If you’re searching for a truly unique dessert that’s bright, citrusy, and perfect for summer (or any time you want to relive a bit of nostalgia), you have to try Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn). This playful treat transforms the bold, zippy flavors of Mountain Dew into a smooth, creamy, and shockingly easy homemade ice cream—no fancy equipment required. Whether you’re introducing your friends to a quirky new dessert or just want a fun way to cool off, this recipe will absolutely make you the star of any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
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)
How to Make Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn)
Step 1: Whip the Cream
Begin by placing your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 10 minutes to get them nice and cold. This simple trick helps the cream whip up faster and fluffier. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and beat until soft peaks form. Don’t overdo it—just enough so the cream holds its shape but is still smooth and billowy.
Step 2: Mix Condensed Milk and Flavorings
Grab a separate bowl and combine the sweetened condensed milk with the vanilla extract. If you want a firmer texture, now’s the time to dissolve the gelatin as per package instructions and mix it in. This sweet, rich base will give your Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) its signature creamy consistency.
Step 3: Incorporate Mountain Dew
Slowly pour the chilled Mountain Dew into the condensed milk mixture. Pour gently and stir slowly to maintain as much fizz as possible, which keeps the final ice cream light, airy, and packed with that signature Mountain Dew sparkle.
Step 4: Fold in the Whipped Cream
Gently fold the whipped cream into the Mountain Dew mixture, being careful not to deflate the lovely peaks you worked so hard to create. Use a spatula and a light hand—this is the secret to keeping your Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) extra fluffy and cloud-like.
Step 5: Freeze and Set
Pour your finished mixture into a freezer-safe container, smoothing out the top. Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, and let it freeze for at least 4 to 6 hours, or (even better) overnight. Once it’s firm, you’re ready to scoop and enjoy!
How to Serve Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn)
Garnishes
Top your scoops with an extra burst of fun! Try a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles, a handful of crushed lemon-lime candies, or a little drizzle of extra Mountain Dew. Even a few fresh mint leaves can add a pop of color and a refreshing aroma that complements the soda’s brightness.
Side Dishes
This ice cream is a star all on its own, but if you want to turn dessert into a full-on party, serve it with crispy sugar cookies, lemon bars, or even a citrusy pound cake. The creamy, zesty ice cream pairs beautifully with light, crumbly sweets or anything with a hint of lemon or lime.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, serve Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) in chilled soda glasses with a splash of soda for a float, or sandwich it between two chewy sugar cookies for a colorful ice cream sandwich. You can even scoop it into popsicle molds for a frozen treat on a stick—perfect for summer gatherings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once you’ve enjoyed your first round of Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn), keep any leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the freezer. It’ll stay fresh and creamy for up to 2 weeks, though the texture is best within the first several days.
Freezing
For the best results, store the ice cream at the back of the freezer where the temperature is most consistent. Press a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the lid to help prevent ice crystals and keep the texture dreamy and smooth.
Reheating
Ice cream doesn’t need reheating, but if it’s too firm to scoop, let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. It will soften just enough to make serving a breeze—no microwaving necessary!
FAQs
Can I use diet Mountain Dew for this recipe?
Absolutely! Diet Mountain Dew works well if you’re looking to cut back on sugar, though the sweetness and texture may be slightly different. The overall citrus flavor and fun color will still shine through.
Is the gelatin necessary?
Nope, the gelatin is totally optional. It simply helps the ice cream set a bit firmer. If you love a softer, scoopable texture, you can skip it without worry—your Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) will still be deliciously creamy.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can! Swap the heavy cream for a plant-based whipping cream, and use sweetened condensed coconut milk. Just be sure your substitutes are designed for whipping and freezing for the best results.
How long does it take to freeze completely?
Plan on at least 4 to 6 hours in the freezer, but overnight is ideal for a perfectly scoopable consistency. If you’re in a hurry, spreading the mixture into a shallow dish will help it freeze faster.
What can I do if my ice cream is too icy?
If your Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) turns out a little icy, it usually means too much air was lost while mixing, or your freezer is very cold. Letting it soften for a few minutes before scooping can help, and next time, try to fold the whipped cream in even more gently.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, bursting with citrusy nostalgia and creamy goodness. Give it a whirl—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up a treat that’s both familiar and totally out of the ordinary!
Print
Mountain Dew Ice Cream (No-Churn) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (including freezing time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Churn, Freezing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Mountain Dew Ice Cream recipe offers a refreshing and fizzy twist on classic no-churn ice cream. Combining the citrusy, sweet flavor of Mountain Dew soda with creamy whipped topping and sweetened condensed milk, this frozen treat is quick to prepare without the need for an ice cream maker. It’s perfect for hot days or any time you want a light, effervescent dessert with minimal effort.
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 beforehand. Whip 2 cups of cold heavy whipping cream until you reach soft peaks. This step is key to achieving a light and fluffy ice cream texture.
- Mix Condensed Milk and Flavorings: In a separate bowl, combine 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. If you prefer a firmer texture, dissolve 1 tablespoon of gelatin as per the package instructions and blend it into this mixture now.
- Incorporate Mountain Dew: Slowly pour in 2 cups of chilled Mountain Dew soda into the condensed milk mixture. Stir gently to maintain as much of the soda’s carbonation as possible, which adds a light and airy mouthfeel.
- Fold in the Whipped Cream: Carefully fold the whipped cream into the Mountain Dew mixture until fully combined. Do this gently to preserve airiness and keep the mixture fluffy and smooth.
- Freeze and Set: Transfer the combined mixture into a freezer-safe container. Cover tightly and freeze for at least 4 to 6 hours, or preferably overnight, until the ice cream is firm enough to scoop.
Notes
- For best results, use cold ingredients and chill your mixing tools before whipping.
- Adding gelatin is optional but helps achieve a firmer texture that scoops more cleanly.
- Try to fold the whipped cream gently to retain the airy texture of the ice cream.
- Allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping if it becomes too hard.
- You can experiment by adding citrus zest or small chunks of candy for extra flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (approx. 1/2 cup)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
