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4-Ingredient Baked Peaches with Homemade No-Churn Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

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close up image of baked peaches in a baking dish.

Peach season only comes around once a year, and these baked peaches are exactly how I think you should be spending it! Warm, tender, juicy peaches baked with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until they’re soft and bubbling – then topped with a scoop of homemade no-churn vanilla bean ice cream that takes ’em over the freaking top. It’s the kind of dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours on it, but it’s really just 4 simple ingredients and about 25 minutes of oven time. This is the dessert I make every single summer when peaches are at their absolute best!

The homemade vanilla bean ice cream is the real showstopper here, and the best part is that you don’t need an ice cream maker to make it. Just whipped cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla bean — that’s it. It’s rich, creamy, studded with real vanilla bean, and the perfect partner for warm baked peaches. If you love easy, no-fuss summer desserts, you’ll also want to try my 4-Ingredient Peach Cobbler for another way to enjoy those summer peaches!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Peaches Recipe

  • Just 4 ingredients. Peaches, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. That’s the entire list for the peaches themselves – simple, classic, and absolutely delicious.
  • Perfect for summer. This is peak peach season magic! Warm, juicy, caramelized fruit, and it makes the most of those perfectly ripe peaches sitting on your counter.
  • Super easy to make. No special equipment, no complicated steps. If you can slice a peach in half, you can make this dessert. The oven does almost all of the work.
  • Totally delicious. Tender, caramelized peaches with a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling, topped with rich homemade vanilla bean ice cream – this is the kind of dessert that feels fancy but is genuinely effortless!
  • No ice cream maker needed. The homemade vanilla bean ice cream comes together with just 3 ingredients and a hand mixer. No churning, no special equipment – just whip, mix, and freeze!
baked peach in a bowl with two scoops of homemade vanilla ice cream and a spoon.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • Make it dairy-free/vegan: Swap the butter for vegan butter or coconut oil in the peaches. For the ice cream, use a can of full-fat coconut cream in place of the heavy whipping cream (chill it well before whipping) and a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk alternative, such as coconut condensed milk.
  • Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar makes a great natural substitute and adds a similar caramel-like depth. Maple syrup or honey also work – drizzle over the peaches instead of sprinkling.
  • Cinnamon: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger alongside the cinnamon for extra warmth and spice.
  • Add a Splash of Liquor: For an adults-only version, add a splash of bourbon, rum, or brandy to the butter and brown sugar mixture before baking for a deeper, more sophisticated flavor.
  • No vanilla bean? No problem. Vanilla bean paste or even plain vanilla extract both work wonderfully in the ice cream if you don’t have a whole vanilla bean on hand.
  • Skip the ice cream: If you’re short on time, these baked peaches are also delicious served with a dollop of Greek yogurt, whipped cream, or even on their own!
homemade vanilla bean ice cream in a container being scooped.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Use ripe but firm peaches. Peaches that are too soft will turn mushy and fall apart in the oven. Look for peaches that give just slightly when pressed and smell fragrant at the stem – that’s the sweet spot.
  • Make the ice cream ahead of time. Since the ice cream needs at least 4 hours to freeze solid, make it the night before or earlier in the day so it’s ready to scoop the moment your peaches come out of the oven.
  • Don’t overmix the ice cream base. When folding the sweetened condensed milk into the whipped cream, be gentle. Overmixing can deflate the whipped cream and result in a denser, less airy ice cream.
  • Let the peaches cool slightly before serving. Straight out of the oven, the peaches will be very hot and the ice cream will melt almost instantly. A few minutes of cooling time lets you enjoy the perfect balance of warm peach and melty ice cream without it turning into a puddle.
  • Don’t skip the butter pat in each cavity. It melts down and mixes with the brown sugar and peach juices to create a rich, buttery sauce that pools in the bottom of the baking dish – make sure to spoon some of that sauce over the peaches when serving!
close up image of baked peaches in a baking dish.
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4-Ingredient Baked Peaches with Homemade No-Churn Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

These baked peaches are warm, tender, and caramelized with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon – made with just 4 simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes! Topped with a scoop of homemade no-churn vanilla bean ice cream (no ice cream maker required!), this is the ultimate easy summer dessert that tastes far more impressive than the effort it takes to make. If you're looking for an easy baked peaches recipe that's perfect for peak peach season, this is the one to make this weekend!
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Equipment

