If you’re looking for a fun twist on classic summer treats, this Mountain Dew No-Churn Ice Cream Recipe is pure magic in a bowl. Bursting with the nostalgic citrusy zing of Mountain Dew and creamy indulgence without the hassle of an ice cream maker, it’s perfect for anyone craving a refreshing, fizzy dessert that’s as vibrant as it is easy to make. Once you try this, it just might become your go-to for impressing friends or satisfying your sweet tooth on a sunny afternoon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mountain Dew No-Churn Ice Cream Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a star role, building layers of flavor and a dreamy texture that’s the hallmark of homemade ice cream.
- 2 cups Mountain Dew soda (chilled): The signature citrus soda adds that bright, tangy fizz and sweet lift essential to this ice cream’s unique flavor.
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold): Key to creating the luscious, airy texture that makes no-churn ice cream taste just as rich as its churned counterpart.
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk: Adds creamy sweetness and helps the ice cream set without needing an ice cream maker.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor and balances the soda’s sharpness with a warm, comforting note.
- Optional: 1 tbsp gelatin: Dissolved as per package instructions for those who want a firmer ice cream that still melts in your mouth.
How to Make Mountain Dew No-Churn Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Whip the Cream
Start by chilling your mixing bowl and beaters to help the cream whip better. Then, whip the 2 cups of heavy whipping cream to soft peaks. This fluffy texture is crucial because it introduces air, giving your ice cream a light, creamy mouthfeel that feels incredibly indulgent without heaviness.
Step 2: Mix Condensed Milk and Flavorings
In a separate bowl, carefully combine the sweetened condensed milk with vanilla extract. If you’re using gelatin, this is the time to dissolve it according to the package instructions and stir it into your mixture. The condensed milk provides the ice cream’s silky sweetness, while gelatin offers structure without compromising softness.
Step 3: Incorporate Mountain Dew
Slowly pour in the chilled Mountain Dew soda to the condensed milk mixture, stirring gently to maintain as much of the soda’s fizz as possible. This carbonation is what gives your ice cream that refreshing, almost sparkling sensation with every spoonful.
Step 4: Fold in the Whipped Cream
Now, gently fold the whipped cream into the Mountain Dew mixture. Take your time to combine everything without deflating the airy whipped cream. This step ensures your ice cream stays light, fluffy, and beautifully creamy with a wonderful contrast between foamy texture and smoothness.
Step 5: Freeze and Set
Pour the combined mixture into a freezer-safe container, cover it tightly, and place it in the freezer. Let it freeze for at least 4 to 6 hours, or overnight if you can wait that long. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the ice cream to solidify into that scoopable delight you’re dreaming of.
How to Serve Mountain Dew No-Churn Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can transform your Mountain Dew No-Churn Ice Cream into a showstopper. Consider fresh lime zest, a drizzle of citrus syrup, or even a few candied lemon slices for a vibrant touch. Not only do these brighten the flavors, but they offer a beautiful visual contrast that invites you to dig in.
Side Dishes
This ice cream pairs wonderfully with simple desserts like warm brownies or a slice of pound cake. The contrast between hot and cold, or dense and airy, creates an exciting bite every time. You can also serve it alongside fresh fruit salads for a lighter, more refreshing finish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, try serving the Mountain Dew No-Churn Ice Cream in clear glass cups layered with crushed citrus cookies or even popping it into waffle cones with sprinkles for a fun handheld treat. You can also create mini floats by spooning the ice cream over extra soda for a nostalgic soda fountain vibe at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Mountain Dew No-Churn Ice Cream in an airtight container in the freezer to keep it from absorbing other odors. Properly sealed, it will maintain its flavor and creamy texture for up to one week, so you can enjoy a sweet treat anytime cravings strike.
Freezing
Because this is a no-churn recipe, freezing is straightforward. Just cover the container tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and freeze on a flat surface to ensure even setting. The ice cream firms up beautifully and keeps its airy texture without needing constant stirring or ice cream maker intervention.
Reheating
While you don’t actually reheat ice cream, letting the Mountain Dew No-Churn Ice Cream Recipe sit at room temperature for about 5 to 10 minutes before scooping helps soften it just enough for easy serving without losing that creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different soda instead of Mountain Dew?
Absolutely! While Mountain Dew is beloved for its distinct citrus punch, you can experiment with other citrus-flavored sodas like Sprite or even a lemon-lime soda to create your version of this no-churn ice cream. Just keep in mind the flavor balance might shift slightly.
Do I have to use gelatin?
Gelatin is optional and used mainly to give the ice cream a firmer texture. If you prefer a softer, more traditional ice cream consistency, you can skip it. The ice cream will still freeze nicely thanks to the sweetened condensed milk.
Can I make this ice cream dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, you’ll need to substitute heavy whipping cream and condensed milk with plant-based alternatives that whip well and have a similar sweetness and consistency. Coconut cream and sweetened condensed coconut milk are popular choices to try.
Why is it important to keep the Mountain Dew chilled?
Using chilled Mountain Dew helps preserve the soda’s carbonation when mixing it into the ice cream base. This fizziness adds to the light, refreshing texture that makes this Mountain Dew No-Churn Ice Cream Recipe so special.
Can I add mix-ins like candy or fruit?
Definitely! Small chunks of citrus candy, crushed cookies, or even finely chopped fresh fruit make excellent additions. Just fold them in gently after combining the whipped cream and Mountain Dew mixture to avoid deflating the airy texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is exciting to eat, give this Mountain Dew No-Churn Ice Cream Recipe a try. The refreshing soda twist and creamy texture come together in a way that feels both nostalgic and new, making it a guaranteed hit for warm days or casual gatherings. Once you scoop into this fizzy, creamy delight, you might just want to keep this recipe on speed dial.
Print
Mountain Dew No-Churn Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This refreshing Mountain Dew Ice Cream recipe offers a delightful no-churn dessert that combines the citrusy fizz of Mountain Dew with creamy whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk. Perfect for a quick homemade treat, it requires no ice cream maker and sets up firmly in the freezer for a light, airy texture and sweet, tangy flavor.
Ingredients
Liquid Ingredients
- 2 cups Mountain Dew soda, chilled
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dairy
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
Optional
- 1 tbsp gelatin (dissolved as per package instructions)
Instructions
- Whip the Cream: Chill your mixing bowl and beaters thoroughly, then whip 2 cups of heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. This step creates the fluffy texture essential for the ice cream’s creamy, airy finish.
- Mix Condensed Milk and Flavorings: In a separate bowl, combine the 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. If you choose to use gelatin for a firmer texture, dissolve 1 tablespoon as per package instructions and add it to this mixture, stirring well.
- Incorporate Mountain Dew: Slowly stir in 2 cups of chilled Mountain Dew soda into the condensed milk mixture. Stir gently to preserve as much carbonation as possible, which contributes to the ice cream’s light mouthfeel.
- Fold in the Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the Mountain Dew mixture. This careful folding maintains the airiness and ensures the ice cream remains light and fluffy.
- Freeze and Set: Pour the blended mixture into a freezer-safe container and cover it tightly. Freeze for at least 4 to 6 hours, or overnight, until it is firm enough to scoop and enjoy.
Notes
- For best results, ensure all ingredients are cold before mixing.
- Dissolving gelatin correctly will give the ice cream a more stable texture but is optional.
- Handle the Mountain Dew gently to keep the carbonation, which helps with the light texture.
- Allow the ice cream to soften slightly at room temperature before scooping for easier serving.
