How to Make Ice Cream in a Bag
This recipe is a wonderfully fun summer project for children! It is also a handy way to make a homemade dessert when there is no ice cream in the freezer. Kids can help shake the bags and then enjoy the creamy treat they created.
Ingredients for Ice Cream in a Bag
You need just 5 simple ingredients to make ice cream in a bag:
- Half and Half – You may replace this with equal parts whole milk and cream. We have also made the recipe with whole milk alone, and it works, although the finished ice cream is slightly less creamy and smooth
- Salt – Any type of salt can be used. We selected regular table salt, but coarse crystals are helpful because they are less likely to accidentally get into the ice cream.
- Ice
- Artificial or Imitation Vanilla
- Sugar
Can You Use Whole Milk?
Yes, whole milk works well in this recipe. The result will not be as rich or creamy, but it will still taste delicious. If you prefer a smoother texture, mix whole milk with cream. Adjust the proportions until you find the flavor and consistency that suit you best!
How to Prevent Salty Ice Cream
This precaution is important because few things are more disappointing than shaking the bags and ending up with salty ice cream. Use high-quality bags that seal properly. Inexpensive generic bags may not close securely enough to keep the salt on the outside.
Make sure the bag holding the half and half mixture is tightly sealed, and do not allow salt to get inside. For added security, place that bag inside another bag. Once shaking is complete, rinse the smaller bag with cold water, making sure to wash the area above the seal, before opening it to eat the ice cream. This removes exterior salt that could otherwise fall inside.
Coarse salt is another useful option because its larger crystals are less likely to slip into the small bag.
Finally, remove the ice cream carefully. Salt left on the outside of the smaller bag can easily get into the finished dessert.
- Add 1 cup of half and half to a small ziplocbag.
- Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of imitation vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
- Seal thebagfirmly, pressing out as much excess air as possible.
- Fill the larger ziplocbagabout halfway withice. Add 1/4 cup of salt.
- Set the smallbaginside, then add moreiceover it. Seal the large bag securely.
- Wear gloves and shake the bag for 6 minutes. *Gloves are important because the salt causes the ice to become extremely cold.
- Take the small bag out of the larger bag and rinse its exterior under cold water. Remember to clean the top section of the bag too, including the area above the seal.
- Once it has been rinsed, open the small bag slowly and carefully to keep any remaining salt on the outside from dropping inside.
- The ice cream may look a little icy at first. Use a spoon to mix and soften it, then scoop it into a bowl and enjoy!
Calories: 190kcal, Carbohydrates: 12g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Cholesterol: 45mg, Sodium: 50mg, Potassium: 157mg, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 428IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 127mg
Keep these suggestions in mind to prevent the ice cream from becoming too salty:
- Make sure the bag is tightly sealed.
- Rinse the small bag once the shaking is complete.
- If the ice cream still tastes salty, place it in two bags.
Kids will have a great time making their own ice cream! Mix in some chocolate syrup or finish it with their favorite toppings for an extra delicious treat!
More Kid-Friendly Recipes
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