Ice cream made with two bowls — no machine needed

Ice cream made with two bowls — no machine needed is a medium American recipe that serves 8. 210 calories per serving. Recipe by Adam Ragusea on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 25 hrs 5 min | Total: 25 hrs 50 min

Cost: $6.35 total, $0.79 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Heavy Cream (full‑fat, 36% milkfat for best texture)
  • 1 cup Evaporated Milk (can substitute with regular whole milk, but evaporated milk adds protein for smoother texture)
  • 0.75 cup Granulated Sugar (about 150 g; adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla for best flavor)
  • 1 part Kosher Salt (used only in the ice‑salt bath, not in the ice cream itself)

Instructions

  1. Pre‑chill Bowls

    Place both the outer and inner bowls in the freezer for 10–15 minutes so they are very cold before starting.

    Time: PT15M

  2. Prepare Ice‑Salt Bath

    Fill the outer bowl halfway with ice cubes. Add kosher salt at roughly a 1:4 ratio (one part salt to four parts ice) and stir to distribute.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Combine Dairy Base

    In the inner bowl, pour 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup evaporated milk, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 Tbsp vanilla extract. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar.

    Time: PT5M

  4. First Aeration

    Insert the inner bowl into the ice‑salt bath, ensuring the water surrounds the bowl. Using the hand mixer on the lowest speed, beat the mixture for 8–10 minutes, scraping the sides periodically.

    Time: PT10M

  5. First Freeze

    Cover the outer bowl with a lid or foil and place the entire rig in the freezer for about 1 hour.

    Time: PT1H

  6. Second Aeration

    Remove the rig from the freezer. Beat the mixture again on low speed for 3–5 minutes until it looks like soft‑serve ice cream.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Transfer to Container

    Quickly pour the softened ice cream into a lidded freezer‑safe container, smoothing the top with a spatula.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Final Harden

    Place the container in the freezer for at least 24 hours (longer if possible) until fully hardened.

    Time: PT24H

  9. Serve

    Scoop into bowls or cones, add toppings if desired, and enjoy.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
210
Protein
2 g
Carbohydrates
20 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free

Allergens: Dairy

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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Ice cream made with two bowls — no machine needed

Recipe by Adam Ragusea

A simple, no-churn ice cream made with heavy cream, evaporated milk, sugar and vanilla. Using the two‑bowl ice‑salt bath method, the mixture is aerated with a hand mixer, frozen, then beaten again for a smooth, creamy texture without any special ice‑cream maker.

MediumAmericanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
25h 44m
Prep
0m
Cook
3h 5m
Cleanup
28h 49m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.35
Total cost
$0.79
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Pre‑chilling the metal bowls
  • Achieving the correct salt‑to‑ice ratio
  • Beating the mixture for the full 8–10 minutes to incorporate air
  • Second beat after the first freeze to break up ice crystals
  • Allowing the ice cream to harden for a full 24 hours

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the ice‑salt mixture carefully; avoid ingesting the salty water.
  • Use oven mitts or a towel when handling the cold metal bowls to prevent frostbite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Philadelphia style ice cream in American cuisine?

A

Philadelphia style ice cream, also called "American style" or "no‑churn" ice cream, originated in the United States as a simple way to make ice cream at home without an ice‑cream maker, using only cream, milk, sugar and flavorings.

cultural
Q

How does the Philadelphia style ice cream differ from traditional French‑style custard ice cream?

A

Philadelphia style ice cream contains no eggs and relies on air incorporation with a hand mixer, while French‑style ice cream (custard) cooks a base of egg yolks, sugar and dairy, resulting in a denser, richer texture.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Philadelphia style ice cream versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditionally the recipe uses heavy cream, whole milk or evaporated milk, granulated sugar and vanilla. Substitutes can include half‑and‑half for cream, regular milk for evaporated milk, honey or maple syrup for sugar, and vanilla bean paste for extract.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Philadelphia style ice cream traditionally associated with in the United States?

A

Because it requires minimal equipment, Philadelphia style ice cream is popular for summer backyard barbecues, family gatherings, and holiday desserts where a quick, homemade treat is desired.

cultural
Q

What other American desserts pair well with Philadelphia style ice cream?

A

It pairs beautifully with warm apple pie, chocolate brownies, fresh berries, or as a topping for banana splits and sundaes.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Philadelphia style ice cream at home?

A

Common errors include not chilling the bowls enough, using too little salt in the ice bath, beating for too short a time (resulting in low overrun), and skipping the second beat after the first freeze, which leads to large ice crystals.

technical
Q

Why does this Philadelphia style ice cream recipe use a low‑speed hand mixer instead of a high‑speed whisk?

A

Low speed gently incorporates air without over‑whipping the cream, which helps achieve a smooth texture and prevents the mixture from turning into butter.

technical
Q

Can I make Philadelphia style ice cream ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. After the final hardening, store the ice cream in an airtight freezer‑safe container. It will keep for up to one month in the freezer; for shorter storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to five days.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the ice cream is ready after the second beat?

A

The mixture should look like soft‑serve ice cream—smooth, glossy, and slightly fluffy. It should not be watery, and there should be no large ice crystals on the surface.

technical
Q

How do I know when the Philadelphia style ice cream is done cooking in the freezer?

A

After the final 24‑hour hardening, the ice cream should be firm enough to hold its shape when scooped but still soft enough to release easily from the container. If it feels icy or crumbly, let it sit at room temperature a few minutes before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Adam Ragusea specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Adam Ragusea focuses on approachable, science‑based cooking tutorials, recipe development, and food culture explanations, often emphasizing technique and ingredient understanding.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Adam Ragusea's approach to American home cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Adam Ragusea blends culinary science with humor, providing detailed explanations of why each step works, whereas many channels focus mainly on visual appeal without deep technical insight.

channel
Q

What other ice cream or frozen dessert recipes is the YouTube channel Adam Ragusea known for?

A

Adam Ragusea has also demonstrated a French‑style custard ice cream (frozen custard) and various fruit‑infused sorbets, showcasing both no‑churn and cooked‑custard methods.

channel

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