Poor Man’s Ice Cream (Grandma Betty’s 3-Ingredient Recipe)

This simple homemade ice cream is a nostalgic, old-fashioned dessert that comes together with just a few pantry staples. Made from evaporated milk, sugar, and vanilla, it’s a budget-friendly treat that turns humble ingredients into something surprisingly creamy and satisfying.

It doesn’t require an ice cream maker—just a freezer and a little patience. The result is a lightly sweet, soft-textured dessert that brings back the charm of traditional home cooking.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Evaporated milk	1 (12 oz) can	Well chilled
Granulated sugar	½ cup	Adjust to taste
Vanilla extract	2 tsp	—

Instructions

Step 1: Chill Everything

Refrigerate the evaporated milk for at least 4 hours or overnight. Chill your mixing bowl and beaters for about 30 minutes for best texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Freezer Dish

Place an 8×8-inch glass baking dish in the freezer while you prepare the mixture.

Step 3: Mix the Base

In a chilled bowl, beat the evaporated milk, sugar, and vanilla together for 3–5 minutes until the mixture becomes slightly foamy and light.

Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

Step 4: Initial Freeze

Pour the mixture into the chilled dish and place it in the freezer for 1½–2 hours, until the edges begin to firm up and the center is still soft.

Step 5: Stir and Break Ice Crystals

Remove from the freezer and stir well, scraping the frozen edges into the center to create a smoother texture.

Step 6: Final Freeze

Return to the freezer for another 1–2 hours, until mostly firm but still scoopable.

Step 7: Serve

Scoop and serve while slightly soft. If it becomes too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Storage

Cover tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3–4 days. The texture may become slightly icier over time, which is part of its old-fashioned charm.