Delicious & Refreshing Flake Ice Cream — Very Creamy, Just 3 Ingredients
Here’s a super simple, delightfully creamy ice cream recipe with chocolate flakes/sprinkles—a treat that’s easy to make at home with minimal fuss. No ice cream maker required. Perfect for when you want something cold, rich, and satisfying. 🍫🍦
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Ingredients & Measurements
Ingredient | Amount | Metric Equivalent | Purpose |
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Sweetened condensed milk | 1 can | ≈ 14 ounces / 395 grams | Sweetness, creamy base, helps lower freezing point |
Very cold heavy whipping cream | 1⅔ cups | ≈ 400 ml | Provides fat, volume, richness, and creaminess |
Chocolate sprinkles or chopped chocolate (flakes) | 7 ounces | ≈ 200 grams | Adds texture, chocolate flavour/flakes through the ice cream |
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Step‑by‑Step Instructions
1. Beat Condensed Milk
- Put the sweetened condensed milk into a bowl and beat with a mixer for **4‑5 minutes** until it thickens and almost doubles in volume. This aerates it a bit and helps with texture.
2. Whip the Cream and Combine
- Add the very cold heavy whipping cream to the bowl and continue beating until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and volumous (you should get a fluffy texture so that once frozen it’s not icy).
3. Add the Flakes / Sprinkles
- Fold in the chocolate sprinkles or chopped chocolate so they’re distributed evenly. You want lots of flakes but not so many that the texture becomes crunchy in every single bite unless you like that effect.
4. Freeze
- Pour the entire mixture into a freezer‑safe container; smooth the top.
- Cover tightly (lid or plastic wrap) and freeze until completely solid—**preferably overnight** for best results.
5. Serve
- When ready to serve, let the ice cream sit out for a few minutes to soften slightly so scooping is easier.
- Scoop into bowls or cones and enjoy immediately for the best creaminess and flake texture.
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Why This Works (Science & Tips)
- The **sweetened condensed milk** has sugar and reduced water content, which helps prevent large ice crystals forming. This gives a smoother, creamier texture. This is a common technique in “no‑churn” ice cream recipes. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- Whipping cold heavy cream introduces air and fat, which makes the ice cream richer and lighter. The coldness also helps keep the whipped cream stable. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Mix‑ins (chocolate flakes or sprinkles) add texture and contrast. Adding them when the base is already creamy helps distribute them without melting or damaging structure. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Freezing time: letting it freeze fully (overnight) ensures proper texture. Quick freezing helps, and covering tightly helps avoid freezer burn or ice crystals. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
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Nutrition Estimate & Health Notes
Here’s an approximate estimate per serving. Assume this recipe makes about **8 servings** (nice generous scoops). Values depend on chocolate type and exact heavy cream brand.
Nutrient | Per Serving (1/8 of recipe) | % Daily Value* (Based on ~2,000 kcal/day) | Notes / Considerations |
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Calories | ≈ 280‑330 kcal | ≈ 14‑17% | Rich in calories due to cream & sugar; small portions go far |
Total Fat | ≈ 18‑22 g | ≈ 25‑30% | Heavy cream is high in fat; chocolate adds some as well |
Saturated Fat | ≈ 10‑13 g | ≈ 50‑65% | High saturated fat; good to balance with lighter meals |
Carbohydrates | ≈ 25‑30 g | ≈ 8‑10% | Mostly sugars from condensed milk + chocolate flakes |
Sugars (added + natural) | ≈ 22‑25 g | ≈ 40‑50% | Sweet treat; consume in moderation |
Protein | ≈ 3‑5 g | ≈ 5‑10% | Cream & milk contribute a small amount |
Calcium & Micronutrients | modest | varies | Dairy provides calcium, vitamin D, and other minerals |
* Based on a 2,000 kcal daily diet. Your own needs may vary depending on activity, age, etc.
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Tips & Tricks to Make It Even Better
- Make sure the cream is **very cold** before whipping. Cold cream whips better and holds structure. If possible, chill bowl + beaters. This helps for a lighter texture. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Don’t over‑beat the cream before adding condensed milk; if overwhipped, it can go grainy or separate. Fold gently once you add the sprinkles. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- If the chocolate flakes are large or heavy, consider freezing them briefly beforehand so they don’t sink during freezing. Or add them just before the ice cream is nearly set.
- Use a shallow container to freeze, which helps freezing faster and more evenly. Deep containers take longer and may cause uneven texture.
- Cover surface well (plastic wrap or lid), pressing wrap directly onto surface before sealing; this reduces freezer burn and reduces large ice crystal formation.
- If the ice cream gets too hard in the freezer, pull it out a few minutes before serving to soften, for easier scooping.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I reduce sweetness?
You could try using slightly less condensed milk, or using sprinkles/chocolate with lower sugar. But sweetness/sugar also helps with texture and prevents ice crystals. Reducing too much may make ice cream less creamy or more icy. - What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Light cream or whipping cream with lower fat content may work, but results won’t be as creamy or thick. Heavy cream is ideal because of its higher fat content. Some “no‑churn” recipes use only heavy cream + condensed milk. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6} - Can I use other mix‑ins instead of chocolate flakes?
Yes! Nuts, chopped cookies, caramel pieces, or fruit pieces work well. Just be careful about moisture: wet fruit can introduce water and cause ice crystals. - How long does this ice cream keep?
If stored well in an airtight container and kept frozen, it will keep for several weeks. But texture may degrade over time (ice crystals grow). Best eaten within 1‑2 weeks for optimal creaminess. - Why does ice cream sometimes become icy or grainy?
Common causes: not enough sugar, introducing too much moisture, using warm cream, or slow/inconsistent freezing. The base of condensed milk + cream helps avoid this by reducing “free” water and adding fat & sugar. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7} - Can I make this with dairy‑free or vegan substitutes?
Yes, with modifications. Use a coconut or other full‑fat non‑dairy cream (that whips) + sweetened condensed coconut milk. Chocolate flakes made without dairy. Texture may differ somewhat. - Do I need an ice cream machine?
No. This recipe is “no‑churn” style. Freezing in a container works fine if you whip properly and cover well. Several popular similar recipes use just condensed milk + heavy cream. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8} - Can I add vanilla or other flavouring?
Yes! A teaspoon of vanilla extract works great. You can also use flavored extracts or a sprinkle of cocoa powder, coffee, etc. Just avoid adding too much liquid so you don’t upset the freezing balance. - What texture should I aim for when whipping the cream?
Soft to medium peaks before adding condensed milk is best; you want the cream to hold shape but still be foldable. After adding the sprinkles, fold gently not beat. - Why use cold cream and cold container?
Cold slows down melting and preserves air pockets; the container’s temperature helps freezing start quickly. Faster freezing means smaller ice crystals and smoother texture.
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Conclusion
This flake ice cream recipe is a wonderful, creamy dessert you can whip up quickly with just a few ingredients. It’s indulgent, rich, and full of chocolate flakes for texture. Follow the tips for cold cream, careful mixing, good freezing, and you’ll get ice cream that rivals store‑bought.
If you want the printable recipe card or video steps, type “YES” and I’ll send it to you! Enjoy your ice cream! 🍨