Nothing screams summer quite like the taste of fresh strawberries swirled into a creamy, homemade ice cream. But the thought of dragging out an ice cream maker and dealing with complicated recipes can be daunting. What if I told you that you could create incredibly smooth and delicious strawberry ice cream without any churning or special equipment? Enter the magic of condensed milk! This recipe delivers a no-churn strawberry ice cream that’s so easy to make, even a beginner can nail it on the first try. Get ready to indulge in a sweet and refreshing treat with this foolproof strawberry ice cream recipe with condensed milk.
Why This Recipe Works: The Condensed Milk Secret
Let’s be honest, traditional ice cream recipes can be a bit of a hassle. They often require an ice cream maker, careful monitoring, and the constant worry of ice crystals ruining the texture. This strawberry ice cream recipe with condensed milk is different. The sweetened condensed milk acts as a natural sweetener and, more importantly, prevents the formation of large ice crystals. This results in a luxuriously smooth and creamy texture, all without the need for churning. The ingredient list is refreshingly short and sweet, the preparation is quick and easy, and the result is a frozen dessert that’s bursting with strawberry flavor. It’s the perfect solution for anyone craving homemade ice cream without the fuss.
Using condensed milk makes this recipe exceptionally easy. You only need a few ingredients, a hand mixer or stand mixer, and a freezer-safe container. It’s truly a beginner-friendly recipe, and the creamy, rich texture of the ice cream will impress everyone who tries it. The flavor is intensely strawberry, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the condensed milk. This is a strawberry ice cream recipe with condensed milk that you’ll be making again and again.
Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe with Condensed Milk: A Step-by-Step Guide
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand:
- Two cups fresh strawberries
- One fourteen-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- Two cups heavy cream
- One teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Each ingredient plays a vital role in the final product. Fresh strawberries provide the vibrant flavor and color. Sweetened condensed milk adds sweetness and contributes to the creamy texture. Heavy cream provides the richness and body. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, and a pinch of salt balances the sweetness.
Prepare Your Equipment
You’ll need the following equipment:
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Large mixing bowl
- Freezer-safe container (loaf pan, ice cream container, etc.)
Now, let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step One: Prepare the Strawberries. Begin by washing and hulling the fresh strawberries. Remove the green tops and any blemishes. You have a couple of options here: you can either puree the strawberries completely in a blender or food processor, or you can chop them into small pieces. If you prefer a smoother ice cream, go for the puree. If you like having bits of strawberry in your ice cream, opt for chopping. For this strawberry ice cream recipe with condensed milk, either method works great! If using frozen strawberries, thaw them slightly and drain off any excess liquid before pureeing or chopping.
Step Two: Whip the Cream. In a large mixing bowl, pour in the heavy cream. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This means that when you lift the whisk, the cream will hold its shape and stand up straight. Be careful not to over-whip the cream, as it can turn into butter. This step is crucial for creating the light and airy texture of the ice cream.
Step Three: Combine the Ingredients. Gently fold the sweetened condensed milk, strawberry puree (or chopped strawberries), vanilla extract, and salt into the whipped cream. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream; use a light hand and fold until just combined. This is where the magic happens, bringing all the flavors together.
Step Four: Freeze. Pour the mixture into your freezer-safe container. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming. Then, cover the container with a lid or another layer of plastic wrap. Freeze for at least six hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the ice cream to fully set. The longer it freezes, the firmer it will become.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Ice Cream
To ensure your strawberry ice cream turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
Strawberry Selection: The quality of your strawberries will significantly impact the flavor of your ice cream. Choose ripe, fragrant strawberries that are bursting with flavor. Avoid strawberries that are pale or mushy.
Freezing Time: Patience is key! Allow the ice cream to freeze for the recommended amount of time to achieve the optimal texture. Rushing the freezing process can result in a soft or icy ice cream.
Preventing Ice Crystals: Proper storage is essential for preventing ice crystals. Ensure the ice cream is tightly covered to minimize exposure to air. Using a shallow container can also help it freeze faster, reducing the chance of ice crystal formation.
Serving Suggestions: For the best scooping experience, let the ice cream soften slightly at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to scoop and allow the flavors to develop.
Storage Solutions: Store leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. After that, the texture may start to deteriorate.
Variations and Add-Ins for Strawberry Ice Cream
Want to add a personal touch to your strawberry ice cream? Here are some fun and delicious variations to try:
Berry Medley: Experiment with different berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries, to create a unique flavor profile.
Chocolate Chunk Delight: Add mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Strawberry Swirl Sensation: Reserve a portion of the strawberry puree and swirl it into the ice cream before freezing for a visually appealing and flavorful swirl.
Graham Cracker Crumble Crunch: Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs into the ice cream for added texture and a hint of graham cracker flavor.
Lemon Zest Zing: A touch of lemon zest can brighten the strawberry flavor and add a refreshing twist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Ice Cream
Let’s address some common questions about making strawberry ice cream:
Can I use frozen strawberries for this strawberry ice cream recipe with condensed milk? Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Thaw them slightly and drain off any excess liquid before pureeing. You may need to adjust the amount of condensed milk to compensate for the added moisture.
Can I use low-fat condensed milk? While you can use low-fat condensed milk, it’s not recommended for the best texture. The fat content in regular condensed milk contributes to the creaminess of the ice cream.
How long will this ice cream last in the freezer? This ice cream will last for up to two weeks in the freezer. After that, the texture may start to deteriorate.
My ice cream is too hard, what did I do wrong? This is usually due to insufficient fat content or over-freezing. Let the ice cream soften at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Can I add other flavors besides vanilla to this strawberry ice cream recipe with condensed milk? Absolutely! Experiment with almond extract, lemon extract, or any other flavor that complements strawberries.
A Sweet Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Delight
Making homemade ice cream doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With this simple strawberry ice cream recipe with condensed milk, you can enjoy a creamy, delicious treat with minimal effort. It’s the perfect way to celebrate summer, satisfy your sweet tooth, and impress your friends and family. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to indulge in a scoop of pure strawberry bliss! Don’t forget to share your creations and variations in the comments below. We’d love to hear how your homemade strawberry ice cream turned out!
Enjoy the sweet taste of summer with this incredibly easy and delicious strawberry ice cream recipe with condensed milk!