This vanilla parfait ice cream is one of the easiest homemade frozen desserts you can make — and it requires only 4 simple ingredients. With no need for an ice cream maker or condensed milk, this recipe delivers a creamy, fluffy texture that tastes just like traditional gelato. Lightly sweetened with fruit preserve (spoon sweet) and enriched with roasted almonds for crunch, it’s a refreshing summer treat that’s both elegant and effortless. Simply whip, fold, and freeze — the perfect dessert for entertaining or enjoying on a hot day.
🍨 Why This Vanilla Parfait Ice Cream Works
Unlike many no-churn recipes that rely on condensed milk, this vanilla parfait ice cream is light, airy, and not overly sweet. The whipped cream provides richness, while the egg whites stabilize the texture, giving it a creamy consistency similar to professional ice cream. The addition of fruit preserve brings a fruity note, and the roasted almonds add crunch, making it a well-balanced dessert.
🥄 Variations and Flavor Ideas
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Swap the fruit preserve with sour cherry spoon sweet, strawberry jam, or even citrus marmalade for a tangy twist. For extra indulgence, drizzle with chocolate sauce or caramel before freezing. You can also replace almonds with pistachios, walnuts, or hazelnuts for different textures.
❄️ Tips for the Perfect Parfait Ice Cream
- Freeze time: Allow at least 8 hours for the ice cream to set, preferably overnight.
- Serving: Let the container sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping for easier serving.
- Storage: Keep tightly covered to avoid ice crystals forming. Consume within 2–3 weeks for best taste.
More Summer Desserts to Try
- Easy Soft Homemade Ice Cream
- Yogurt Ice Cream with Biscuits and Sour Cherry Topping – 3-Ingredient Frozen Dessert!
- Homemade Honey Walnut Frozen Yogurt – No Sugar, No Ice Cream Maker!
Nutrition Facts
10 servings per container
Calories420
- Amount Per Serving% Daily Value *
- Total Fat
32g
50%
- Saturated Fat 15g 75%
- Sodium 80mg 4%
- Amount Per Serving% Daily Value *
- Total Carbohydrate
28g
10%
- Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
- Sugars 21g
- Protein 6g 12%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.