This Homemade Vanilla Soft Serve Ice Cream is a simple, no-fuss recipe that delivers creamy, dreamy soft-serve goodness in minutes. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a batch of this sweet treat without an ice cream maker. Perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings or impressing guests, this soft serve is light, fluffy, and bursting with classic vanilla flavor. Let’s get churning (or whipping)!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 10 minutes with no special equipment needed.
- Customizable: Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, sprinkles, or fruit for variety.
- Kid-Friendly: Fun to make and even more fun to eat!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for parties, movie nights, or a sweet summer treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: Sprinkles, chocolate syrup, fresh fruit, or crushed cookies for toppings
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Tools
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10–15 minutes before starting. Cold tools help the cream whip faster and hold its shape better.
2. Whip the Cream
- In the chilled mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the cold heavy whipping cream on high speed until stiff peaks form (about 3–5 minutes). Be careful not to overwhip, or it may turn into butter.
3. Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Flavorings
- Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt using a spatula. Mix just until combined—overmixing can deflate the whipped cream.
4. Freeze for Soft Serve
- Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan or airtight container.
- Freeze for 30–60 minutes for soft-serve consistency, or longer if you prefer firmer ice cream.
- For immediate soft serve: Scoop and serve right after mixing for an ultra-light texture
