If you are craving a refreshingly unique dessert that combines the zing of a classic soda with the creamy delight of ice cream, then this Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s incredibly simple to whip up, requires just a handful of ingredients, and delivers that perfect balance of light, airy creaminess with an unmistakable citrusy pop. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself on a warm day, this no-churn version eliminates the fuss of traditional ice cream making, letting you enjoy a fizzy, creamy treat in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a pivotal role. The Mountain Dew brings that signature soda flavor and sparkle, heavy whipping cream adds lush creaminess, and sweetened condensed milk delivers sweetness and smooth texture. Each ingredient is easy to find, yet essential to create this fun frozen dessert.
- Mountain Dew soda (2 cups, chilled): Brings a bright, citrusy fizz that makes this ice cream truly unique and refreshing.
- Heavy whipping cream (2 cups, cold): Whipped to soft peaks, it provides the fluffy, creamy base that’s key for a smooth texture without ice crystals.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 oz): Adds natural sweetness and richness, helping the ice cream set without churning.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the flavor with a warm, familiar note to balance the sharpness of the soda.
- Gelatin (optional, 1 tbsp): Dissolved and added for those who want a firmer, scoopable texture without diluting flavor.
How to Make Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe
Step 1: Whip the Cream to Soft Peaks
Start by chilling your mixing bowl and beaters for the best whipping results. Then, whip your cold heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form — this means when you lift the beaters, the cream holds a gentle peak that curls over slightly. This step is crucial because these soft peaks are what make your ice cream light, fluffy, and airy, mimicking the texture that a traditional churner would produce.
Step 2: Combine Condensed Milk and Flavorings
In a separate bowl, pour in the sweetened condensed milk along with the vanilla extract. If you’re using gelatin, now is the time to dissolve it according to package instructions and gently stir it into the condensed milk mixture. This addition is optional but perfect if you want a firmer ice cream that holds its shape beautifully when scooped.
Step 3: Slowly Add Mountain Dew Soda
Carefully pour in the chilled Mountain Dew soda into your condensed milk bowl, stirring slowly to incorporate. The key here is to retain as much of the soda’s fizz as possible, which contributes a refreshing, light texture and that signature zing. Stir gently and steadily, making sure you don’t lose the delightful bubbles that make this treat so special.
Step 4: Fold in the Whipped Cream
Now for the delicate part — gently fold the whipped cream into the Mountain Dew mixture. Folding, rather than stirring vigorously, helps preserve the air bubbles in the whipped cream, ensuring your ice cream stays light and fluffy once frozen. Take your time with this step and use a spatula to carefully combine the two components without deflating the mix.
Step 5: Freeze Until Set
Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container and cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. Place it in the freezer and allow it to set for at least 4 to 6 hours, or better yet, overnight. This waiting time lets the flavors meld and the ice cream firm up to a perfect scoopable texture that’s simultaneously creamy and fizzy.
How to Serve Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe
Garnishes
To amplify the experience of your Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe, consider topping it with some fresh lime zest or thinly sliced citrus fruits for a vibrant color and extra zing. A sprinkle of crushed candy or popping candy can add a fun surprise with every bite. For a delightfully creamy contrast, drizzle a bit of sweetened condensed milk or a few chocolate shavings over the top.
Side Dishes
This ice cream pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides like fresh fruit salad or a tangy berry compote. For something more indulgent, try serving alongside warm, fudgy brownies or a slice of pound cake, which provide a wonderful counterbalance to this soda-flavored frozen treat. The contrasting textures and temperatures make for a magical dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation by serving your Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe in hollowed-out citrus fruit shells, such as lemons or limes, for a visually stunning and fun touch. You could also layer the ice cream in clear glasses alongside soda-soaked cake pieces or gummy candy for a colorful, party-ready dessert. Popsicle molds work great too if you want to transform this into a fizzy frozen treat on a stick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe should be tightly covered and stored in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming. Keep it in the coldest part of your freezer for the best texture and flavor preservation, ideally consuming within a week for maximum freshness.
Freezing
This no-churn ice cream freezes beautifully thanks to the sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream base, which inhibit ice crystal formation. Just be sure to cover it well to avoid absorbing any freezer odors and avoid frequent thawing and refreezing to maintain its creamy consistency.
Reheating
Unlike savory dishes, this Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe is best enjoyed straight from the freezer. If it becomes too hard, simply leave it at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping to soften it slightly — reheating or microwaving should be avoided as this will ruin the texture and cause it to melt unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use diet Mountain Dew or another soda in this recipe?
You can experiment with diet versions or other citrus-flavored sodas; however, diet sodas might affect the freezing process and sweetness level. Using regular Mountain Dew ensures the best balance of flavor and texture for this no-churn ice cream.
Is gelatin necessary for this recipe?
Gelatin is optional but helps the ice cream set firmer, making it easier to scoop. If you prefer a softer, creamier texture similar to homemade ice cream, you can leave it out without impacting the flavor.
How long does this ice cream keep in the freezer?
When stored properly in an airtight container, the Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week. Beyond that, it may begin to develop ice crystals and lose its creamy texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan or lactose-free?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy ingredients for texture and taste, so substituting with non-dairy alternatives can be tricky and may alter the final result. If you want to try, use coconut cream and a dairy-free condensed milk alternative, but expect a different texture and flavor.
Why does the Mountain Dew lose some fizz during mixing?
Some of the carbonation naturally escapes as you stir, but by adding the soda slowly and gently folding the mixture, you retain as much fizz as possible to keep the ice cream light and refreshing. This fizz is what makes the recipe so unique and enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dessert that’s fun, fizzy, and incredibly easy to make, the Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe is the way to go. It’s a fantastic twist on traditional ice cream that brightens up any occasion with its playful soda spark and luscious creaminess. I encourage you to give it a try and surprise your taste buds with a scoop of this cheerful, fizzy delight!
Print
Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Mountain Dew Ice Cream is a refreshing no-churn dessert that combines the citrusy fizz of Mountain Dew with a creamy, fluffy texture. Made without an ice cream maker, it uses whipped heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk for a smooth, rich treat perfect for quick and easy summer enjoyment.
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
- Whip the Cream: Chill your mixing bowl and beaters for best results, then whip 2 cups of cold heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. This step creates the airy texture essential for light, creamy ice cream.
- Mix Condensed Milk and Flavorings: In a separate bowl, combine 1 can of sweetened condensed milk with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. If using gelatin for a firmer texture, dissolve 1 tablespoon according to package instructions and stir it in now.
- Incorporate Mountain Dew: Slowly pour 2 cups of chilled Mountain Dew soda into the condensed milk mixture, stirring gently to retain as much carbonation as possible, which adds a light and bubbly mouthfeel to the ice cream.
- Fold in the Whipped Cream: Carefully fold the whipped cream into the Mountain Dew and condensed milk mixture until completely combined, keeping the mixture light and airy by preserving the whipped cream’s airiness.
- Freeze and Set: Transfer the mixture into a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for at least 4 to 6 hours or overnight until firm enough to scoop and serve.
Notes
- Chilling the mixing bowl and beaters before whipping heavy cream helps achieve better volume and stiffness.
- Folding the whipped cream gently is critical to keep the mixture airy and fluffy.
- Using gelatin is optional but recommended if you want a firmer ice cream texture that holds its shape better.
- Keep the Mountain Dew soda as cold as possible to maintain carbonation during mixing for a lighter texture.
- For best texture, avoid over-mixing after folding in the whipped cream.
