The sweet and creamy aroma of freshly made ice cream fills the air as you shake a little bag filled with ice and salt. This delightful Ice Cream in a Bag recipe is an incredibly simple way to indulge in homemade ice cream in just 6 minutes, using minimal ingredients and equipment. It works because the salt lowers the freezing point of ice, creating a chilly environment that quickly transforms your mixture into a creamy treat.
This recipe is perfect for families, kids’ birthday parties, or anyone craving a quick frozen dessert. It’s an engaging activity for kids and adults alike. You can easily make it ahead and enjoy it immediately or store it in the freezer for later.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- You can make ice cream in just 6 minutes.
- The texture is creamy with a fun icy twist.
- It’s a hands-on activity that’s perfect for all ages.
- Minimal cleanup, as everything fits in two bags.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to create your ice cream treat.
For the Ice Cream Mixture
- 1 cup half and half
- 1/2 tsp artificial or imitation vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp sugar
For the Ice and Salt Mixture
- ice
- 1/4 cup salt
For the Bagging
- Ziploc bags (1 small, 1 large)
Use heavy-duty bags for best results.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Half and half can be replaced with whole milk.
- Artificial vanilla extract can be substituted with real vanilla extract.
- Sugar can be swapped for a sweetener of choice.
- Ice can be replaced with pre-made ice packs.
How to Make It
Get ready to whip up your ice cream in a bag with these simple steps.
Pour
Pour 1 cup of half and half into a small Ziploc bag.
Add
Add 1/2 teaspoon of artificial vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
Seal
Seal the bag firmly and get any excess air out.
Fill
In the larger Ziploc bag, fill it about halfway with ice. Add 1/4 cup of salt.
Insert
Then add your small bag into the larger bag and fill with extra ice on top. Seal the large bag.
Shake
Get gloves for shaking and shake for 6 minutes. Gloves are needed since the salt makes the ice extra cold.
Rinse
Take the small bag out of the large bag and rinse the outside of the small bag with cold water. Ensure to rinse out the top part of the bag also (above the seal).
Open
Once done rinsing, carefully open the small bag to avoid getting any remaining salt from the outside of the bag inside.
Serve
The ice cream will look a little icy at the start. Use a spoon to mix it around and soften it up a bit. Scoop out and enjoy!
How to Store It
Fridge: Keep in the fridge for up to 1 hour in a sealed bag.
Freezer: Yes, for up to a week without losing texture.
Reheat: Not applicable as this is served frozen.
Tips for Best Results
- Use gloves while shaking to prevent frostbite from the cold.
- Ensure you seal the bags tightly to avoid leaks.
- For a richer flavor, let it sit a minute before serving.
- Experiment with add-ins like chocolate chips or fruit after mixing.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve it on a hot summer day for a refreshing treat.
- Pair with warm brownies for an indulgent dessert.
- Top with sprinkles or fresh fruit for added flavor.
