S’mores No-Churn Ice Cream: Your Ultimate Guide to an Irresistibly Easy Homemade Treat
Get ready to transform your dessert game with a recipe that combines two beloved classics: the nostalgic campfire charm of s’mores and the refreshing delight of homemade ice cream. We’re talking about S’mores No-Churn Ice Cream, a creation so simple yet so utterly delicious, it will quickly become your go-to summer treat. Imagine a silky, creamy vanilla ice cream base, generously swirled with gooey marshmallow fluff, studded with crunchy graham cracker pieces, and dotted with rich, melty chocolate chunks. All of this, incredibly, comes together without the need for a bulky ice cream maker! This is truly life-changing s’mores in a whole new, frozen dimension.
The Magic of No-Churn Ice Cream: Effortless Indulgence
The phrase “no-churn” might sound too good to be true, but it’s a culinary marvel that delivers incredibly creamy results with minimal effort. Forget about expensive ice cream machines, pre-freezing bowls, or complicated steps. The secret lies in whipping heavy cream to stiff peaks and gently folding it into a rich, sweetened base. This process incorporates air, giving the ice cream its light and fluffy texture, similar to what a traditional machine achieves. The beauty of this method is its simplicity, making homemade ice cream accessible to everyone, regardless of their kitchen gadget collection.
Celebrating National Ice Cream Month with Real California Milk
Did you know that July is often celebrated as National Ice Cream Month? What better way to honor this deliciously cool occasion than by whipping up a batch of homemade S’mores No-Churn Ice Cream? Quality ingredients are key, and that’s where Real California Milk comes into play. Sourcing dairy from California means you’re getting milk and cream known for their high standards and rich, wholesome flavor. Using premium heavy whipping cream and half & half forms the perfect foundation for this exceptional dessert, ensuring a velvety texture and a delightful taste that truly stands out.
If you’re already following along on Instagram, you might have seen how the California Milk Advisory Board recently sent out adorable “ice cream kits” to help celebrate. These kits, complete with fun t-shirts, ice cream scoopers, and bowls, highlight the joy of homemade ice cream and the importance of quality dairy. Their support makes it even more exciting to share this incredible S’mores No-Churn Ice Cream recipe with you, perfectly timed for both National Ice Cream Month and the popular S’mores Week festivities. So go ahead, grab your spoon, and prepare to dig into pure bliss!
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
Many home cooks might shy away from making ice cream, assuming it requires special equipment or intricate techniques. But this S’mores No-Churn Ice Cream recipe defies those assumptions. It’s incredibly straightforward, requiring only a hand mixer (or a stand mixer, if you prefer) to achieve that signature creamy consistency. There’s no need for a dedicated ice cream maker, which means less clutter in your kitchen and more time enjoying your delicious creation.
The base of this ice cream is a simple yet luxurious vanilla, made with heavy whipping cream, half & half, and powdered sugar. This combination creates a surprisingly light and airy texture that freezes beautifully. What elevates it from a simple vanilla ice cream to a truly unforgettable dessert is the addition of classic s’mores components. Imagine spoonfuls of cold, creamy vanilla, punctuated by the delightful crunch of graham crackers, pockets of sweet, chewy marshmallow fluff, and the rich, comforting taste of Hershey’s chocolate melting on your tongue. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will have you “swooning” with every bite. This isn’t just easy; it’s an absolutely essential recipe for anyone who loves s’mores and ice cream!
Key Ingredients for S’mores No-Churn Ice Cream Success
Let’s take a closer look at the stars of this show and how they contribute to the magic:
- Heavy Whipping Cream & Half & Half: These dairy components form the rich, creamy base of our no-churn ice cream. When whipped, the heavy cream incorporates air, giving the ice cream its light texture, while the half & half adds to the overall creaminess without making it too dense.
- Powdered Sugar: Unlike granulated sugar, powdered sugar dissolves instantly, ensuring a smooth, grit-free ice cream texture. It provides the perfect sweetness to balance the rich dairy.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors, giving the ice cream a classic, comforting aroma and taste. Don’t skip this!
- Marshmallow Fluff: This is where the “s’mores” truly comes to life! The fluff provides that iconic gooey, sweet marshmallow taste and texture, swirling beautifully through the ice cream.
- Graham Crackers: Crushed graham crackers add a delightful crunch and a subtle honey-graham flavor, mimicking the cracker component of traditional s’mores.
- Hershey’s Chocolate Bar: No s’mores is complete without chocolate! Diced into bite-sized pieces, a classic Hershey’s bar melts slightly as you eat, providing bursts of rich, sweet chocolate flavor. You can also use chocolate chips or chunks if preferred.
