• About
    • About Me
      • resources for a simple blog
    • Work with Me
  • Recipe Index
    • Purees
    • Brunch
    • Dessert
    • Dinner
    • Drinks
    • Lunch
    • Side Dishes
    • Snacks
  • Disclosures
  • Subscribe
  • The Beginners Guide to Simple Meal Planning

Simple Gray T-Shirt

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
×
Home » Dessert

Pumpkin no-churn ice cream (perfect fall dessert)

Modified: Jan 25, 2025 · Published: Nov 18, 2019 by Marni Katz · This post may contain affiliate links ·

Jump to Recipe

I know, I know, pumpkin flavored stuff is everywhere.  But when was the last time you had pumpkin ice cream, let alone made your own?  Today, I’m going to share with you a great fall dessert, pumpkin no-churn ice cream.

no churn pumpkin ice cream in a loaf pan with scoop and empty bowls

Pumpkin ice cream first found its way onto my radar when a local ice cream shop Bobtail (Chicago peeps, take a moment to remember the goodness) debut it’s seasonal pumpkin ice cream.  I’m someone who normally sticks with chocolate or mint chocolate chip ice cream, so this was really a venture out of the norm for me...and I’m so glad I tasted it. Every September I started waiting and watching until it was back, and then one year, Bobtail closed for good and I’ve been trying to figure out how to get my fix ever since.

This no-churn pumpkin ice cream is a simple version of my old favorite.  4 ingredients (a few more if you want to make it complicated), 15 minutes to prep and then patience as it freezes overnight. I even use a loaf plan to freeze it so you don't need any fancy containers. So simple!

“This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using this link.”

It’s really all about the pumpkin…

In order to really play up pumpkin flavor, I’m going to share with you my little secret. We aren’t going to just use straight pumpkin puree (although if that’s all you have in the house, I’ll give you some tips on using it).  Nope, instead we are going use canned pumpkin pie mix.  That's right. Call it semi-homemade if you want, but it's what I found works best.

What’s the difference between pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie mix?

Pumpkin pie mix is exactly what it says. It's a mix of pumpkin, spices, sweetness and all you need is a pie crust and two additional ingredients. Mix those together and viola, pumpkin pie. I happen to love using Libby’s brand and also use it in my pumpkin overnight oats.  Yes, it may have a bit more sugar in it that if you made it yourself, but the ease of just opening a can works for me here.

Pumpkin puree on the other hand is just that. pureed pumpkin in a can with no seasoning. Pumpkin on its own like that can be a bit bitter, so if you are cooking with the puree, you'll want to be sure to add some sweetner and spices to make it taste it's best!

Using the canned pumpkin pie mix in this recipe is my suggestion, but as always, please do what works best for you!

measuring cup with pumpkin pie mix

How to make pumpkin no-churn ice cream great 

The key to no-churn ice cream is whipping the cream to stiff peaks and then gently fold in the remaining ingredients.  You want to make sure to keep the fluffiness of the cream so that you get the ice cream mouth feel you are looking for. 

metal bowl with whipped cream and pumpkin folded in

You’ll want to use a spatula or wooden spoon when you are incorporating the pumpkin and any add-ins in the ice cream based so that you don’t lose that ice cream consistency you worked to create.

I want to elevate this ice cream for my holiday meal, can i?

Sure can. There are few ways I like to elevate my pumpkin no-churn ice cream.  The first is by mixing in some additional ingredients. I like to use the following, however, I wouldn’t put in more than two at a time.

  • bourbon: add into the ice cream base before adding in the pumpkin.  Start with a few tablespoons and remember that the alcohol may affect how solid the ice cream freezes. let me know if you want a recommended bourbon and I'll ask the husband!
  • chopped walnuts: gently fold into the pumpkin no-churn ice cream base before freezing
  • mini chocolate chips: gently fold into the pumpkin no-churn ice cream base before freezing
  • caramel swirl: using either homemade or store bought caramel sauce, swirl into the not yet frozen ice cream base.  Use a gentle hand when pouring this in. Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top
  • crumbled graham cracker: crumble some graham crackers up and either sprinkle on the top of the ice cream when serving, or fold into the ice cream before it’s frozen
  • crumbled pie crust:  use scraps you have from other pies you are making and crumble them up once baked.  Fold these into the ice cream for a real pumpkin pie experience
scooped no churn pumpkin ice cream in small mason jars with walnuts scattered around

Over the next few months lookout for some new flavors of no-churn ice cream.  I’ve been dreaming up a few special ones to share in the new year. Have a flavor you want me to try. Leave a comment below or email me and I’ll see what I can create for you!

