If you love refreshing, fizzy flavors and crave a sweet treat that wakes up your taste buds, then this Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It wonderfully combines the tangy zest of Mountain Dew soda with the rich creaminess of homemade ice cream, all without needing an ice cream maker. Imagine scooping into a bright, citrusy dessert that’s airy, light, and bursting with that unmistakable Mountain Dew flavor in every bite. It’s playful, simple, and irresistibly delicious—perfect for a hot day or any time you want to impress friends with a cool, nostalgic twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe shines because of its simplicity. The few key ingredients work together effortlessly to create a luscious, fizzy ice cream with a silky texture and vibrant color. Each component plays an essential role, making this recipe both fun and foolproof.
- 2 cups Mountain Dew soda (chilled): This gives our ice cream its signature tangy, citrus flavor and bright neon hue, plus a bit of fizz to keep things light.
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold): Whipped to fluffy perfection, it provides the richness and creamy body that turns this into a satisfying dessert.
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk: Adds natural sweetness and helps create that smooth, scoopable texture without the need for churning.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Just a touch to balance and deepen the flavors, bringing warmth and depth to the icy treat.
- Optional: 1 tbsp gelatin (dissolved): For those who prefer a firmer consistency, gelatin can give your ice cream a sturdier scoop without compromising fluffiness.
How to Make Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe
Step 1: Whip the Heavy Cream to Soft Peaks
Begin by chilling your mixing bowl and beaters for about 10 minutes—this little trick helps the cream whip up faster and fluffier. Pour the cold heavy whipping cream into the chilled bowl and whip on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. This step is crucial because the whipped cream is what gives your ice cream that airy, melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves.
Step 2: Mix Condensed Milk, Vanilla, and Gelatin
In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk with the teaspoon of vanilla extract, stirring gently to blend. If you’ve decided to use gelatin, dissolve it according to package instructions before folding it into the condensed milk mixture. This little addition helps firm up the ice cream if you prefer it less soft and easier to scoop—but totally optional.
Step 3: Stir in the Chilled Mountain Dew
Carefully pour the cold Mountain Dew soda into the condensed milk and vanilla mix. Stir slowly and gently to preserve as much carbonation as possible—this bubbly zest is what sets this ice cream apart and adds a playful, effervescent dimension to your dessert.
Step 4: Fold in the Whipped Cream
Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Gently fold the whipped cream into the Mountain Dew mixture using a spatula, taking care not to deflate the fluffiness you just worked so hard to create. This folding technique ensures your ice cream remains light and airy while perfectly combined.
Step 5: Freeze Until Firm
Transfer the mixture into a freezer-safe container and cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. Pop it in the freezer for a minimum of 4 to 6 hours or ideally overnight, allowing it to set to a scoopable firmness. When ready, you’ll have a cool, zingy, and creamy delight that’s better than store-bought in both flavor and texture.
How to Serve Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Mountain Dew Ice Cream experience, try topping it with fresh citrus zest like lime or lemon. A sprinkle of popping candy adds a quirky, fizzy crunch that echoes the soda’s bubbles, while a few mint leaves bring a fresh, aromatic touch that brightens each spoonful beautifully.
Side Dishes
This ice cream pairs wonderfully with simple, complementary treats. Think warm chocolate brownies or a crisp waffle cone for texture contrast. You can also serve it alongside a scoop of tangy sorbet or fresh fruit salad for an extra refreshing combo that balances sweet and tart flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party idea, serve Mountain Dew Ice Cream in hollowed-out citrus fruits like lemons or limes to mirror its zesty flair. Layer it in parfait glasses with crunchy granola and muddled berries for an elegant look, or create mini ice cream soda floats by adding a splash of Mountain Dew over scoops just before serving. Each presentation brings out the playful spirit of this recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe leftovers, keep them tightly sealed in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and absorption of odors. Properly stored, it should maintain its flavor and texture for up to one week.
Freezing
This no-churn ice cream freezes wonderfully. Just make sure the container is sealed well to avoid ice crystals forming. When frozen, the consistency remains creamy and scoopable, making it easy to enjoy anytime you want a quick, homemade dessert.
Reheating
Mountain Dew Ice Cream is best served straight from the freezer. If it’s too hard to scoop, let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes to soften slightly—never microwave it, as this will ruin the texture and cause separation.
FAQs
Can I use diet Mountain Dew for this recipe?
Diet Mountain Dew is not recommended because the sugar content in regular Mountain Dew helps maintain the ice cream’s texture and sweetness. Using diet soda could affect both the taste and creaminess.
What if I don’t have an ice cream maker?
No worries! This Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe is perfect for those without an ice cream machine. The whipped cream and condensed milk combo creates a rich, smooth texture without the need for churning.
Is gelatin necessary?
Gelatin is entirely optional. It helps firm up the ice cream for easier scooping, but if you prefer a softer, more traditional creamy texture, you can skip it with no problem.
Can I substitute Mountain Dew with another soda?
You could experiment with other citrus sodas like lemon-lime or orange soda, but Mountain Dew’s unique flavor really makes this recipe special. Swapping sodas will change the final taste and character.
How long does it take to freeze properly?
Freezing takes a minimum of 4 to 6 hours, but the best results come from leaving it overnight to ensure the ice cream is firm enough to scoop easily.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about making homemade ice cream with so little fuss, especially when it brings the zingy fun of Mountain Dew right into your freezer. This Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe is a vibrant and exciting way to cool down and impress your friends or family with a retro-inspired, perfectly creamy treat. Give it a try—you’ll wonder why you hadn’t thought of turning your favorite soda into ice cream sooner!
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Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (including freezing time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This no-churn Mountain Dew Ice Cream is a unique and refreshing treat that combines the fizz and citrusy flavor of Mountain Dew soda with creamy whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk. Perfect for a quick homemade dessert without the need for an ice cream maker, it offers a light, fluffy texture and vibrant taste that’s sure to delight both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
- Chill and Whip Cream: Start by chilling your mixing bowl and beaters to help the cream whip more easily. Then, whip 2 cups of cold heavy whipping cream to soft peaks. This step is essential for creating the fluffy, airy texture of the ice cream.
- Mix Condensed Milk and Flavoring: In a separate bowl, combine 1 can of sweetened condensed milk with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. If you want a firmer texture, dissolve 1 tablespoon of gelatin according to the package instructions and incorporate it into the mixture now.
- Add Mountain Dew Soda: Slowly stir in 2 cups of chilled Mountain Dew soda into the condensed milk mixture. Be careful to maintain as much fizz as possible since it adds to the light mouthfeel of the final ice cream.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the Mountain Dew mixture until well combined. Take care to fold rather than stir vigorously so you retain the airiness in the whipped cream, which ensures a light and fluffy ice cream.
- Freeze the Mixture: Pour the combined mixture into a freezer-safe container, cover it tightly, and freeze for at least 4 to 6 hours or preferably overnight. Freeze it until the ice cream is firm enough to scoop and enjoy.
Notes
- Chilling your mixing bowl and beaters helps the cream whip better.
- Keep as much carbonation as possible when adding Mountain Dew to maintain a light texture.
- Gelatin is optional but recommended if you prefer a firmer ice cream that holds its shape well.
- This recipe requires no ice cream maker, making it easy and convenient to prepare.
- Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping for easier serving.
