I’ve whipped up a fun, citrusy ice cream using Mountain Dew—no ice cream maker needed! It’s creamy, tangy, and perfect for a quick summer treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore how simple this is—no machine, no hassle. The fizzy, citrusy flavor of Mountain Dew adds a playful twist, and it’s ready in minutes with just common pantry ingredients. It’s light, refreshing, and sure to surprise anyone who tries it.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup Mountain Dew
Optional: 1–2 tsp green gel food coloring (for vivid color—totally optional)

Directions

Chill the mixing bowl and beaters for best results.
Pour the heavy cream into the bowl and whip to soft peaks.
In another bowl, blend the sweetened condensed milk with vanilla (and green gel coloring, if using).
Gently fold in the Mountain Dew—stir softly to preserve its fizz and light texture.
Fold in the whipped cream until just combined.
Transfer the mixture to a freezer‑safe container, smooth the top, cover, and freeze for at least 4–6 hours, or ideally overnight, until firm.

Servings and timing

This makes about 6 servings (~half‑cup each).

Prep time: 10 minutes
Freeze time: 4–6 hours (overnight works best)
Total time: 4 h 10 min

Variations

Fruity twist: Stir in chopped mango or pineapple before freezing.
More citrus: Add a splash of fresh lime juice or some zest.
Chocolate swirl: Swirl in chocolate syrup or mini chips.
Minty fresh: Fold in chopped fresh mint.
Gelatin-stable: If you want a firmer scoop, dissolve 1 tbsp gelatin and mix into the condensed milk before folding in cream.

Storage/Reheating

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer—they stay great for up to 2 weeks. For serving, I let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to soften before scooping.

FAQs

### Can I use diet Mountain Dew?

I don’t recommend it—diet soda lacks the sugar needed for that creamy texture.

### Do I have to use heavy cream?

Yes. Heavy whipping cream whips up to give the airy, creamy structure that makes this ice cream smooth and scoopable.

### What if I want a stronger citrus punch?

I sometimes add a teaspoon of lime zest or a squeeze of fresh lime juice—it brightens up the flavor nicely.

### Is food coloring necessary?

Not at all—it’s just for fun and color. The ice cream tastes the same without it.

### Can I prep this ahead for a party?

Absolutely. I often make it the night before—it keeps well and makes party prep easy.

Conclusion

This no‑churn Mountain Dew ice cream delivers a playful citrus twist on a creamy dessert with minimal effort. Whether I’m cooling off on a hot day or surprising friends, it always hits the spot. With easy variations and simple prep, it’s a recipe I’ll keep coming back to. I hope I’ve inspired you to give it a try—enjoy every zesty scoop!