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    Home > Recipe Index > Desserts > Easiest-Ever Homemade Blizzards (without an ice cream maker!)

    Easiest-Ever Homemade Blizzards (without an ice cream maker!)

    Published: Jun 7, 2018 · Modified: Jun 8, 2022 by Nicki Sizemore · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A homemade blizzard topped with crushed cookies.
    A homemade blizzard topped with crushed cookies.

    Summer is finally here, and I’m celebrating with a homemade blizzard. You heard me right: a HOMEMADE BLIZZARD! Sorry, I got a little excited there. These lightened-up homemade blizzards are a cinch to make and will make you a superhero in your kitchen. You’re not going to believe how easy they are to make, and you don’t even need an ice cream maker.

    A homemade blizzard in a serving glass topped with crushed cookies.

    I love ice cream with a passion that’s usually ascribed to three-year-olds with sticky cones and sprinkles. Nothing is more nostalgic than a DQ Blizzard, eaten on the curb in the height of summer with traffic zooming by your toes. Ok, I can do without the traffic (and the curb), and I can even do without the DQ soft serve. Because guess what? If you have an ice cream tray and a food processor or Vitamix, you can whip up your own from-scratch, homemade blizzard that’s far healthier than the machine-derived stuff, but just as fun.

    A homemade blizzard in a glass topped with crushed candy and chocolate chips.

    Ingredients:

    • Whole milk: The ice cream base is made with just whole milk (no cream or eggs!). See below for a dairy-free option.
    • Powdered sugar: Powdered sugar lends sweetness and dissolves easily into the blizzards.
    • Vanilla: Vanilla paste is one of my secret ingredients (it’s far cheaper than fresh vanilla beans and has a robust flavor), but you can use vanilla extract instead.
    • Toppings: You can add any toppings you like! Think crumbled cookies, chopped chocolate, graham crackers, granola, or even chopped candy bars!
    All of the ingredients for the homemade blizzard recipe on a work surface with labels.

    How to make a homemade blizzard:

    You’re not going to believe how easy this is. Freeze whole milk (or you could use a rich nut milk) in ice cream trays. It might feel strange to freeze milk, but remember, that’s essentially the building block of all ice cream.

    Process shot showing frozen milk cubes in a Vitamix blender.

    After the milk is frozen, transfer the cubes into a Vitamix or food processor with some more milk, powdered sugar and vanilla, and then process it until smooth. THAT’S IT. No eggs, no cream, no gums or weird ingredients.

    Process shot showing a blended blizzard base in a Vitamix blender, with toppings alongside.

    But of course, we’re not stopping there. Now for the fun part. You can add in whatever toppings you like to create a homemade blizzard-style treat.

    The finished blizzard in a blender.

    My kids are obsessed with this homemade blizzard (yeah, me too).

    Close up of a DIY blizzard from scratch in a glass topped with crushed chocolate cookies.

    Recipe tips:

    • This ice cream isn’t nearly as rich or thick as machine-derived soft serve, but that’s part of its charm—it’s ultra light and cooling. You can knock back a bowl with pure pleasure, without that resulting stomachache.
    • The homemade blizzards are meant to be eaten soon after they’re made (this isn’t an ice cream you’ll want to freeze longterm), so go ahead and dive in!
    • Be sure to use whole milk, as low fat milk will be icier.
    • Watch the Web Story for this recipe!

    Vegan variation

    For a dairy-free vegan blizzard, use a rich-style unsweetened nut milk in place of the whole milk. I prefer cashew milk or cashew cream.

    A blizzard in a serving glass with a few bites removed.

    Tools you’ll need for this recipe:

    • Vitamix or Food Processor: You'll need a Vitamix or food processor to make the ice cream. I use both almost daily, not only for quick no-churn ice creams and smoothies, but also for sauces, soups, and to help with my prep work!
    • Vanilla Paste: Vanilla paste is an affordable alternative to fresh vanilla beans. It's made with fresh vanilla seeds that are bound in a syrup, offering a stronger punch of vanilla flavor than extract. It will last forever in your pantry, and you can use it in all your favorite baked goods!
    • Metal bowl: A metal bowl works great for chilling the ice cream quickly. I'm in love with my enamelware bowls, which are as pretty as they are functional.
    • Ice cream trays: If, like me, you have an automatic ice cube maker, you might need to invest in some inexpensive ice cube trays. These silicone trays with lids look really easy to use.
    Three homemade blizzards on a counter with small bowls of toppings alongside.

    FAQs

    Can you make your own blizzard?

    YES! You can make a homemade blizzard from scratch using a food processor or high speed blender.

    What makes a blender thick?

    This homemade blizzard is thickened with just milk ice cubes. The frozen cubes give the blizzard a rich, spoonable texture without any added ingredients.

    How do you make a blizzard without a blender?

    If you don't have a high speed blender (such as a Vitamix or Ninja) you can make a blizzard using a food processor instead.

    *This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links to products I use and love (from which I earn income, at no cost to you). Thank you or supporting From Scratch Fast!

    Stay connected

    I'd love to answer any of your questions and see what you're cooking!! Don't forget to rate this recipe and leave a comment below. Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube & Pinterest, and be sure to tag @fromscratchfast so that I can share your creations!

    Get the recipe!

    Homemade blizzard on tray
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    Easiest-Ever Homemade Blizzard (without an ice cream maker!)

