring if you’re really feeling festive.
Get the recipe here.
Deborah Harroun via Taste and Tell6Toasted Coconut Ice Cream from Taste and Tell
Try spicing up your traditional vanilla ice cream by adding toasted coconut for a nutty and sweet finish.
Get the recipe here.
Maryanne Cabrera via The Little Epicurean7No Churn Ube Ice Cream from The Little Epicurean
Yes, we all know Trader Joe’s Ube Ice Cream is delicious, and your own dupe of it can be too. The hack is snagging some purple yam powder to serve as the base. Whip that up with some evaporated and sweetened condensed milk, and you’ll be on your way to a violet-tinted dessert.
Get the recipe here.
Shanika Graham-White via Orchids and Sweet Tea8Loaded No-Churn Snickers Ice Cream from Orchids and Sweet Tea
Grab your favorite candy bars, like Twix, Reese’s cups, or Butterfingers, chop them up, and throw them into your ice cream base. This recipe uses Snickers, so you get those gooey bits of caramel, chocolate, and crunchy peanuts in every scoop.
Get the recipe here.
Dana DeVolk via This Silly Girl's Kitchen9No Churn Caramel Ice Cream from This Silly Girl's Kitchen
Whip up this caramel ice cream and scoop it onto a cookie or warm brownie, or just eat it on its own when you’re craving something sweet.
Get the recipe here.
Kate Taylor via Cookie and Kate10Chai Coconut Ice Cream from Cookie and Kate
Chilled chai lattes are a summer staple, so why not transform the refreshing beverage into ice cream form? This recipe uses spiced-up tea as a base, and pairs perfectly with a slice of airy cake or with some crunchy granola.
Get the recipe here.
Deborah Harroun via Taste and Tell11Lemon Ice Cream from Taste and Tell
Adding citrus to dairy is great because the creamy flavors balance the sour ones. This recipe combines freshly squeezed lemon juice with heavy cream and half and half to create a sweet and tart frozen dessert.
Get the recipe here.
Brittany Mullins via Eating Bird Food12Avocado Ice Cream from Eating Bird Food
Avocados are naturally creamy, making them perfect for ice cream—just make sure to pick ripe ones. That way, they’ll get nice and smooth when you blend them with some sweetener and almond milk. Then top off your dish with some chocolate chips, nuts, or berries to add some texture.
Get the recipe here.
Maryanne Cabrera via The Little Epicurean13No Churn Espresso Dulce de Leche Ice Cream from The Little Epicurean
Kate Taylor via Cookie and Kate14Salted Peanut Butter and Honey Ice Cream from Cookie and Kate
This coconut milk-based frozen treat incorporates two pantry staples: peanut butter and honey. Get creative by adding toppings like warm jam or chocolate sauce.
Get the recipe here.
Dana DeVolk via This Silly Girl's Kitchen15S’mores Ice Cream from This Silly Girl's Kitchen
S’mores are on pretty much everyone’s summer bucket list, but sometimes it’s just too hot to make them around a fire. In that case, lean on this recipe for a new, creative way to use graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate for a chilled dessert.
Get the recipe here.
Related:
SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
