3 Easy Homemade Ice Cream Recipes / 3 Ingredients / No Machine
3 EASY Homemade Ice Cream Recipes / 3 INGREDIENTS / No Machine ❤ is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Rachel's Step by Step on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 4 hrs 45 min
Cost: $70.39 total, $5.87 per serving
Ingredients
- 12 cups Heavy Whipping Cream (very cold, divided into three batches of 4 cups each)
- 42 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk (one 14‑oz can per flavor, keep cold)
- 3 tsp Vanilla Extract (one teaspoon per flavor)
- 0.75 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (for Rocky Road flavor only)
- 0.5 cup Salted Roasted Almonds (roughly chopped, Rocky Road only)
- 0.75 cup Semi‑Sweet Chocolate Chips (Rocky Road only)
- 1 cup Mini Marshmallows (cut in half, Rocky Road only)
- 1 pint Fresh Strawberries (crushed, Strawberry Cookies & Cream only)
- 1.75 cup Golden Oreo Mini Cookies (broken into pieces, Strawberry Cookies & Cream only)
- 2 tbsp Hershey's Double Chocolate Syrup (for swirl in Strawberry Cookies & Cream)
- 1.75 cup Nutter Butter Cookies (broken into pieces, Nutter Butter M&M's only)
- 0.25 cup M&M's Chocolate Candies (colorful candy coating, Nutter Butter M&M's only)
- 2 tbsp Chocolate Syrup (for swirls in Nutter Butter M&M's ice cream)
Instructions
Whip Cream to Soft Peaks
Divide the 12 cups of very cold heavy whipping cream into three 4‑cup portions. In a mixing bowl, beat each portion with a hand mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. Stop as soon as the peaks just hold their shape.
Time: PT6M
Add Condensed Milk and Vanilla
For each batch, slowly pour 14 oz of sweetened condensed milk into the whipped cream, followed by 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix on low speed just until fully incorporated.
Time: PT4M
Flavor the Rocky Road Base
To the first batch, add 0.75 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 0.5 cup chopped salted roasted almonds, 0.75 cup semi‑sweet chocolate chips, and 1 cup mini marshmallows (halved). Fold gently with a spatula until evenly distributed.
Time: PT3M
Flavor the Strawberry Cookies & Cream Base
To the second batch, stir in the crushed fresh strawberries, then fold in 1.75 cup broken Golden Oreo mini cookies. Drizzle 2 tbsp Hershey's double chocolate syrup and gently swirl without fully mixing.
Time: PT4M
Flavor the Nutter Butter M&M's Base
To the third batch, fold in 1.75 cup broken Nutter Butter cookies and 0.25 cup M&M's. Add 2 tbsp chocolate syrup in two stages, swirling lightly each time.
Time: PT4M
Transfer to Freezer Containers
Spoon each flavored mixture into its own plastic freezer container, smoothing the top with a spatula. Seal each container tightly with its lid.
Time: PT5M
Freeze Overnight
Place the sealed containers in the freezer. Freeze for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until firm.
Time: PT4H
Serve
Remove the container from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes. Warm the ice‑cream scoop in hot water for 5 seconds, dry, then scoop and serve.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten, Contains nuts
Allergens: Milk, Tree nuts, Peanuts, Wheat, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Heavy Whipping Cream: Half-and-half (will be less rich), Coconut cream (non‑dairy, will change flavor)
- Instead of Sweetened Condensed Milk: Evaporated milk + sugar, DIY condensed milk (milk + sugar reduced)
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Vanilla bean paste, Maple extract (different flavor)
- Instead of Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Dutch‑process cocoa powder, Unsweetened chocolate melted and cooled
- Instead of Salted Roasted Almonds: Pecans, Cashews
- Instead of Semi‑Sweet Chocolate Chips: Chopped dark chocolate, Milk chocolate chips
- Instead of Mini Marshmallows: Regular marshmallows (chopped), Marshmallow fluff (adds extra sweetness)
- Instead of Fresh Strawberries: Frozen strawberries (thawed), Strawberry puree
- Instead of Golden Oreo Mini Cookies: Regular Oreo crumbs, Chocolate wafer cookies
- Instead of Hershey's Double Chocolate Syrup: Chocolate fudge sauce, Homemade chocolate syrup
- Instead of Nutter Butter Cookies: Peanut butter cookies, Chocolate sandwich cookies
- Instead of M&M's Chocolate Candies: Smarties, Chocolate chips (no color)
- Instead of Chocolate Syrup: Caramel sauce, Nutella
Equipment Needed
- Hand Mixer
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Plastic Freezer Container with Lid
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Knife
- Ice Cream Scoop
- Bowl of Hot Water (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Whipping the cream to soft peaks without over‑beating.