  • 1 large bowl
  • 1 hand or stand mixer
  • 1 baking dish

Ingredients

  • 4 fresh peaches halved and pitted
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the homemade vanilla bean ice cream:

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 scraped vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Start by making the homemade vanilla bean ice cream (or skip to Step 4 to make the baked peaches) by pouring the heavy whipping cream into a clean bowl and beating with either a hand or stand mixer until stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the can of sweetened condensed milk and the scraped inside of a vanilla bean pod or vanilla bean paste, and gently mix until completely combined.
  • Transfer the ice cream mixture to a container and place in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until solid before scooping and serving with the baked peaches.
  • For the baked peaches, preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
  • Arrange the peach halves in a baking dish, cut-side facing up. Place a piece of butter on top of each peach.
  • Then, sprinkle ½ tablespoon of brown sugar on each peach, before sprinkling the peaches evenly with cinnamon.
  • Bake the peaches for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re soft and easily pierced with a fork. Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving warm with a scoop of homemade vanilla bean ice cream!

Notes

  • Use ripe but firm peaches so they hold their shape in the oven.
  • Make the ice cream ahead of time — it needs at least 4 hours to fully freeze.
  • For dairy-free, use coconut cream and a dairy-free condensed milk alternative.
  • Store leftover baked peaches in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
  • Store leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
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Desserts

2-Ingredient Protein Ice Cream Recipe (35g protein!)

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2 ingredient protein ice cream in a ninja creami cup with an ice cream scoop.

The protein craze has totally taken over. And I’ll admit, I’ve been fully indoctrinated. But when it comes to protein desserts, the one thing that’s lacking is a truly healthy high-protein ice cream. They’re all made with a zillion ingredients and additives, and for some reason most still don’t even resemble ice cream. That is, until I developed this 2-ingredient protein ice cream recipe. Just milk and protein powder – that’s it! Frozen, then churned in a Ninja Creami for a seriously delicious high-protein frozen treat. It’s also totally easy to customize with your favorite flavors and mix-ins. Next time I plan on mixing in some of my 4-ingredient protein brownie chunks for even more protein – YUM!

Why You’ll Love This Protein Ice Cream

  • Only 2 ingredients.
  • High-protein – 35 grams of protein, to be exact!
  • Healthy, low-calorie option – only 300 calories for the whole pint.
  • Creamy, soft, and tastes like classic vanilla ice cream. Best enjoyed on top of my single serve protein cookie skillet!
  • Super easy and quick to make with a Ninja Creami!
  • Perfect for post-workout recovery or a healthy, high-protein dessert.
2 ingredient protein ice cream just churned in a ninja creami container.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • Different flavors: Use chocolate, strawberry, or any flavored protein powder
  • Dairy-free: Swap cow’s milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk
  • Mix-ins: Add dark chocolate chips, berries, or crushed cookies after spinning
  • Lower sugar: Use an unsweetened protein powder

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in an ice cream maker?

Yes! You can make this protein ice cream in a standard ice cream maker by following the same ingredient ratios and churning according to your machine’s instructions until thick and creamy.

How much protein does this protein ice cream contain?

One serving contains 35 grams of protein and about 300 calories.

Can I make a different ice cream flavor?

Absolutely! Use any flavored protein powder—chocolate, cookies & cream, or strawberry all work perfectly.

What kind of protein powder did you use?

I used Be Well By Kelly Vanilla Protein Powder, purchased on Amazon, but any vanilla or unflavored protein powder works.

2 ingredient protein ice cream in a ninja creami cup with an ice cream scoop.
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2-Ingredient Protein Ice Cream Recipe (35g protein!)

This 2-ingredient protein ice cream is a creamy, high-protein treat with just milk and protein powder! Each serving contains 35 grams of protein and only 300 calories, making it perfect for a post-workout snack or healthy dessert. Super easy to make in a Ninja Creami, this healthy ice cream tastes just like classic vanilla ice cream!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 serving

Equipment

  • 1 Ninja Creami

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups milk I used whole milk
  • 1 scoop/serving protein powder

Instructions

  • Add both ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth, or add both ingredients to the Ninja Creami container and blend them together with a milk frother.
  • Freeze the ice cream mixture for 24 hours, then remove it from the freezer and let it thaw slightly for about 10 minutes.
  • Place the container into your Ninja Creami and spin it on the light ice cream mode. Then, respin it two more times or until it’s thick but super creamy. Enjoy right away or transfer to a container and freeze for later on!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 2g | Sugar: 5g
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Dairy-Free

Best Ever Gluten-Free Vanilla Cupcakes

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close up image of a gluten-free vanilla cupcake with vanilla frosting and rainbow sprinkles.