Tips and Tricks:

  • You’ll want to freeze this for at least 4 hours, but I like to freeze it overnight when possible.  It’s good to make with the kids after dinner, and then its ready for eating the next day.
  • Heavy whipping cream is a must here.  It’s the key to getting a creamy consistency.
  • If you are serving this for a holiday dessert, you can easily make it a few weeks ahead and store sealed tightly in an air tight freezer safe container.  I like to use this kind.

Looking for other simple dessert recipes? Check these out!

  • no-churn mint chocolate chip ice cream
  • one bowl brownies
  • bourbon blondies

📖 Recipe

no churn pumpkin ice cream in a loaf pan with scoop

Pumpkin no-churn ice cream (perfect fall dessert)

Marni Katz
easy no churn ice cream perfectly full of fall flavors
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 9 hours hrs 21 minutes mins
freeze 4 hours hrs
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine ice cream
Servings 12 servings
Calories 265 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup of pumpkin pie mix or more

Instructions
 

  • in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, pour in 2 cups of heavy cream
  • whisk until stiff peaks form (about 5 minutes), watch to make sure you don't over whip
  • gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk, the salt, the pumpkin pie mix, and fold until it's totally combined without deflating the cream
  • if adding any mix-ins, add in now by gently folding in
  • transfer to a freezer safe container (like this loaf pan or these cute ice cream containers)
  • let freeze at least 4 hours and then enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 265kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 4gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 181mgFiber: 2gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 2537IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 126mgIron: 1mg
Keyword fall dessert, no churn ice cream, pumpkin ice cream
Tried this recipe?Let me know what you think!

Want to make these now?  Are you missing some ingredients? Amazon Now can get them to you in a few hours,  Instacart can get them to you today.  Or add them to your Peapod grocery list and don't be stuck without them again!  

More Simple Dessert Recipes

  • 6-Ingredient Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • funfetti dip in a glass bowl with sprinkles surrounded by dipping options
    4-Ingredient Funfetti Dip (from a cake mix)
  • spice cake cookies stacked on parchment paper
    3-Ingredient Spice Cake Mix Cookies
  • two chocolate sandwich cookies next to a glass of milk.
    4-Ingredient Chocolate Sandwich Cookies (from a cake mix)

About Marni Katz

Marni Katz is the recipe developer, photographer and writer behind Simple Gray T-Shirt. She wants to help people keep things simple in the kitchen. With simple recipes, easy menu ideas and plenty of tips and tricks along the way, she wants getting a meal on the table to be as simple as putting on your favorite gray tee!
"I want to inspire you to get back in the kitchen and do this, because you can!"

Comments

  1. Sarah says

    November 19, 2019 at 1:27 pm

    My twins are so excited to make this for us. It is simple enough for them to do on their own. Can't wait to try it.

    Reply
    • simplegraytshirt says

      November 19, 2019 at 3:41 pm

      can't wait to hear what they think!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

I'm so glad your here!

As a busy mom of three, I believe in keeping recipes simple. 7-ingredients or less is my goal, and everything is kid-tested and approved!

More about me

Most Popular Recipes

  • slice of pudding pie on a plate with whip cream and a fork
    Vanilla Pudding Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
  • vanilla mouse in a glass jar with a graham cracker
    2 Ingredient Vanilla Mousse (aka Whipped Pudding)
  • chocolate pudding pie with a slice removed, garnished with crushed oreos
    No Bake Chocolate Pudding Pie
  • three ingredient garlic butter sauce in a mason jar with cloves of garlic
    3-Ingredient Garlic Butter Sauce

12 Months - Dinner Done E-Book

Grab this printable e-book and get 12 months of dinner ideas and 52 weekly theme ideas, with video tutorial bonus and other great extras!

grab your copy now!

As Seen In

as featured in with logos from media features

Footer

↑ back to top
12 months dinner done pin

Don't know what to make for dinner?

Get my 12 Months - Dinner Done eBook!

12 months of dinner ideas done for you AND an easy to use method for creating dinner menus your family will LOVE!

Grab it here!

Details

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Accessibility Policy

Stay In Touch

  • Sign Up! for emails
  • Instagram
  • Facebook

About

  • About
  • FAQ
  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 Foodie Pro on the Feast Plugin

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required