This Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe is an absolute game-changer for anyone who loves a fizzy twist on a classic frozen treat. It’s creamy, delightfully tangy, and refreshingly sweet, all bundled together without the need for an ice cream maker. This recipe captures the unique zest of Mountain Dew soda, turning it into a dreamy scoopable delight that’s perfect for summer days, parties, or whenever you crave something fun and nostalgic. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy Mountain Dew in dessert form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: the Mountain Dew itself brings sparkle and citrus notes, while the heavy whipping cream adds luscious creaminess. Sweetened condensed milk packs in that rich sweetness and silky texture, and vanilla extract rounds out the flavors perfectly. If you want extra firmness, gelatin can be a great addition without complicating the process.
- 2 cups Mountain Dew soda (chilled): The star ingredient that offers the unique citrus flavor and fizz that make this ice cream special.
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold): Whipped to soft peaks, it creates the fluffy, creamy base essential for that perfect ice cream texture.
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and a creamy smoothness that binds everything beautifully.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle warmth and depth.
- Optional: 1 tbsp gelatin (dissolved as per package instructions): Use this if you want a firmer texture that still stays creamy and scoopable.
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 thoroughly—cold tools help the cream whip up faster and hold its shape better. Then, whip 2 cups of heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. This means the cream should be light and airy, just holding its shape but still soft enough to gently fold in later. This step is essential because it’s what turns the ice cream into a creamy, fluffy dream rather than a dense, icy block.
Step 2: Mix Sweetened Condensed Milk and Vanilla
In a separate bowl, combine the entire can of sweetened condensed milk with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This mixture brings sweetness and body to your ice cream without needing extra refined sugar. If you want a firmer ice cream, now is the time to stir in your dissolved gelatin. It’s a sneaky way to help your ice cream hold together better without changing the flavor or texture too much.
Step 3: Carefully Fold in Chilled Mountain Dew
Slowly add the 2 cups of chilled Mountain Dew soda into your condensed milk mixture. Be gentle to preserve as much carbonation as possible—those tiny bubbles add a light and refreshing mouthfeel to the finished ice cream. Stir carefully and slowly to keep the fizz intact, which makes this recipe truly stand out from typical no-churn ice creams.
Step 4: Fold Whipped Cream into the Mountain Dew Mixture
This is where your ice cream starts to take shape. Slowly and gently fold the whipped cream into your Mountain Dew and condensed milk mixture. Folding, rather than stirring, helps keep all the air you carefully whipped into the cream, ensuring the ice cream stays light and fluffy after freezing. Take your time with this step for the best texture.
Step 5: Freeze Until Firm
Pour the combined mixture into a freezer-safe container and cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. Pop it in the freezer for at least 4 to 6 hours, preferably overnight, until it’s firm enough to scoop. Because it’s no-churn, the texture will be perfectly creamy without needing churning or special equipment, making this a wonderfully easy way to enjoy homemade ice cream.
How to Serve Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe
Garnishes
Because this Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe has such a bold and citrusy flavor, it pairs beautifully with bright, fresh garnishes. Try topping each scoop with a few thin slices of lime or lemon zest to highlight the soda’s citrus notes. A sprinkle of crushed citrus-flavored candy or a few fresh mint leaves can add a lovely touch and a pop of color.
Side Dishes
This ice cream pairs wonderfully as a cool finish to spicy or savory dishes, especially BBQ or grilled foods with bold flavors. A refreshing fruit salad with pineapple or berries complements its sweet and tangy profile too. And if you’re in the mood for indulgence, serve it alongside a warm chocolate brownie—sweet, fizzy, and fudgy all in one bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your guests? Serve this Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe in fun glass cups with colorful straws for a float-inspired look. You can also layer it with Mountain Dew jelly or sherbet in a parfait glass for an eye-catching dessert. Another crowd-pleaser is scooping it into waffle cones and dipping the edges in citrus-flavored sprinkles or sugar for an easy party treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mountain Dew ice cream keeps well in the freezer for up to two weeks if stored in an airtight container. Make sure to press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the lid to help prevent ice crystals from forming and maintain that creamy texture.
Freezing
This no-churn ice cream freezes beautifully because of the whipped cream’s airiness and the gelatin (if used) helping stabilize it. Freezing it for longer periods won’t negatively affect the flavor but may harden the texture slightly. If it’s frozen very hard, a few minutes at room temperature before serving will soften it for easier scooping.
Reheating
Unlike other desserts, this ice cream shouldn’t be reheated. The best way to enjoy it is straight from the freezer or slightly softened at room temperature for a few minutes. Reheating will cause melting and loss of the desired creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other sodas instead of Mountain Dew?
Yes! While Mountain Dew gives this ice cream its signature citrus zing, you can experiment with other clear sodas like lemon-lime or orange soda. Just keep in mind that different sodas will alter the flavor and sweetness.
What does the gelatin do in this recipe?
Gelatin helps the ice cream set firmer and creates a more scoopable texture. If you prefer a softer ice cream, you can skip it, but it’s a nice addition if you want that classic ice cream feel.
Why do I need to chill the mixing bowl and beaters?
Cold tools help the heavy cream whip more quickly and hold its structure better. This is important to get that fluffy texture that keeps your no-churn ice cream light and airy.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
This recipe relies on dairy products like heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk, making it tricky to veganize without sacrificing texture. There are substitutes, but results can vary, so it might be best to look for specific vegan no-churn recipes.
How long can I store the ice cream in the freezer?
For best quality, consume within two weeks. Beyond that, the texture and flavor can start to degrade, especially the delicate carbonation and creaminess.
Final Thoughts
I honestly can’t recommend this Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe enough. It’s fun, easy, and brings a whole new dimension to both ice cream and the beloved soda we grew up with. Whether you’re whipping this up for a party, a family treat, or just because, it delivers an unforgettable burst of flavor and creamy joy every single time. So go ahead, make a batch and share this fizzy, creamy delight with the people you love!
Print
Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: About 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This no-churn Mountain Dew Ice Cream recipe offers a fun and refreshing twist on traditional ice cream using the fizzy citrus soda combined with creamy whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk. Easy to prepare without an ice cream maker, it delivers a light, fluffy texture and vibrant flavor that’s perfect for summer treats or any time you crave a unique frozen dessert.
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: Begin by chilling your mixing bowl and beaters thoroughly to ensure the cream whips properly. Then, whip 2 cups of cold heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. This fluffy texture is essential for the creamy and airy finish of your ice cream.
- Prepare Condensed Milk Mixture: 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, dissolve 1 tablespoon according to the package instructions and incorporate it into this mixture for a firmer final texture.
- Add Mountain Dew: Slowly stir in 2 cups of chilled Mountain Dew soda into the condensed milk mixture. Stir gently to maintain as much carbonation as possible, which contributes to a light mouthfeel in the ice cream.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Carefully fold the whipped cream into the Mountain Dew and condensed milk mixture. Folding gently helps to retain airiness, keeping the ice cream light and fluffy rather than dense.
- Freeze: Pour the fully combined mixture into a freezer-safe container. Cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, then place it in the freezer. Allow it to freeze for at least 4 to 6 hours or preferably overnight until firm enough to scoop and enjoy.
Notes
- For best results, use chilled ingredients to keep the mixture cold and aid the whipping process.
- If you prefer a firmer ice cream, the addition of gelatin is recommended but optional.
- Be gentle when folding whipped cream to avoid deflating the mixture.
- Do not vigorously stir once Mountain Dew is added to preserve carbonation and the light texture.
- Store leftover ice cream in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals.
