This dreamy, creamy peanut butter ice cream is super easy to make without an ice cream maker! Just mix sweetened condensed milk, peanut butter, and whipped cream together for a tasty treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the base of your ice cream and gives it that creamy sweetness. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can find condensed milk alternatives, but they may change the texture a bit.
Peanut Butter: I love creamy peanut butter for its smooth texture. If you prefer a bit of crunch, feel free to use crunchy peanut butter! Allergic to peanuts? Try sun butter or almond butter as great substitutes.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This gives the ice cream its rich and creamy texture. If you’re looking to reduce fat, you can use light whipping cream, but it won’t be quite as rich. Coconut cream is another dairy-free option!
Vanilla Extract: This adds depth of flavor. If you’re out of vanilla, a bit of almond extract might work too, but use it sparingly as it’s more potent. You could also omit it if you prefer!
How Do I Achieve a Light and Fluffy Texture When Folding?
Folding is key to keeping your ice cream light and airy. This technique involves gently combining two mixtures without deflating the whipped cream.
- Start with a small amount of the whipped cream and stir it into the peanut butter mixture to loosen it up.
- Then, add the rest of the whipped cream in batches. Use a spatula to scoop from the bottom and fold over the top gently.
- Avoid vigorous mixing to keep the airy bubbles intact, which makes the ice cream fluffy!
Remember, patience is key! Enjoy your tasty creation!
Easy No-Churn Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, based on preference)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (optional, to enhance flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy ice cream recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then needs to freeze for at least 6 hours, so plan on a total of around 6 hours and 15 minutes before you can enjoy your dessert.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Base Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the sweetened condensed milk and add in the peanut butter along with the vanilla extract. Use a whisk or spatula to mix until everything is nice and smooth, making sure there are no lumps. This is your delicious peanut butter base!
2. Whip the Cream:
In a separate bowl that you’ve pre-chilled (this helps the cream whip faster), pour in the heavy whipping cream. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the beaters, the cream holds its shape nicely. Take your time with this step—it’s what gives the ice cream its light texture!
3. Fold the Mixtures Together:
Now, gently take the whipped cream and add it a little at a time to the peanut butter mixture. Use a spatula to carefully fold it in. The goal is to keep the air in the whipped cream – so be gentle! Just mix until there are no more pockets of white from the whipped cream.
4. Add Salt (Optional) and Prepare to Freeze:
Optionally, sprinkle in a pinch of salt to elevate the flavors. Then, pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container. Use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring it’s even.
5. Freeze the Ice Cream:
Cover the container tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. Place it in the freezer and let it sit for at least 6 hours, or until it’s completely firm and scoopable.
6. Serving Your Ice Cream:
When you’re ready to serve, take the ice cream out of the freezer and let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature to soften slightly—this will make scooping easier. Once soft enough, scoop the ice cream into bowls. For extra deliciousness, feel free to top with chopped peanuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of melted peanut butter. Enjoy every creamy, dreamy bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter Instead?
Absolutely! Natural peanut butter works well, but it can be a bit more oily. Just make sure to stir it well before measuring to ensure it mixes evenly with the other ingredients. You may want to reduce the amount slightly if it seems too runny.
How Can I Make This Ice Cream Dairy-Free?
You can substitute the heavy whipping cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or almond cream. For the sweetened condensed milk, look for dairy-free versions made from coconut or cashews, available in most grocery stores!
How Long Does This Ice Cream Last in the Freezer?
This no-churn peanut butter ice cream can be kept in the freezer for up to 2-3 weeks, but it’s best enjoyed within the first week for optimal creaminess. Just remember to keep it covered tightly to prevent ice crystals from forming!
Can I Add Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to fold in chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or chopped nuts before freezing for extra texture and flavor. Just make sure not to add too many, or the mixture may not freeze properly!
