Mason Jar Ice Cream

Homemade ice cream is incredible, but let’s be honest—making it isn’t easy! You’ve gotta remember to freeze your ice cream maker insert beforehand, make an egg-based custard, that you then have to cook to an exact temperature…It’s a lot, which is why I’m excited to share this recipe for an easier shortcut. It still requires some freezing time because, well, it’s ice cream after all, but the actual making of the ice cream takes a total of about 5 minutes. Here’s how you do it:

Simply combine some heavy cream with sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, and vanilla into a jar, and shake. That’s it! After about 5 minutes or so, you’ll get a rich ice cream that’s extra creamy. The best part is that at this point in the process, you can add just about anything to it to make it your own. I’ve included some of my favorites like hot fudge brownie and chocolate chip cookie dough, but these are just starting points. Get creative, and have fun with it!

The ice cream is best after freezing for only 3 to 4 hours, but can continue to be frozen for longer. It continues to get harder as it freezes and for a smooth, soft ice cream texture I like it best right around 3 hours.

Ingredients

1/2 cup heavy cream

2 Tbsp. sweetened condensed milk

2 Tbsp. whole milk

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Cookies & Cream

1/4 cup crushed Oreos

Hot Fudge Brownie

1/4 cup store-bought or homemade brownies, cut into 1/4" pieces

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip

3 Tbsp. semisweet chocolate chips

2 Tbsp. creamy peanut butter 

Strawberry

2 Tbsp. strawberry jam

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

1/4 cup edible cookie dough, crumbled

1 Tbsp. mini chocolate chips

Directions

In a 16-oz. jar, combine cream, condensed milk, whole milk, and vanilla. Tightly screw on lid and shake until mixture is thickened and holds its shape for a couple of seconds when drizzled (just before soft peaks form), 3 to 4 minutes.

Add desired mix-ins and mix with a spoon or shake again to distribute. Freeze until solid but still spoonable, about 3 hours (this can be frozen longer, but the best texture is between 3 to 4 hours).