5-ingredient ice cream recipes
Discover our favourite ice cream recipes using only five ingredients or fewer. Try fruity flavours, classic vanilla concoctions or chocolate-studded treats.
Satisfy a sweet tooth and cool down in balmy weather with a scoop or three of homemade ice cream. We've pulled together our favourite creamy, indulgent ice cream recipes that only require five ingredients or fewer.
Dairy ice cream
Vanilla ice cream is a classic for good reason, and this no-churn dairy ice cream doesn't disappoint. This traditional recipe includes eggs and double cream to give an incredibly creamy finish. Include your choice of chocolate, fruit, vanilla or coffee extract to flavour and get creative with your combinations of toppings and sauces.
Raspberry ripple ice cream
This luxurious summer treat makes the most of fresh berries when they're in season. Swirl a homemade raspberry coulis through eggs, sugar and whipped cream to create this colourful ice cream.
Coconut, caramel & pecan dairy-free ice cream
No one will believe that this creamy frozen treat is free from dairy and gluten. The rich, delicious texture is achieved using coconut milk and egg yolks, and we've swirled homemade caramel and chopped, toasted pecan nuts through for good measure.
Coconut, caramel & pecan dairy-free ice cream
Cookies & cream ice cream
Smooth vanilla ice cream studded with chewy chunks of cookie dough? Yes please. This cheat's recipe uses a pack of ready-made chocolate chip cookie dough to save effort and time, giving longer to spend in the sunshine. We won't tell if you don't!
Quick banana ice cream
Frozen ripe bananas made a brilliant base for this super speedy ice cream, topped with flaked almonds for extra crunch. It's a low-fat, healthier treat too.
Easy strawberry ice cream
Kids will love to help make (and eat) this simple strawberry ice cream, with only three ingredients required. Mascarpone and condensed milk provide plenty of richness to the recipe while fresh berries lend a gorgeous pink hue and some natural sweetness.
No-churn ice cream
This creamy vanilla ice cream couldn't be easier to make and only needs three ingredients – sweetened condensed milk, double cream and vanilla extract. The best part is you don't need to churn it at all – simply beat with an electric whisk until it's thick, then pop in the freezer to set.
Crème fraîche ice cream
Whip up this creamy treat in an ice cream maker, or freeze and churn by hand. The crème fraîche gives it a unique, tangy flavour with hints of lemon zest and vanilla. It's a deluxe enough treat as is, but if you're planning a dinner party, take it up a notch by serving alongside roasted stone fruits and almond florentines for a truly stunning dessert.
Lemon meringue ice cream
Capture the irresistible citrus flavour of a lemon meringue pie – in ice cream form! This recipe uses just five ingredients (excluding the cones to serve) and uses a carton of pre-made custard, crushed meringues and two types of cream for a really indulgent treat.
Strawberry crème fraîche ice cream
If you have strawberries, sugar and crème fraîche, you have all the ingredients you need for this vibrant frozen treat that's really simple to make. If you're feeling extra fancy, try making your own nutty cones to serve – you'll need cones, white chocolate and chopped pistachios. Look for the tip box on the recipe for the instructions.
Strawberry crème fraîche ice cream
How to make ice cream without a machine
If you don't own an ice cream machine, follow our cookery team's top tips for making delicious ice cream at home:
- Adding liquid glucose helps with an overall smoother ice cream
- Adding yogurt to the base is a lovely addition
- Try swirling blitzed frozen fruit through the mixture for a ‘ripple’ effect
- Keep well covered when freezing
- Only keep in the freezer for up to 10 days or it will start to go icy and crystallised
- Bring out of the freezer 10 mins prior to serving for an easier scoop
- Other flavour additions – try a shot or 2 of cooled down espresso, jarred salted caramel, blitzed berries or other frozen fruit such as mango, chopped dark chocolate. Adults may enjoy 2-3 shots of booze such as gin or brandy!
More ice cream inspiration
The 8 best ice cream gadgets
Vegan ice cream ideas
Top 10 ice cream desserts
10 ways with ice cream sandwiches
The best ice cream makers to buy
Ice cream maker recipes and tips
Tips for the perfect homemade ice cream
mango ice cream with coconut sprinkles
Do you have a favourite ice cream recipe that uses five ingredients or fewer? Let us know in the comments!
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