Homemade Ice Cream In A Bag
Create creamy homemade ice cream with simple ingredients using a fun shaking method, perfect for warm days or a quick dessert for the whole family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the half and half, whole milk, and sugar in a bowl until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a quart zip lock bag and squeeze out the air.
- Seal the bag with duct tape to prevent leaks.
- Place the sealed bag into a gallon zip lock bag.
- Add 1 cup of water, 1 cup of coarse salt, and fill the bag with ice cubes.
- Shake the bag vigorously for 10 minutes until the mixture hardens into ice cream.
- Optional: Freeze the ice cream further to enjoy later.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using heavy cream instead of half and half. If you want to reduce sugar, try substituting with a sugar alternative like stevia or agave syrup. Make sure to seal the zip lock bags tightly to avoid leaks, and use coarse salt for better ice melting. This method is similar to making homemade ice cream without an ice cream maker, which is perfect for a fun activity with kids.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the ice cream in bowls or cones and consider topping it with chocolate syrup, sprinkles, or fresh fruit for added flavor. This homemade ice cream pairs beautifully with slices of cake or brownies, making it a delightful dessert option. For a fun twist, try mixing in crushed cookies or candy pieces right before it hardens completely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. To keep it from becoming too hard, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the container. If the ice cream hardens too much, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping to soften it for serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homemade Ice Cream In A Bag contains roughly 353 calories, with 3g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make this ice cream?
The shaking process takes about 10 minutes, but you can freeze the ice cream longer if you prefer a firmer texture. Overall, including prep time, you should plan for about 20-30 minutes to have ice cream ready to enjoy.
Can I add flavors or mix-ins to this ice cream?
Absolutely! You can add vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or even fruit purees to the base mixture before sealing the bag. For mix-ins like chocolate chips or crushed cookies, add them in during the last minute of shaking to ensure they are evenly distributed.
Is this recipe suitable for kids to make?
Yes! This recipe is a fun and engaging activity for kids. Just make sure to supervise them with the salt and ice, and help with sealing the bags securely. They will love shaking the bag and watching the mixture turn into ice cream!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).