- Folding mix‑ins gently to keep air in the base.
- Sealing the containers tightly before freezing.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra crunch, toast the almonds lightly before adding to Rocky Road.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the brightest pink color and natural sweetness.
- Break cookies into bite‑size pieces; too large pieces can make scooping difficult.
Troubleshooting
Ice cream is icy or grainy.
Make sure the cream was fully chilled before whipping and avoid over‑beating. Also, ensure the mixture is sealed tightly to prevent ice crystals.
Mix‑ins sink to the bottom.
Fold the mix‑ins gently but thoroughly into the base while it is still soft. Distribute evenly before freezing.
Ice cream is too soft after freezing.
Freeze for at least 4 hours; if your freezer is small, increase freezing time or use a shallower container.
Storage
Refrigerator: Can be kept for up to 1 week, but texture may become icy.
Freezer: Best quality within 2 months; keep sealed.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; ice cream will melt.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the ice cream the night before a gathering; it freezes solid overnight.
- If you need to store longer, keep the containers tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Rocky Road ice cream in American cuisine?
Rocky Road originated in the United States during the Great Depression as a way to add inexpensive nuts and marshmallows to chocolate ice cream, creating a hearty treat that lifted spirits. It remains a classic American flavor celebrated for its texture contrast.
What are the traditional regional variations of Strawberry Cookies & Cream ice cream in the United States?
While the basic version mixes strawberries with crushed Oreo‑style cookies, some regions add strawberry puree, fresh fruit chunks, or a swirl of strawberry jam. The variation shown by Rachel’s Step by Step uses fresh crushed strawberries and mini Oreo cookies for a bright pink hue.
How is Nutter Butter M&M's ice cream traditionally served in American celebrations?
Nutter Butter M&M's ice cream is a modern twist often served at summer barbecues, birthday parties, and ice‑cream socials. It’s typically scooped into waffle cones or served in a sundae glass with extra M&M's on top for visual appeal.
What occasions or celebrations is homemade no‑churn ice cream traditionally associated with in American culture?
No‑churn ice cream is popular for backyard gatherings, Fourth of July picnics, and family movie nights because it requires no special equipment and can be prepared quickly with pantry staples.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Rocky Road ice cream versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional Rocky Road uses chocolate ice cream, toasted almonds, and marshmallows. Rachel’s Step by Step substitutes a no‑churn base of whipped cream and condensed milk, but you can replace almonds with pecans or use dark chocolate chips instead of semi‑sweet.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the no‑churn ice cream recipes from Rachel’s Step by Step?
Common errors include over‑beating the cream, which causes it to become grainy, and folding mix‑ins too vigorously, which deflates the airy base. Also, failing to seal the container tightly leads to freezer burn.
Why does this no‑churn ice cream recipe use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
Rachel’s Step by Step chooses a hand mixer because it’s more accessible for home cooks who may not own a stand mixer, and it provides enough power to achieve soft peaks without over‑working the cream.
Can I make the Rocky Road, Strawberry Cookies & Cream, and Nutter Butter M&M's ice creams ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, prepare the ice creams the night before. Store each in its sealed plastic freezer container; they keep well for up to two months in the freezer. For short‑term storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week, though texture may become softer.
What does the YouTube channel Rachel's Step by Step specialize in?
The YouTube channel Rachel's Step by Step specializes in clear, step‑by‑step home cooking tutorials that focus on quick, approachable recipes using everyday kitchen tools and ingredients.
How does the YouTube channel Rachel's Step by Step's approach to American dessert cooking differ from other dessert channels?
Rachel's Step by Step emphasizes no‑churn and minimal‑equipment methods, making desserts like ice cream accessible without specialized appliances, whereas many other channels rely on stand mixers, ice‑cream makers, or advanced techniques.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
