If you’re craving a creamy, dreamy dessert that bursts with fresh berry flavor but don’t want to fuss with an ice cream machine, you’re going to fall head over heels for No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream. This easy homemade treat is a summer dream come true: super smooth, packed with vibrant strawberry pieces, and deliciously sweet, all with just a handful of pantry staples. The best part? You can make it in your own kitchen with hardly any effort. Whether you’re impressing guests, treating the family, or savoring a scoop all to yourself, this delightful frozen dessert is bound to become your warm-weather favorite.

No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient has a special role: bringing pure strawberry flavor, creamy texture, or sweet balance. Let’s break down what you need and why it matters.

Heavy whipping cream: Gives the ice cream its luscious, rich texture and perfectly airy scoopability.
Sweetened condensed milk: The secret to creaminess and sweetness, binding everything together with a lovely, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Fresh strawberries: Whether you like big berry chunks or a smoother swirl, strawberries bring that vibrant pink color and irresistible fruity punch.
Vanilla extract: Amplifies all the natural flavors, adding a touch of warmth and rounding out the sweetness.
Lemon juice: Just a splash lifts and brightens the berries, making the whole dessert taste fresher.
Pinch of salt: Don’t skip this! It balances the flavors and transforms the ice cream from one-note sweet to truly irresistible.

How to Make No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream

Step 1: Macerate the Strawberries

Start things off by combining your finely chopped fresh strawberries with the lemon juice and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes—this softens the berries and draws out their juice, turning them extra flavorful. For a bit of texture, gently mash the berries with a fork, or use a quick blend for a smoother base. These juicy, ruby-red bits are what make No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream taste like summer in every bite.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

In a large separate bowl, grab your hand mixer (or stand mixer) and whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. You’re looking for pillowy, cloud-like mounds that will help your ice cream stay ultra-creamy after freezing. Take your time with this step; whipped cream is what gives this no churn ice cream its magical, spoonable texture.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Base

In another bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and your macerated strawberry mixture. Stir gently so everything is beautifully incorporated. The strawberry bits will infuse the whole base with their color and flavor, setting the stage for a perfect scoop of homemade No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream.

Step 4: Fold Everything Together

Now comes the secret to an airy finish: dividing the whipped cream into two additions, gently fold it into your strawberry base. Use a spatula and work with care—overmixing or rough stirring can deflate the cream and make your ice cream less light. You’re aiming for a uniform pink color but don’t stress over a few streaks; those make each scoop extra pretty!

Step 5: Freeze to Perfection

Spoon the mixture into a freezer-safe loaf pan or container, spreading it into an even layer. Press a sheet of plastic wrap directly onto the surface, or use a lid if your container has one. Freeze for at least 6 hours or, ideally, overnight. When it’s time, you’ll have a silky, scoopable No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream that rivals anything from an ice cream shop.

How to Serve No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream

Garnishes

Dress up your No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream with a flourish! Try a sprinkle of fresh strawberry slices, a dollop of whipped cream, or a dusting of crushed graham crackers. A light drizzle of strawberry sauce or a mint sprig adds even more color and flair for those extra-special summer celebrations.

Side Dishes

This ice cream is fantastic on its own, but it also shines alongside a warm slice of pound cake, tender shortcake biscuits, or folded into a classic ice cream sandwich. For a light and elegant touch, serve it with a plate of fresh summer berries or a simple vanilla wafer.

Creative Ways to Present

There’s no limit to how you can show off your homemade No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream! Scoop it into cones for a nostalgic touch, layer it in parfait glasses with crumbled cookies and berries, or swirl it into milkshakes for the ultimate pink treat. You can even serve mini scoops in chocolate cups at your next party for a bite-sized dessert that wows everyone.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any remaining No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream to an airtight container and keep it in the freezer. It’s at its very best within the first two weeks—after that, it may lose a bit of its creamy texture, but it’ll still taste delicious!

Freezing

The ice cream takes at least 6 hours to fully freeze, though overnight is even better for a firm, scoopable texture. Make sure you cover the surface with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid to prevent freezer burn and keep flavors fresh.

Reheating

Don’t worry, there’s no actual reheating needed here! If your No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream is a bit too hard straight from the freezer, just let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes. It’ll soften up beautifully and become easy to scoop.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain the frozen strawberries first, then chop and proceed with the maceration step as you would with fresh berries. This ensures your No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream won’t become icy.

Can I adjust the sweetness?

If you prefer a less-sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly or use strawberries that are sweet and in-season. Taste your base before freezing and adjust as needed to match your palate.

Is this recipe gluten free?

Yes, No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream is naturally gluten-free as written. Just be mindful if you add any mix-ins, like cookies or crackers—be sure they’re certified gluten-free.

What mix-ins can I add?

Get creative! Try stirring in extra chopped strawberries, mini chocolate chips, crushed graham crackers, or a swirl of strawberry jam just before freezing for added texture and flavor. The possibilities are endless.

Why does no churn ice cream work without an ice cream maker?

The combination of whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk mimics the aeration and smoothness you’d get from an ice cream machine. The folding technique helps keep everything light, resulting in that classic ice cream texture with no fancy gear required.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to bring a scoop of summer into your kitchen, give No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream a try. It’s quick, fun, and incredibly satisfying—no equipment, no fuss, just pure homemade happiness. I can’t wait for you to taste your first bite!

No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes (plus freezing time)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy, fruity delight of homemade No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings on a hot summer day.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Ice Cream:

2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

For the Strawberry Mixture:

1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and finely chopped)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice
pinch of salt

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Instructions

Prepare the Strawberry Mixture: In a mixing bowl, toss the chopped strawberries with lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to macerate, then mash lightly with a fork or blend briefly for a smoother texture.
Whip the Cream: In a separate large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Mix: In another bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk with vanilla extract and the strawberry mixture.
Fold: Gently fold the whipped cream into the strawberry base in two additions.
Freeze: Pour the mixture into a pan, cover, and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Notes

For added texture, stir in chopped strawberries or crushed graham crackers before freezing.
You can swirl in strawberry jam for a ribbon effect.
Best enjoyed within 2 weeks for optimal texture and flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Freezing
Cuisine: American