Do You Really Need A Special Appliance For Homemade Ice Cream?

Ice cream is a beloved treat. According to the U.S. Census, Americans love to scoop, lick, and drink ice cream through a straw to the tune of 20 pounds or 4 gallons per person per year. The International Dairy Foods Association shares that the U.S. ice cream industry is worth a whopping $13.1 billion, and it's easy to understand why. Homemade Dutch apple pie à la mode wouldn't be the same without a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a chocolate shake without chocolate ice cream would just be chocolate milk. Ice cream is kind of essential. 

Even Ina Garten loves this frozen confection. The celebrity chef is famous for saying, "Store bought is fine," and this holds especially true when it comes to Garten's go-to vanilla ice cream brands. From Häagen-Dazs to Ben & Jerry's to Blue Bell ice cream, there are plenty of ice cream makers creating our favorite pints and gallons. However, while running out to the grocery store is the most convenient option, there are times you might prefer to make your own but opt not to because you don't have an ice cream maker. If you've ever wondered how to make ice cream at home sans a special appliance, we've got the information you need to do just that.

So, how do you make ice cream without an ice cream machine? Believe it or not, there are a couple of options. The first, per A Pinch of Healthy, requires a freezer-safe pan that has been chilled, an electric or hand mixer, and a little bit of patience. The author explains that you will only need heavy cream and condensed milk for this recipe. After beating the cream, fold in the condensed milk until well incorporated and freeze for around eight hours.  

But that's not the only way to make ice cream without an ice cream maker. According to Bigger Bolder Baking, there's an even lower-tech method using a mason jar. You simply pour the same ingredients (cream and condensed milk) into the mason jar, screw the lid on tight, shake it, and freeze. It will take about five to seven minutes or until the mixture no longer sounds like a liquid being sloshed around. While this method takes a bit of muscle, it's a great option in a pinch.