If you’ve ever dreamed of crafting a creamy, indulgent dessert that bursts with warm, spiced flavors and festive cheer without the fuss of special equipment, this Rum Raisin Ice Cream (No Ice Cream Maker!) Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine luscious, rum-soaked raisins mingling with velvety whipped cream and rich condensed milk, creating a textural delight that melts in your mouth with every bite. The magic here is in the simplicity mixed with a touch of boozy sophistication, and best of all, it’s so easy to whip up at home without any fancy ice cream maker. Trust me, this recipe will be the star of your dessert table and perfect for sharing with friends who appreciate that loving homemade touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of creamy light beige ice cream studded with small pieces of dark and golden brown chunks, scooped with a metal ice cream scoop resting in a rectangular glass container. The ice cream has a smooth texture with visible mix-ins spread evenly throughout. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Crafting this Rum Raisin Ice Cream (No Ice Cream Maker!) Recipe only requires a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients that each play an essential role in building its incredible flavor and creamy texture. From the sweetness of condensed milk to the festive hit of Jamaican rum, every element is a small but mighty contributor to this unforgettable treat.

1 1/2 cups raisins: Roughly chopped so they absorb the rum beautifully and don’t freeze solid in the mix.
1/2 cup Jamaican rum: Warm the rum to help the raisins soak it up and infuse that signature tropical depth.
1 can (395g / 14oz) condensed milk: This sweet, syrupy milk adds amazing richness and sweetness that’s essential for that creamy ice cream base.
1/4 cup dark or golden rum: Added to the ice cream mixture itself, enhancing flavor while keeping the texture scoopable.
1 tsp vanilla extract: A classic flavor booster that rounds out the complicated rum notes perfectly.
1/8 tsp allspice powder (optional): Adds a hint of warm spice, giving the ice cream a subtle festive complexity.
2 cups thickened or heavy cream: Whipped cold, this is the fluff that makes your ice cream rich and airy.

How to Make Rum Raisin Ice Cream (No Ice Cream Maker!) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Rum Soaked Raisins

Start by roughly chopping your raisins to maximize their ability to soak up the rum. Heating the rum slightly until hot, then submerging the raisins in it, is the quick trick to infuse every bite with deep, boozy richness. Let them soak for about 30 minutes. This soaking stage is essential because the alcohol keeps the raisins soft and flavorful while preventing them from freezing solid in your ice cream.

Step 2: Mix the Ice Cream Base

In a bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk with the vanilla extract, optional allspice, and 1/4 cup of rum. Beat this mixture until smooth and well blended. Then fold in your rum-soaked raisins along with their soaking liquid for maximum flavor infusion. This simple base is your canvas for the creamy magic to come.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

Using chilled heavy cream, beat on high for about 2.5 to 3 minutes to reach stiff peaks. This step is crucial—the stiffer the cream, the creamier your final ice cream will be. Don’t rush here; stopping too soon results in a runnier texture, whereas overbeating risks curdling. Achieving the perfect peak provides structure and lightness that keeps this ice cream luxuriously velvety.

Step 4: Fold It All Together

Gently fold about half of the whipped cream into the condensed milk and raisin mixture to lighten it, then carefully fold in the remaining cream. The key here is gentle, slow folding to preserve the aeration—you want a smooth, uniform mixture without deflating all the whipped air you just created. This technique results in a perfectly balanced texture that’s rich yet soft enough to scoop easily.

Step 5: Freeze Overnight

Transfer your mixture into a 1.5-liter container and cover tightly with a lid or cling wrap. The freezing process takes at least 12 hours, so plan ahead. The cold transform your mixture into a luscious ice cream with the delightful texture of artisan homemade gelato, all without any churning or special machines!

How to Serve Rum Raisin Ice Cream (No Ice Cream Maker!) Recipe

A close-up image shows two scoops of creamy white ice cream with visible bits of caramel or toffee mixed in, stacked perfectly on top of each other. The ice cream is melting slightly, with drips running down the sides of the light brown waffle cone. The cone has a detailed grid pattern and is held by a woman’s hand with a light skin tone. The background is a soft, blurred blue with some white spots, giving a calm and refreshing feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing this Rum Raisin Ice Cream (No Ice Cream Maker!) Recipe, keep things simple yet indulgent. A sprinkle of finely chopped rum raisin chocolate adds an extra layer of luxurious texture and rich rum notes that complement the ice cream perfectly. You can also try a dash of cocoa powder or a light dusting of cinnamon to highlight the spices.

Side Dishes

This ice cream pairs beautifully with warm desserts like sticky toffee pudding, spiced apple crumble, or even a slice of gingerbread cake. Its boozy warmth and creamy softness provide a cool contrast that elevates each bite of those comforting classics. Consider pairing with a cup of rich espresso or spiced mulled wine for an over-the-top after-dinner treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful and charming touch, serve scoops in crisp ice cream cones or pretty glass sundae dishes topped with a sprig of mint. Layer scoops with crushed nuts or caramel sauce in parfait glasses for a stunning dessert presentation. If you’re feeling fun, assemble mini rum raisin ice cream sandwiches with ginger snaps for a party-friendly twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and that’s likely because this ice cream disappears fast), keep them sealed in an airtight container to lock in moisture and avoid ice crystals forming. Stored well, this ice cream stays perfectly creamy and delicious for months, making it a great make-ahead dessert option.

Freezing

To maintain the best texture, freeze your Rum Raisin Ice Cream (No Ice Cream Maker!) Recipe in a shallow container with a tight-fitting lid. This minimizes the formation of ice crystals and keeps the ice cream as smooth as when it was first made. For serving, allow a few minutes out of the freezer so it softens just enough for easy scooping.

Reheating

Since it’s ice cream, reheating isn’t necessary, but if it becomes too hard in the freezer, simply let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping. This short resting time lets it soften naturally without melting and losing its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I make this ice cream without alcohol?

Absolutely! To keep the rum flavor without alcohol, substitute rum with rum essence and soak your raisins in hot water mixed with the essence. This way, you still get the warm, spiced notes without any boozy kick.

Why do I need to soak the raisins in rum?

Soaking makes the raisins plump and juicy, allowing them to carry the rum flavor throughout the ice cream. It also prevents them from freezing rock hard, ensuring each bite delivers soft, flavorful fruit.

Can I use another dried fruit instead of raisins?

Yes, feel free to experiment with sultanas, dried cranberries, or cherries. Just chop them finely and soak in rum the same way for similar delicious results.

What if I don’t have a handheld mixer?

You can whisk the cream vigorously by hand, but it will take more effort and time to reach stiff peaks. An electric beater makes it easier and ensures perfect texture, but patience and elbow grease work too!

How long can I store this ice cream once made?

Properly stored in an airtight container in the freezer, it will keep its quality for several months. Always check for any ice crystal formation and let it soften before serving for the best experience.

Final Thoughts

Making this Rum Raisin Ice Cream (No Ice Cream Maker!) Recipe at home is one of those little joys that feels like a special celebration, even on an ordinary day. Its rich flavor, creamy texture, and boozy bursts are incredibly satisfying without the need for complicated equipment. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see how quickly this becomes your new favorite way to impress friends and treat yourself. Happy scooping!