We all need a solid vanilla cupcake recipe in our back pocket when the occasion arises. For me, this occasion my son’s upcoming 2nd birthday party (time flies!). But for you, this could be a birthday party, baby shower, holiday party, or a simple Tuesday night when you’re craving something sweet.

Now you might be wondering, what makes these gluten-free cupcakes the best ever?? Well, for one very simple reason. They taste identical to their non gluten-free counterparts. Meaning, those with celiac disease or a gluten allergy/intolerance can enjoy these perfect vanilla cupcakes with everyone else. So no one will feel left out or dissatisfied!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Pantry Staples: This recipe’s ingredients are all items you may have right on hand in your pantry which will make this a super easy vanilla cupcake recipe to put together!
  • Classic Vanilla Cupcake Taste: This gluten-free cupcake tastes exactly like a classic vanilla cupcake so no need to worry about anyone missing out on this sweet treat!
  • Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to use dairy-free milk and dairy-free butter for these cupcakes! You can also use egg replacement to make these vegan! If taking this option, I recommend the Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks and Elmhurst Almond Milk. You can also add any cupcake toppings like sprinkles, cupcake jams or toppers to make them special for any birthday or holiday event!
gluten-free vanilla cupcakes on a table with vanilla frosting and rainbow sprinkles on top.

What You’ll Need

All Purpose Gluten-Free Flour: I swear by the Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour for all my gluten-free baking needs. It does a perfect job at keeping your bakes together, and mimicking the taste and texture of regular all purpose flour. Though you can definitely use whatever brand of all purpose gluten-free flour you prefer! I’ve also tried King Arthur and Nature’s Promise gluten-free flour blends, and they work great as well. Make sure your gluten-free flour contains xanthan gum. If not, add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum to the dry ingredients.

Butter: I used non-dairy butter, but any butter will work in this recipe. Salted or unsalted butter won’t make much of a difference either, so use whichever you have on-hand! Just remember to bring it to room temperature first, so that it’s soft.

Sugar: White sugar or cane sugar both work well in these gluten-free vanilla cupcakes. You can try using either coconut sugar or maple sugar in its place for a slightly healthier recipe, though I haven’t had the chance to test these options myself yet.

Eggs: These eggs will be the binder that holds the batter together for these cupcakes. Make sure that they’re room temperature. Room-temperature eggs are important because they’ll ensure that your cupcakes rise and have a nice fluffy texture!

Vanilla Extract: this will add the perfect balance of sweetness and warm vanilla flavor these vanilla cupcakes need.

Milk: Feel free to use your favorite non-dairy milk if you’d like! The milk will also help to make sure your cupcakes have a nice fluffy texture!

a bite taken out of a gluten-free vanilla cupcake with vanilla frosting and rainbow sprinkles.

How to Make The Best Gluten-Free Vanilla Cupcakes

  1. Prepare your dry and wet ingredients: Whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat together the butter and sugar with either a hand or stand mixer until fluffy. Beat in one egg at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
  2. Bake Your Cupcakes: Once you’ve slowly combined your wet and dry ingredients into a batter, fill your cupcake liners and bake cupcakes for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
  3. Frost Your Cupcakes: Make the frosting by adding all of the frosting ingredients to a large bowl and beating with either a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy. Once they’ve cooled, decorate with frosting and sprinkles if you’d like!
  4. Pack & Store: Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Top Tips

  • Beat the butter and sugar together really well in the third step of this recipe. The goal is to introduce as much air to the mixture as possible. This will result in a lighter and fluffier gluten-free vanilla cupcakes!
  • Use an ice cream scoop or large cookie scoop to fill your cupcake molds. This simple trick makes filling your vanilla cupcake tin much quicker and easier. This also guarantees even-sized cupcakes that will bake at the exact same rate!
  • Sub the vanilla frosting for a cream cheese frosting instead! To do this, replace the butter with 1/4 cup butter plus 1/2 cup softened cream cheese. Whip all ingredients together just as you would the vanilla frosting, then spread over your cooled gluten-free vanilla cupcakes.