Making Your S’mores No-Churn Ice Cream: A Step-by-Step Guide
Crafting this incredible dessert is surprisingly simple. Here’s how you’ll do it:
- Whip the Cream Base: In a large, chilled bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream and half & half. Using a hand mixer on medium-high speed, beat the mixture until soft, semi-stiff peaks form. This means the cream should hold its shape somewhat but still be soft and pillowy. Over-whipping can make it grainy, so watch it closely!
- Add Sweetness and Flavor: Gently fold in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. The key here is to be light-handed to maintain as much of the incorporated air as possible. This ensures your ice cream remains airy and not dense.
- Prepare for Freezing: Pour the creamy mixture into a freezer-safe container. A 9×5 loaf pan works perfectly, allowing for an even freeze.
- Swirl in the Marshmallow Fluff: Dollop spoonfuls of marshmallow fluff over the ice cream mixture. Using the tip of a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the fluff throughout the ice cream. Don’t overmix; you want distinct ribbons and pockets of marshmallow goodness.
- Add the S’mores Crunch & Chocolate: Evenly sprinkle the crushed graham crackers and diced chocolate bar pieces over the top. These will provide texture and flavor in every scoop.
- Chill Out: Cover the container tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming. Freeze overnight, or for at least 6-8 hours, until firm. Patience is a virtue here!
- Serve and Enjoy: Once fully frozen, scoop out generous portions into bowls or cones. Prepare for an explosion of s’mores flavor in every bite!
S’mores No Churn Ice Cream
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Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup half & half
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff
- 2-3 graham crackers crushed
- 1/2 Hershey’s chocolate bar diced into bite-sized pieces
Instructions
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Pour cream and half & half into a large bowl and beat with a hand mixer until semi-stiff peaks form. Add vanilla and powdered sugar, folding in lightly.
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Pour into a freezer-safe container (I used a 9×5 loaf pan). Dollop marshmallow fluff on top and swirl gently with the tip of a knife to swirl marshmallow throughout the ice cream.
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Sprinkle graham crackers and chocolate bar pieces over the top of the ice cream. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze overnight or at least 6-8 hours.
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Scoop out and serve in bowls or cones. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect S’mores No-Churn Ice Cream Every Time
- Chill Your Bowl and Whisk: For the best results when whipping cream, place your mixing bowl and whisk (or hand mixer beaters) in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes before you start. Cold equipment helps the cream whip faster and achieve stiffer peaks.
- Use Cold Cream: Ensure your heavy whipping cream and half & half are straight out of the fridge. Warm cream will not whip effectively.
- Don’t Overmix the Cream: Beat the cream mixture until it forms semi-stiff peaks. Over-beating can lead to a grainy texture, so stop as soon as it reaches the desired consistency.
- Gentle Folding: When adding the powdered sugar and vanilla, and especially when swirling in the marshmallow fluff, use a light hand. You want to keep as much air in the mixture as possible for that light, creamy ice cream texture.
- Even Distribution of Mix-ins: When adding the graham crackers and chocolate, try to distribute them as evenly as possible. You can even layer some of the ice cream mixture, then some mix-ins, then more ice cream to ensure they are throughout the batch.
- Airtight Storage: Covering the ice cream tightly with plastic wrap directly on the surface, followed by a lid, is crucial. This prevents ice crystals from forming, keeping your ice cream super creamy.
- Patience is Key: Allow the ice cream to freeze for the full recommended time, or even longer if your freezer isn’t super cold. This ensures it’s perfectly firm and scoopable.
Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations
While this S’mores No-Churn Ice Cream is absolutely divine on its own, here are a few ideas to elevate your serving experience:
- Classic Scoops: Serve in a bowl with an extra sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
- Cone Perfection: Pile high on a waffle or sugar cone for a delightful walking treat.
- S’mores Sundae: Create an epic sundae with whipped cream, hot fudge, extra graham cracker crumbles, and mini marshmallows (perhaps even lightly toasted with a kitchen torch!).
- Shake It Up: Blend a scoop or two with a little milk for an unbelievably rich s’mores milkshake.
- Adult Twist: A splash of a coffee liqueur or bourbon can add an interesting depth to the ice cream base for an adult-only indulgence.
- Toasted Marshmallow Fluff: For an authentic campfire touch, consider lightly toasting the marshmallow fluff with a kitchen torch just before serving your scoops.
This S’mores No-Churn Ice Cream is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. It brings the joy of a campfire treat into your home in the most convenient and delicious way possible. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a taste of nostalgia, this easy-to-make recipe is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. The combination of creamy vanilla, sweet marshmallow, crunchy graham crackers, and rich chocolate is simply irresistible. So, what are you waiting for? Get your ingredients ready and prepare to be amazed by the best no-churn ice cream you’ll ever make!
Check out what my friends are making today for S’mores Week: