Sweet and nutty flavors marry in the ultimate no-churn ice cream recipe – Maple Walnut Ice Cream. It tastes like it came from a creamery, and you don’t need any special equipment.
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There are literally five simple ingredients in this maple walnut ice cream recipe. In just a few hours, you’ll have the best homemade ice cream.
You can use your favorite brand or type of maple syrup, just make sure that you use real maple syrup. Pure Vermont maple syrup is my favorite. You’ll taste the difference!
Anyone that loves sweet, nutty ice cream flavors will really enjoy this classic recipe.
Why This Recipe Works
Maple syrup and walnuts compliment each other really well. This ice cream gets its rich, smoky notes from the toasted walnuts and added sweetness from the maple syrup. The smooth and creamy base seals the deal for this homemade favorite.
Ice cream season doesn’t have to end just because the season has changed. The fall flavors of this ice cream make it the perfect treat to enjoy alongside of other seasonal desserts like Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake or Apple Crostata with Crisp Topping.
Anyone can make a no-churn ice cream – even teens and kids. This is a really easy recipe and you don’t even need an ice cream machine. The hardest part is waiting for it to set while it is in the freezer!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ingredients
- Heavy whipping cream
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Vanilla extract – For the best flavor, use pure vanilla extract
- Pure maple syrup – Only use real maple syrup for the most authentic flavor. Darker maple syrup is stronger than light.
- Chopped Walnuts
The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.
Prep!
If you want to toast the walnuts to enhance the flavor even more, be sure to allow them to cool fully before adding to the ice cream.
You can chill the mixing bowl for an hour or two in the freezer before beginning to help the heavy cream whip up nice and fluffy.
Create!
In a large mixing bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream on high for 4-5 minutes or until the cream forms tall, stiff peaks.
When the heavy cream is fully whipped, fold in the condensed milk and vanilla extract. Mix lightly for about 1 minute or until fully combined. The mixture will be thick.
Add in the maple syrup.
Stir in the walnuts. Mix with a rubber spatula, scraping down the sides of the bowl, until the ingredients are well blended.
Pour the ice cream into a 9×5-inch loaf pan, cover, and place in the freezer for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Present!
When the chill time is complete, remove from the freezer and serve in a waffle cone or bowl.
Garnish with whipped cream, extra chopped walnuts and/or maraschino cherries.
Tips and Techniques
- Darker maple syrup has a stronger flavor. If you want the maple syrup to really shine, use a darker one.
- You can toast the walnuts in a skillet for a couple minutes, watching very closely to prevent burning, to enhance the flavor. Let cool completely before adding to the ice cream.
- Chilling the mixing bowl in the freezer ahead of time will help the heavy cream whip up nice and fluffy. Be sure to leave the cream in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. The colder, the better.
- Store extra ice cream covered in the freezer. Consume within 10-14 days.
FAQ’s
What Is The Difference Between Churned and No Churn Ice Cream?
No-churn ice cream doesn’t contain eggs. Most no-churn recipes, like this one, contain sweetened condensed milk instead of granulated sugar, as well.
Can You Churn No Churn Ice Cream?
Yes, you can place no-churn ice cream in an ice cream maker and churn it. Keep an eye on it as you do this, because you might have to add more sweetened condensed milk to keep it creamy.
Why Is My No-Churn Ice Cream Icy?
This happens when large ice crystals form on the ice cream while it freezes. This results either from there being too much water content in the ice cream or storing it in the freezer for too long.
I recommend keeping this maple walnut ice cream in the freezer for up to six months.
More Fall Desserts
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No Churn Maple Walnut Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pure maple syrup (see notes)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts (see notes)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream on high for 4-5 minutes or until the cream forms tall, stiff peaks.2 cups heavy whipping cream
- When the heavy cream is fully whipped, fold in the condensed milk and vanilla extract. Mix lightly for about 1 minute or until fully combined. The mixture will be thick.14 ounces sweetened condensed milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Add in the maple syrup and walnuts. Mix with a rubber spatula, scraping down the sides of the bowl, until the ingredients are well blended.1 cup pure maple syrup, 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts
- Pour the ice cream into a 9x5-inch loaf pan, cover, and place in the freezer for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- When the chill time is complete, remove from the freezer and serve in a waffle cone or bowl.
- Garnish with whipped cream, extra chopped walnuts and/or maraschino cherries.
Notes
Tips and Techniques
- Darker maple syrup has a stronger flavor. If you want the maple syrup to really shine, use a darker one.
- You can toast the walnuts in a skillet for a couple minutes, watching very closely to prevent burning, to enhance the flavor. Let cool completely before adding to the ice cream.
- Chilling the mixing bowl in the freezer ahead of time will help the heavy cream whip up nice and fluffy. Be sure to leave the cream in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. The colder, the better.
- Store extra ice cream covered in the freezer. Consume within 10-14 days.
Heidy says
This maple no-churn ice cream recipe had a wonderful flavor. I must tell you, it is fast becoming a favorite in this household. Next time I am going to double the recipe.
Anna says
I made these couple of days ago and it’s the best ice cream ever! Your tip on toasting the nuts slightly was great, it made them even more delicious!
Ashley says
This sounds like an amazing flavor combination for fall! Definitely can’t go wrong with walnuts and maple together.
Tristin says
This is such a great flavor combination! I will be eating this even when it starts getting cold out.
Erin says
This ice cream was awesome! I hadn’t had maple walnut forever. I need to double this next time!
Adriana says
In love with the maple and walnut combination! I had never made ice cream before, and this one turned out amazing. Thanks for all the expert tips!
Mikayla says
The flavor took me straight back to the kitchen table in my great grandparents kitchen on summer vacation. Creamy and delicious!
Amy Liu Dong says
I love walnut ice cream and this one is so easy and delicious. Yummy!
Jean says
I love the fact that this is a no churn, easy recipe. Turned out great. Served in waffle cones to kids.
Lisa says
I love homemade ice cream especially when you don’t have to make it in an ice cream maker. And give me all the walnuts!
Deb says
This turned out super super good. So full of flavor I just loved it.