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No-churn banana pudding ice cream batter being stirred with vanilla wafers and fresh banana slices, showing a creamy texture.

No-Churn Banana Pudding Ice Cream That's Creamier Than the Boxed Stuff — in 10 Minutes of Work

Creamy, banana-packed no-churn ice cream with soft vanilla wafer bits. No machine needed, just 10 minutes of work and 4 hours in the freezer.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x5 Loaf Pan
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Spatula
  • Mixing bowls
  • Plastic wrap

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 cups vanilla wafers (like Nilla), crushed

Instructions
 

  • Macerate the bananas: In a medium bowl, mash the bananas with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth with some small chunks. Stir in the sugar and lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes while you do the next step.
  • Whip the cream: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract to soft peaks. You'll know it's ready when it holds a gentle curl when you lift the beater.
  • Fold the base together: Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the whipped cream. Fold gently until combined. Then add the banana mixture and fold until just combined.
  • Layer it: Spoon a third of the cream mixture into your loaf pan. Sprinkle with a third of the crushed wafers. Repeat twice, ending with a layer of cream on top. Run a knife through to swirl slightly.
  • Freeze: Cover tightly with plastic wrap. Freeze for at least 4 hours, preferably 6. It will keep for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Tips for success:
- Don't overwhip the cream — soft peaks only.
- Use very ripe (spotty brown) bananas for the best flavor.
- Crush wafers by hand for a mix of sizes.
- For a boozy version, add 2 tbsp dark rum to the cream mixture.
Swaps:
- Gluten-free: use GF vanilla wafers.
- Dairy-free: use chilled full-fat coconut cream and dairy-free condensed milk (will taste faintly of coconut).
- Kids: pour mixture into popsicle molds for banana cream pops.
Keyword banana ice cream, easy dessert, no-churn banana pudding ice cream