Adjust This Recipe To Your Dietary Needs

Make it Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and non-dairy milk to make these gluten-free and dairy-free vanilla cupcakes! If taking this option, I recommend the Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks and Elmhurst Almond Milk.

Make it Vegan: For vegan vanilla cupcakes, follow the same modifications as you would for the dairy-free version above. Then, use your favorite vegan egg replacement in place of the eggs – I recommend this one from Bob’s Red Mill.

close up image of a gluten-free vanilla cupcake with vanilla frosting and rainbow sprinkles.
5 from 3 votes

Best Ever Gluten-Free Vanilla Cupcakes

I don't mean to brag, but these gluten-free vanilla cupcakes are truly the best ever! Perfectly soft, fluffy, sweet, and moist (sorry if that word makes you cringe!). Whip up a batch of these gluten-free cupcakes for your next party as a fun treat even gluten-eaters will love.
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Equipment

  • 1 large bowl
  • 1 medium bowl
  • 1 hand or stand mixer
  • 1 cupcake tin

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all purpose gluten-free flour see Notes
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup milk

For the vanilla frosting:

  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar with either a hand or stand mixer until fluffy. Beat in one egg at a time, then add in the vanilla extract.
  • With your mixer on low speed, add 1/3 of the flour mixture into the butter mixture, then about half of the milk. Then, add in another 1/3 of the flour mixture, then the remaining milk, then the remaining flour mixture.
  • Once batter is fully combined, transfer ¼ cup of batter into each cupcake mold. Bake cupcakes for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
  • Remove cupcakes from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  • Make the frosting by adding all frosting ingredients to a large bowl and beating with either a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
  • Once cupcakes have cooled, decorate with frosting and sprinkles if you’d like.

Notes

Make sure your gluten-free flour contains xanthan gum. If not, add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum to the dry ingredients.
Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupcake | Calories: 346kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 2.3g | Fat: 15g | Sugar: 37g

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Dairy-Free

No-Churn Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream

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close up image of vegan vanilla ice cream in a bowl with a cone on top

Perfectly smooth and creamy vegan ice cream – no fancy equipment required! Only three ingredients, this super easy plant-based recipe comes together in just two steps. The BEST sweet (but not too sweet) summertime treat!

hand holding a cone of vegan ice cream

What You’ll Need To Make No-Churn Vegan Ice Cream

Full-Fat Coconut Milk – Two cans (must be canned!) of full-fat coconut milk are the base of this creamy vegan ice cream recipe. I use and love the Native Forest Coconut Milk, but any unsweetened full-fat coconut milk should work. Other brands I recommend are Thai Kitchen and A Taste of Thai Coconut Milk.

Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk – I used Nature’s Charm Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk in my ice cream and it turned out perfect! However, I’m sure any brand of sweetened condensed coconut milk will work. And it doesn’t have to be coconut milk either, your sweetened condensed milk can be made of any non-dairy milk!

Vanilla Extract – A touch of vanilla extract for that deliciously sweet vanilla flavor! For an extra fancy ice cream, you can add a touch of vanilla bean paste as well.

Pinch of Salt – While not totally necessary, a pinch of salt helps to bring out the sweetness of this recipe! You’re gonna have to trust me on this one, a tiny pinch of salt goes a long way here. I highly recommend giving it a try!

vegan vanilla ice cream inside a loaf pan

Adjust The Flavors

Make it Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream: For a chocolate version, add 1/2 cup cocoa powder into the blender. And, for double chocolate (because why the heck not?!) swirl in some mini chocolate chips before freezing.

Add Cookie Dough: If you’re a cookie dough ice cream lover like me, sprinkle small scoops of this Healthy Cookie Dough into the coconut milk mixture right before freezing.

Make it Vegan Coffee Ice Cream: Blend a quarter cup of instant coffee powder in with the rest of the ingredients for a caffeinated twist!

4.12 from 9 votes

No-Churn Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream

Perfectly smooth and creamy vegan ice cream – no fancy equipment required! Only three ingredients, this super easy plant-based recipe comes together in just two steps. The BEST sweet (but not too sweet) summertime treat!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 (14-ounce) cans full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 (11.2-ounce) can sweetened condensed coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • small pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Add all vegan vanilla ice cream ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
  • Transfer to a lined loaf pan or large container, then freeze for 6 hours. Thaw for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal

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