Five Ingredient Ice Cream Recipe

Heavy cream: This is the base of the ice cream, providing a rich and creamy texture.

Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and helps to create a smooth consistency.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a classic vanilla taste.

Chocolate chips: Adds a delightful chocolatey crunch to the ice cream.

Crushed cookies: Provides texture and additional flavor, making each bite interesting.

When whipping the heavy cream, make sure your bowl and beaters are chilled. This helps the cream to whip up faster and achieve those perfect stiff peaks. Additionally, when folding in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, use a gentle hand to maintain the airy texture of the whipped cream. For the chocolate chips and crushed cookies, ensure they are evenly distributed by folding them in gradually, which will prevent them from sinking to the bottom.

• heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream provides a similar rich and creamy texture, making it a great dairy-free alternative.

• heavy cream - Substitute with evaporated milk: Evaporated milk is less rich but can still provide a creamy texture, though it may need additional thickening.

• sweetened condensed milk - Substitute with coconut condensed milk: Coconut condensed milk offers a similar sweetness and consistency, suitable for those avoiding dairy.

• sweetened condensed milk - Substitute with homemade condensed milk: Simmer whole milk and sugar until thickened to create a similar consistency and sweetness.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with vanilla bean paste: Vanilla bean paste provides a more intense vanilla flavor and includes the seeds for added texture.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor, adding a nutty undertone.

• chocolate chips - Substitute with cacao nibs: Cacao nibs provide a more intense chocolate flavor and a crunchy texture, though they are less sweet.

• chocolate chips - Substitute with carob chips: Carob chips are a caffeine-free alternative with a naturally sweet flavor, suitable for those avoiding chocolate.

• crushed cookies - Substitute with graham cracker crumbs: Graham cracker crumbs offer a similar crunchy texture and a mildly sweet flavor.

• crushed cookies - Substitute with crushed pretzels: Crushed pretzels provide a salty contrast to the sweetness of the ice cream, adding an interesting flavor twist.

• Ensure your freezer is set to the optimal temperature of 0°F (-18°C) to maintain the creamy texture of your ice cream.
• Use a freezer-safe container with an airtight lid to prevent ice crystals from forming and to keep the ice cream fresh.
• Line the surface of the ice cream with a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap before sealing the container. This helps to minimize air exposure and freezer burn.
• Label the container with the date you made the ice cream. Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed within 2 weeks for optimal flavor and texture.
• Store the ice cream in the coldest part of the freezer, typically the back, to ensure it remains at a consistent temperature.
• When ready to serve, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to scoop.
• If you notice any ice crystals forming on the surface, simply scrape them off before serving to maintain the smooth, creamy consistency.
• For long-term storage, consider dividing the ice cream into smaller portions. This way, you only need to thaw what you plan to eat, keeping the rest frozen and fresh.
• Avoid storing the ice cream near foods with strong odors, as it can absorb these flavors. Keep it away from items like garlic, onions, or fish.
• If you prefer a softer texture, you can add a tablespoon of vodka to the mixture before freezing. This lowers the freezing point and keeps the ice cream scoopable straight from the freezer.

• Place the ice cream in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to slightly soften it before scooping. This will make it easier to serve and enjoy without compromising its creamy texture.
• If you prefer a quicker method, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't melt too much.
• For a unique twist, scoop the ice cream into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds. This will soften it just enough to make it scoopable while maintaining its delightful consistency.
• If you have a dessert that pairs well with warm ice cream, such as a freshly baked cookie or brownie, place the ice cream on top of the warm treat. The heat from the dessert will gently soften the ice cream, creating a delicious contrast of temperatures.
• For a gourmet touch, use a hot water bath. Fill a bowl with hot water and dip your ice cream scoop into it for a few seconds before scooping. This will help the ice cream glide smoothly and create perfect scoops.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine and mix the ingredients together.

• Hand mixer: An electric tool used to whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

• Spatula: A flexible tool used to fold in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, chocolate chips, and crushed cookies.

• Measuring cups: Tools used to measure the exact amounts of heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and other ingredients.

• Freezer-safe container: A container that can withstand freezing temperatures, used to store the ice cream mixture while it sets in the freezer.

Pre-chill your mixing bowl: Place your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 15 minutes before whipping the heavy cream. This helps the cream whip faster and more efficiently.

Use a stand mixer: If you have a stand mixer, use it to whip the heavy cream hands-free, saving you time and effort.

Crush cookies in a bag: Place the cookies in a resealable plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. This method is quicker and less messy than using a food processor.

Measure ingredients ahead: Pre-measure the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, chocolate chips, and crushed cookies before you start. This streamlines the mixing process.

Use a silicone spatula: A silicone spatula makes folding in the sweetened condensed milk and mix-ins easier and faster, ensuring everything is well combined.