Extra Easy No-Churn Mixed Berry Ice Cream (No Condensed Milk!)

No-Churn Mixed Berry Ice Cream is a great classic of the spring and summer seasons. It is a fresh and colorful dessert, easy and quick to prepare at home even without the help of an ice cream maker.

To make it, simply blend the strawberries, cleaned and sliced, with the currants, blackberries, blueberries and raspberries in a blender jug. Once the fruit has been reduced to a puree, pass it through a fine mesh strainer to eliminate any residual seeds, and then incorporate the smooth and silky mixture obtained into the liquid cream, heated on the stove together with the sugar. At this point, all you have to do is pour everything into a rectangular tub with a lid and leave the ice cream to cool in the freezer for at least 4 hours, taking care to work it every now and then with the prongs of a fork to break the ice crystals, and make it creamy and velvety.

What is No-Churn Mixed Berry Ice Cream?

No-churn ice cream, which requires no ice cream maker, became popular in the 2000s as an easy, quick way to make homemade ice cream with minimal equipment. The method relies on combining sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream to create a smooth, creamy base, which is then frozen. This simplified approach allows anyone to make ice cream at home without a machine. Mixed berry ice cream, specifically, has roots in summer traditions, where fresh, seasonal berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are used to make a refreshing and flavorful frozen treat. Its vibrant taste and color make it a favorite for those looking for a naturally sweet, fruity dessert.

Pro Tips for The Best No-Churn Mixed Berry Ice-Cream

• For the most vibrant flavor, use fresh, ripe mixed berries. The sweetness and richness of the fruit will shine through in the ice cream. If fresh berries are unavailable, you can use frozen ones, but be sure to thaw and drain them to prevent excess moisture.
• Puree the berries well to create a smooth, consistent texture. If you prefer a more textured ice cream, you can leave some small chunks of fruit, but be careful not to over-blend.
• When adding the berry puree to the whipped cream mixture, gently swirl it in rather than mixing it fully. This creates a marbled effect and adds a burst of fruity flavor in every bite.

What's The Difference Between Churned and No-Churn Ice Cream?

Churned ice cream is made using an ice cream maker, which continuously stirs the mixture while it freezes, incorporating air to create a smooth, creamy texture. No-churn ice cream, on the other hand, skips the ice cream maker and relies on folding together ingredients like whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk before freezing. This method results in a denser, though still creamy, texture and is much easier and quicker to make at home.

How Do I Keep The Ice Cream Creamy and Not Icy?

Avoid introducing excess water or moisture into the mixture, as this can cause ice crystals. If you're making no-churn ice cream, ensure the mixture is well-blended and freeze it for the recommended time to allow the flavors and textures to set properly.

Can I Make This Dairy Free?

Yes. Simply substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or almond cream. These substitutions will maintain the creamy texture and richness while making the ice cream suitable for those avoiding dairy.

How Long Will No-Churn Mixed Berry Ice Cream Last?

The no-churn ice cream will last for about 1 to 2 weeks in the freezer when stored in an airtight container. For the best texture and flavor, it's best to consume it within this time frame, as it may begin to lose its creaminess and develop ice crystals over time.

How to Store Mixed Berry Ice Cream

To store no-churn ice cream, transfer it to an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and preserve its texture. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to keep out moisture and odors. Store the ice cream in the freezer, and it’s best to consume it within 1 to 2 weeks for optimal flavor and creaminess. For easy serving, you can cover the surface of the ice cream with plastic wrap before sealing the container.

How to Make No-Churn Mixed Berry Ice Cream

Wash the berries and pat them dry gently with a sheet of kitchen paper.

Collect them in the bowl of a mixer and blend them until you obtain a smooth mixture.

Filter the puree obtained with a fine mesh strainer, so as to eliminate any seeds, and collect the puree in a bowl.

Heat the cream in a saucepan with high edges together with the sugar.

Once the sugar has melted, remove from the heat and add the berry puree.

Mix with a spoon to even out the ingredients.

Pour the resulting mixture into a polyester container, or in a freezer-safe container, and transfer to the freezer for about 1 hour.

Once the time has passed, take the ice cream out of the freezer and mix it with a spoon, or with the prongs of a fork, to break the ice crystals.

Put it back in the freezer and repeat the operation for another 3 times, or until the ice cream has reached the right consistency.

Garnish with some fresh berries and enjoy!