    Using just three ingredients plus your favorite toppings, you can whip up a from-scratch, blizzard-style treat that’s far healthier than the machine-derived stuff but just as fun! All you need are ice cube trays and a Vitamix or food processor. The ice cream base is made simply with milk ice cubes, sugar and vanilla, and from there you can add in your favorite blizzard toppings: think chopped chocolate, cookies, nuts, granola, candy bars…. You name it. Since there are no stabilizers in the ice cream it melts quickly, but that’s part of its charm—it’s utterly refreshing and light. I definitely suggest using whole milk, as low-fat milk will be icier. A rich nut milk, such as homemade cashew milk, is also delicious. The blizzards should be enjoyed soon after they’re made (this isn’t an ice cream you’ll want to freeze longterm), so eat up!
    Prep Time5 mins
    Freezing time2 hrs
    Total Time2 hrs 5 mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: blender ice cream, homemade blizzard, no churn ice cream
    Servings: 4 people
    Author: Nicki Sizemore

    Ingredients

    • 3 ½ cups whole milk, divided
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla paste or vanilla extract
    • ⅔ cup (2.5 ounces) powdered sugar
    • ½ cup (or more!) add-ins, such as chopped chocolate, crumbled cookies, crushed graham crackers, granola, chopped candy bars and/or chopped nuts or nut butter

    Instructions

    • Pour 3 cups of the milk into 2 ice cube trays. Freeze until solid, about 2 hours. (Once frozen, the ice cubes can be transferred to a zip-top freezer bag and stored in the freezer for up to 2 days.)
    • Pour ½ cup of milk into a Vitamix or food processor. Add the vanilla paste and powdered sugar. Blend until combined.
    • Add the milk ice cubes. If using a Vitamix, slowly increase the speed to high while using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades; blend until smooth. If using a food processor, process, scraping the sides occasionally, until smooth. Stop and add your add-ins.
    • Blend again on high, stirring with the tamper (or pulse if using a food processor), until the add-ins are incorporated, about 3-5 seconds. If you can resist not devouring it right away, scrape the ice cream into a metal bowl and freeze it for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through (this will help it set up). Don’t freeze for too long, otherwise it will harden. Divide the blizzards into bowls and serve!

    Notes

    Tips:
    • You'll need a Vitamix or food processor to make these Blizzards. I use both almost daily, not only for quick no-churn ice creams and smoothies, but also for sauces, soups, and to help with my prep work!
    • Vanilla paste is an affordable alternative to fresh vanilla beans. It's made with fresh vanilla seeds that are bound in a syrup, offering a stronger punch of vanilla flavor than extract. It will last forever in your pantry, and you can use it in all your favorite baked goods!
    • A metal bowl works great for chilling the ice cream quickly. 
    • If, like me, you have an automatic ice cube maker, you might need to invest in some inexpensive ice cube trays. 
    What are the ingredients in a homemade blizzard?

    Milk, powdered sugar, vanilla and your favorite add-ins. THAT'S IT!!

    How do you make a blizzard at home?

    It's SO EASY! The trick is to freeze whole milk then blend it in a high speed blender or food processor with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Mix in your favorite toppings, and you're done.

    What add-ins can you use for a homemade blizzard?

    Whatever you like! Some of my favorite add-ins include cookies, chopped chocolate, granola, peanut butter, candy bars, nut butter and/or pretzels.

    More Desserts

    • Healthy Gluten Free Apple Honey Cake (Paleo!)
    • Gluten Free Pie Recipes (+ New Class!)
    • Easy Maple Glaze (for donuts, scones, cakes and more!)
    • Easy Homemade Strawberry Sauce (and how to serve it!)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Alo says

      August 26, 2022 at 3:03 pm

      What is the reason for using powdered sugar over regular granulated sugar?

      Reply
      • Nicki Sizemore says

        August 26, 2022 at 4:55 pm

        Hi there! The powdered sugar dissolves better in the cold mix, giving you a smoother texture (granulated sugar will still work but might be a bit grainy). I hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Tiffany says

      June 23, 2021 at 12:29 pm

      Do you put the blizzard toppings in the blender or add them to the ice cream after you put it in a bowl?

      Reply
      • Nicki Sizemore says

        June 23, 2021 at 2:25 pm

        Hi there! I add the blizzard toppings to the blender and pulse them in (stir it with the tamper). That way they get fully incorporated. I hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    3. Maribel Davila says

      July 22, 2020 at 11:40 pm

      Sounds delicious. What ingredient would you recommend to veganize this recipe ? What can j use instead of whole milk? Soy milk? Oat milk?

      Reply
      • Nicki Sizemore says

        July 23, 2020 at 9:23 am

        Hi Maribel! I've made this with almond milk and cashew milk with success. You want to go with a rich nut milk (I usually use homemade, but you could go for a good quality brand without fillers, such as Elmhurst). I haven't tried oat milk, but I think that would work! Take note that you might need to sweeten the mixture a touch further, and the Blizzards will be a bit icier than if you use whole milk, but they're still delicious!! I hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    4. jenny spencer says

      May 24, 2020 at 4:23 pm

      OK seriously? This looks so good! And so easy. 🙂
      I am making this right now.

      -Raine.

      Reply
      • Nicki Sizemore says

        May 26, 2020 at 3:35 pm

        I hope you like it!

        Reply

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    Meet Nicki

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    Welcome! I’m Nicki Sizemore, a trained chef, recipe developer and cookbook author. My mission is to help you make wholesome & delicious food from scratch without spending hours in the kitchen. All of my recipes are naturally gluten-free.

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