If you’re craving a fun twist on classic ice cream that is bursting with fizzy citrus flavor, you are going to love this Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe. Imagine creamy, airy frozen delight infused with the iconic tang of Mountain Dew soda, all made without an ice cream maker. It’s surprisingly simple, incredibly refreshing, and perfect for cooling off on a warm day or impressing friends with something uniquely delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients list, each carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of creaminess, sweetness, and that signature citrus sparkle. From the fluffy whipped cream to the fizzy soda, every component plays an essential role in crafting the final texture and taste.
- Mountain Dew soda (2 cups, chilled): This brings the lively citrus flavor and playful carbonation that makes the ice cream stand out.
- Heavy whipping cream (2 cups, cold): Whipped to soft peaks, it provides the creamy, airy texture that mimics traditional churned ice cream.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 oz): Adds necessary sweetness and a rich, velvety base without extra fuss.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): A subtle note that enhances all the flavors and gives depth to the ice cream.
- Gelatin (optional, 1 tbsp, dissolved): For those who want their ice cream a bit firmer and easier to scoop, this is a handy texture helper.
How to Make Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe
Step 1: Whip the Cream
Start by chilling your mixing bowl and beaters in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes; this helps the cream whip up better. Pour in the cold heavy whipping cream and beat it until you see soft peaks form. This fluffy whipped cream is the secret to the melt-in-your-mouth creaminess of your ice cream.
Step 2: Mix Condensed Milk and Flavorings
In a separate bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until smooth and combined. If you’re using gelatin, dissolve it according to the package instructions and fold it into this mixture now. This step is crucial for integrating the base flavors and adjusting texture if you fancy a slightly denser ice cream.
Step 3: Incorporate Mountain Dew
Next, gently stir the chilled Mountain Dew soda into the condensed milk mixture. Be careful to pour slowly and stir lightly to retain as much fizz as possible. Those tiny bubbles help keep the ice cream light and give it that unmistakable quench-worthy tang.
Step 4: Fold in the Whipped Cream
Now, the delicate part: folding the fluffy whipped cream into the Mountain Dew mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together, making sure not to deflate the whipped cream. This preserves the airy texture that makes this no-churn version so wonderfully soft.
Step 5: Freeze and Set
Transfer the combined mixture into a freezer-safe container, cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, and pop it into your freezer. For best results, let it freeze for at least 4 to 6 hours or preferably overnight. Patience here ensures a firm but scoopable ice cream that’s perfect to serve.
How to Serve Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe
Garnishes
To complement the bright citrus notes and creamy texture, try garnishing your Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe with fresh lime zest, a few thin slices of lime, or even a sprinkle of popping candy for a playful surprise. A drizzle of caramel or a few crushed up graham crackers also adds a lovely texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This fizzy ice cream pairs perfectly with lighter desserts or snacks. Think warm brownies, a crispy waffle cone, or even simple sugar cookies. The contrast between hot and cold or crunchy and smooth elevates the whole tasting experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, serve scoops of this Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe in clear glass bowls layered with crushed candy or jelly beans. You can also make fun ice cream floats by adding a scoop to a glass of additional chilled Mountain Dew soda for a double punch of citrus fizz.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the freezer right away to maintain freshness and avoid freezer burn. Use a tight lid or wrap the ice cream directly with plastic wrap before sealing the container.
Freezing
This no-churn ice cream freezes very well and can be kept in the freezer for up to two weeks without losing much of its smooth texture. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping for the best consistency.
Reheating
Since this is a frozen treat, reheating isn’t applicable. Instead, if your ice cream gets too hard in the freezer, simply allow it to soften naturally at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I use a different soda instead of Mountain Dew?
Absolutely! You can experiment with lemon-lime soda or orange soda for different flavor twists, but using Mountain Dew gives this recipe its signature bright citrus zing that’s hard to beat.
Do I really need an ice cream maker for this recipe?
Nope! This Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe is designed specifically to skip the ice cream maker, making it super accessible and easy while still delivering delicious results.
What does the optional gelatin do?
The gelatin helps firm up the ice cream, making it easier to scoop and less icy. If you prefer a softer texture, you can leave it out and still enjoy great flavor and creaminess.
Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
This recipe relies on heavy cream and condensed milk for that classic creamy texture, so dairy-free substitutes might change the final texture quite a bit. However, experimenting with coconut cream and sweetened condensed coconut milk could be an interesting vegan alternative.
How long should I wait before serving?
For the best texture, aim to freeze the Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe for at least 4 to 6 hours or overnight. This ensures it’s firm enough to scoop but still creamy and soft enough to enjoy immediately.
Final Thoughts
If you love the zingy, refreshing flavor of Mountain Dew and crave an easy frozen dessert that’s fun to make and even more fun to eat, this Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe is your new go-to. It combines creamy, fluffy texture with sparkling citrus essence in a way that only no-churn ice cream can offer. Grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a unique icy treat that’s guaranteed to brighten any day!
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Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (includes freezing time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Mountain Dew Ice Cream recipe is a refreshing, no-churn dessert that combines the citrusy fizz of Mountain Dew soda with creamy whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk. It’s easy to make at home without an ice cream machine, resulting in a light, fluffy, and flavorful treat perfect for hot days or any time you crave a unique twist on classic ice cream.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base
- 2 cups Mountain Dew soda (chilled)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional
- 1 tbsp gelatin (dissolved as per package instructions)
Instructions
- Whip the Cream: Start by chilling your mixing bowl and beaters to help the cream whip better. Then whip 2 cups of heavy whipping cream to soft peaks. This step is crucial as it ensures your ice cream will have a fluffy texture and creamy, airy finish.
- Mix Condensed Milk and Flavorings: In a separate bowl, combine 1 can of sweetened condensed milk with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. If you choose to use gelatin for a firmer texture, dissolve 1 tablespoon according to the package instructions and mix it in now.
- Incorporate Mountain Dew: Slowly stir 2 cups of chilled Mountain Dew soda into the condensed milk mixture. Be careful to stir gently to keep as much of the soda’s fizz as possible, which adds a light mouthfeel to the ice cream.
- Fold in the Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the Mountain Dew mixture until fully combined. Folding gently preserves the airiness of the whipped cream, making the final ice cream light and fluffy.
- Freeze and Set: Pour the combined mixture into a freezer-safe container. Cover it tightly and freeze for at least 4 to 6 hours or overnight. This allows the ice cream to firm up enough for scooping.
Notes
- Ensure all cream and mixing utensils are cold for better whipping results.
- Folding gently is key to maintaining a light texture.
- Using gelatin is optional but helps in achieving a more scoopable, firmer ice cream.
- The soda’s fizz adds a unique lightness; avoid over-stirring to keep this effect.
- Store leftover ice cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
