How to Make Flakes Ice Cream: A Quick and Easy Recipe

Who doesn’t love homemade ice cream, especially when it’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious? If you’re a fan of creamy, indulgent ice cream with the fun crunch of chocolate sprinkles, this Flakes Ice Cream recipe is just what you need. With just three simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of homemade ice cream that rivals anything you’d find in the store.

In this guide, we’ll take you through a step-by-step process to make this decadent dessert, complete with helpful tips, variations, and FAQs to ensure your ice cream comes out perfect every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Flakes Ice Cream is not only easy to make, but it’s also:

No-churn: You won’t need an ice cream maker or fancy equipment.
Quick: Just a few minutes of prep time before you pop it in the freezer.
Indulgent: Sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream make it ultra-creamy, while chocolate sprinkles add a delightful crunch.

Customizable: You can mix in your favorite toppings or flavors to make this recipe your own.

Now, let’s jump into the ingredients you’ll need and how to put them together.

Ingredients for Flakes Ice Cream

Here’s everything you need to make this simple and delicious dessert:

7 oz of chocolate sprinkles (200 grams): The “flakes” in this recipe! These add a fun texture and chocolatey flavor throughout the ice cream.
14 oz of sweetened condensed milk (395 grams): This rich, sweet base gives the ice cream its creamy texture without the need for eggs or a traditional custard base.
1 ⅔ cups of very cold whipped cream (400 ml / 13.5 fl oz): Whipping the cream adds volume and lightness to the ice cream, making it soft and airy.

Ingredient Notes:

Chocolate sprinkles: While the recipe uses chocolate sprinkles, you can also swap them out for chocolate chips, candy pieces, or even cookie crumbs for different textures and flavors.
Whipped cream: Make sure the cream is very cold before whipping it to ensure it reaches the right consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Flakes Ice Cream

1. Beat the Sweetened Condensed Milk

In a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), pour the 14 oz of sweetened condensed milk into the mixing bowl. Start beating on medium-high speed and continue for 4 to 5 minutes. You’ll notice the condensed milk will become lighter in color and increase in volume. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the mixture, which helps create a fluffy, creamy ice cream.

2. Add the Whipped Cream

Next, gradually add the 1 ⅔ cups of very cold whipped cream to the sweetened condensed milk. Continue beating the mixture on medium speed until it becomes creamy, voluminous, and light. The whipped cream will incorporate air, making the ice cream light and soft without using an ice cream maker.

3. Fold in the Chocolate Sprinkles

Once the whipped cream and condensed milk are well-combined, it’s time to add the chocolate sprinkles. Gently fold the sprinkles into the mixture using a spatula. Be sure to fold carefully to maintain the fluffy texture of the ice cream. Distribute the sprinkles evenly so that each scoop of ice cream will have a delightful crunch.

4. Freeze the Mixture

Pour the ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe container. Spread it evenly to ensure that it freezes uniformly. Seal the container with an airtight lid or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.

5. Freeze Overnight

Place the container in the freezer and let the ice cream freeze overnight, or for at least 6-8 hours, until it is firm and fully frozen. The longer it freezes, the better the texture will be.

6. Serve and Enjoy

When you’re ready to serve, remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit for a minute or two to soften slightly. Scoop it into bowls or cones, and enjoy your homemade Flakes Ice Cream!

Tips for Making the Best Flakes Ice Cream

Use very cold cream: For best results, make sure your whipped cream is chilled before you begin. If the cream isn’t cold enough, it won’t whip properly, and your ice cream may turn out denser than desired.
Don’t overmix: When folding in the chocolate sprinkles, be gentle. Overmixing can deflate the whipped cream, making the ice cream less fluffy.
Freeze properly: Store the ice cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and to keep the ice cream fresh for longer.
Add mix-ins: Want to take it up a notch? You can mix in other ingredients like crushed cookies, chopped nuts, or swirls of caramel or fudge.

Variations of Flakes Ice Cream

While this basic recipe is already delicious, you can easily customize it by adding different flavors or mix-ins. Here are a few ideas:

1. Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Swap out the chocolate sprinkles for chocolate chips for a classic chocolate chip ice cream. You can use mini chocolate chips for a more delicate texture or go bold with larger chunks.

2. Cookies and Cream Ice Cream

For a cookies-and-cream twist, crush up some Oreo cookies or your favorite sandwich cookies and fold them into the ice cream base along with the whipped cream.

3. Mint Chocolate Flakes Ice Cream

Add a few drops of mint extract to the whipped cream mixture before folding in the chocolate sprinkles for a refreshing mint chocolate flavor.

4. Nutty Delight

For some extra crunch, add a handful of chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts to the ice cream mixture. You could even toast the nuts for added depth of flavor.

FAQs About Flakes Ice Cream

1. How long does Flakes Ice Cream last in the freezer?

Homemade ice cream can last in the freezer for up to 2 weeks if stored in an airtight container. However, for the best texture and flavor, try to consume it within the first week.

2. Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?

Yes! You can use a hand mixer or even whisk by hand, but keep in mind that it may take a bit longer to achieve the desired creamy texture.

3. Can I use low-fat whipped cream or sweetened condensed milk?

Using low-fat alternatives may affect the texture of the ice cream, making it less creamy and rich. Full-fat versions will give you the best results.

4. Can I add other flavors to the base?

Absolutely! You can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or even a splash of liquor like Baileys or Kahlua to the base mixture to enhance the flavor.

5. Why is my ice cream too hard after freezing?

If your ice cream is too hard, it may have frozen too solid. Allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly. You can also try adding a tablespoon of alcohol to the mixture before freezing, which can help prevent it from freezing too hard.

Conclusion

Flakes Ice Cream is the perfect treat for when you’re craving something sweet, creamy, and a little bit crunchy. With just three ingredients and no need for an ice cream maker, it’s a dessert that anyone can whip up at home in no time. Whether you stick to the classic version with chocolate sprinkles or try one of the fun variations, this ice cream is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!