No-Churn Vanilla Bean Ice Cream with Toasted Almonds

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Smooth no-churn ice cream infused with fragrant vanilla bean and studded with crunchy toasted almonds for texture contrast. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, heavy whipping cream, vanilla bean pod, split and scraped into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Serves 8 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, pour 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk. Scrape seeds from 1 split vanilla bean pod and add them along with 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Whisk to combine.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat 2 cups heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Gently fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture until fully incorporated, preserving as much air as possible.
  4. Step 4: Fold in 3/4 cup toasted sliced almonds evenly throughout the ice cream base.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf pan, smooth the top, and cover tightly with plastic wrap.
  6. Step 6: Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight until firm.
  7. Step 7: Let ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping and serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does No-Churn Vanilla Bean Ice Cream with Toasted Almonds take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover No-Churn Vanilla Bean Ice Cream with Toasted Almonds?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in No-Churn Vanilla Bean Ice Cream with Toasted Almonds?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale No-Churn Vanilla Bean Ice Cream with Toasted Almonds for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with No-Churn Vanilla Bean Ice Cream with Toasted Almonds?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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