Rolled Ice Cream

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5 from 39 votes
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My rolled ice cream recipe needs only 2 ingredients and comes with endless flavor options! No ice cream maker required. 

Ready for more no-churn ice cream recipes? Try my coconut ice cream, superman ice cream, or blender ice cream next. 

rolled ice cream.

I’m usually wary of trendy ice cream recipes (why not stick to the classics?), but after my family begged me to make ice cream rolls, I can safely say I was wrong. 

For such a simple concept, the results are anything but. The ice cream turns out delicate, with a sweet taste, lovely texture, and an Insta-worthy look. 

What is rolled ice cream?

Rolled ice cream, also known as stir-fried ice cream, is a popular Thai frozen treat made by pouring liquid ice cream onto a cold metal surface. Once frozen, it’s rolled into thin, tight tubes. 

Table of Contents
  1. Why I love this recipe
  2. Ingredients needed
  3. How to make rolled ice cream
  4. Arman’s recipe tips
  5. Storage instructions
  6. Frequently asked questions
  7. More frozen desserts to try
  8. 2-Ingredient Rolled Ice Cream (Recipe Card)

Why I love this recipe

  • 2 Ingredients. The base recipe uses heavy cream and condensed milk: that is it! 
  • Easy to make. No fancy ingredients or ice cream maker is required.
  • Versatile. I went with the strawberry version, but like all good ice cream recipes, you can add any mix-ins to make this recipe your own. 
  • It’s fast! Most ice cream recipes that don’t need an ice cream maker take up to 24 hours, but since we’re freezing it in a thin layer, you can have it ready in just over 2 hours. 

Ingredients needed

  • Cream. I prefer using heavy cream, but heavy whipping cream also works. Avoid using reduced-fat or light cream, as this will create ice crystals. 
  • Condensed milk. Use full-fat condensed milk or coconut condensed milk. Like the cream, don’t use low-fat milk as it makes rolling the ice cream difficult. 
  • Mix-ins. I went with fresh strawberries and crushed-up cookies, but you can use sprinkles, nuts, fresh fruit, or chocolate chips, or borrow one of my suggestions below. 

How to make rolled ice cream

I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

condensed milk and heavy cream in a bowl.

Step 1- Mix. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and condensed milk. Fold in the optional mix-ins.

ice cream mixture rolled out.

Step 2- Assemble and chill. Remove the baking sheet from the freezer and pour the ice cream on top. Spread it into an even layer. Place the tray in the freezer and freeze for at least 2 hours. 

Step 3- Roll. Using a sharp spatula, cut the ice cream into 3-inch wide strips. Roll the thin layer of ice cream from one end to the other and serve immediately. 

homemade rolled ice cream.

Arman’s recipe tips

  • Crush the mix-ins very finely. You want the ice cream to be as smooth as possible so you get long, even rolls. 
  • Keep the tray ice cold. The colder the tray is, the quicker the ice cream will solidify, so don’t pull it out of the freezer until right before you’re ready to add the ice cream. 
  • Use the proper spatula. I find an unused paint scraper does a great job (note: I said unused!). 
  • Freeze the spatula too. So it doesn’t melt the ice cream as you’re rolling. 
  • Serve in chilled ice cream bowls. I actually prefer ramekins because they’re smaller and help the rolls keep their shape. 

Variations

  • Peanut butter. Drizzle 1/2 cup of drippy peanut butter into the base mixture and add chopped peanuts. 
  • Chocolate. Fold in 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa powder into the ice cream base, then add 1/2 cup chocolate chips or a drizzle of chocolate syrup. 
  • Brownie batter. Add 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa powder and crushed healthy brownies
  • Cookie dough. Break apart some of my healthy cookie dough and fold it into the base. 
  • Mixed berries. Use a mix of blueberry, strawberry, and raspberry jam. 
  • Cookies and cream. Add crushed-up Oreo cookies and drizzle with chocolate sauce. 
  • Salted caramel. Drizzle caramel sauce and sprinkle coarse sea salt before rolling.  
  • Cake batter. Add sprinkles and one teaspoon of vanilla extract to the base. 

Storage instructions

To store: Transfer the ice cream into an airtight container and freeze for up to one week. 

rolled ice cream in a bowl.

Frequently asked questions

Is rolled ice cream healthier?

Stir-fried ice cream isn’t necessarily healthier than traditional ice cream. However, due to its thinner texture, it is lower in calories.

Can I make this without dairy?

Yes, to make a dairy-free version, use coconut condensed milk and plant-based heavy cream. 

More frozen desserts to try

rolled ice cream recipe.

2-Ingredient Rolled Ice Cream

5 from 39 votes
My rolled ice cream recipe needs only 2 ingredients and comes with endless flavor options! No ice cream maker required. 
Servings: 12 servings
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes

Ingredients  

Instructions 

  • Place a large metallic baking sheet or tray in the freezer.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and condensed milk. Fold through your mix-ins of choice. I'm using strawberry preserves and crushed Oreo cookies.
  • Remove the frozen baking sheet or tray from the freezer and transfer the ice cream on top, spreading it in a flat layer.
  • Place the tray in the freezer for at least two hours.
  • Using a sharp spatula, roll the ice cream from one end to the other and serve immediately.

Notes

Mix-in ideas: strawberries, strawberry preserves, crushed cookies, etc. Check out the variations section for more ideas.
TO STORE. Transfer the ice cream into an airtight container and freeze for up to one week. 
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 125kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSodium: 53mgPotassium: 160mgVitamin A: 671IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 0.1mgNET CARBS: 10g
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Originally published November 2022, updated and republished September 2024

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

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  1. 5 stars
    Wow, you just solved a BIG problem! I live in an apartment and have just an apartment sized fridge and freezer. It seems to always be “take something out to put things in”! (Only room for a small dish for ice cream.) I have to use a 1 serving recipe, or reduce it to about 1 serving. Thus, I rarely make any. I do think I can fit a flat pan at the top of the freezer!!! I’ll use a recipe with less sugar, but I CAN do it and have ice cream again! ~YEA. Thanks again for another good recipe!