This simple homemade ice cream in a bag recipe is perfect to try this summer! Just 5 ingredients are needed to prepare this homemade ice cream. Children will enjoy watching how fast they can create their own frozen treat. Be sure to include your preferred toppings, such as sprinkles or fruit!
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How to Prepare Ice Cream in a Bag
This makes a wonderfully entertaining summer activity for kids! If your freezer is running short on ice cream, it’s also an excellent way to prepare a homemade dessert! Children can assist with shaking the bags and, naturally, enjoy the ice cream afterward.
Ingredients for Ice Cream in a Bag
Only 5 ingredients are required to prepare ice cream in a bag:
- Half and Half – OR substitute 1/2 whole milk and 1/2 cream. We’ve also prepared it using whole milk, and it still works, though the ice cream will not be quite as smooth and creamy
- Salt – any variety of salt will work. We chose ordinary table salt. However, larger salt crystals reduce the possibility of accidentally getting salt mixed into your ice cream.
- Ice
- Artificial or Imitation Vanilla
- Sugar
Is Whole Milk Suitable?
Absolutely! Whole milk can also be used for this recipe. The ice cream will be less rich and creamy, but it will remain delicious. For a smoother result, combine cream with whole milk instead. Try varying the amounts until you discover the consistency and taste you enjoy most!
Ways to Avoid Salty Ice Cream
This step matters – there’s nothing more disappointing than shaking the bags only to end up with salty ice cream. Be certain that the bags you choose are high-quality bags. Generic brands often fail to create a reliable seal that keeps the salt outside.
Be sure to seal the bag containing the half and half mixture securely. Salt must not accidentally enter this bag. For extra protection, you can place it inside a second bag as well. After shaking, wash the small bag with cold water, including the portion above the seal, before opening it and eating the ice cream. This helps prevent any salt on the exterior from getting inside.
Choosing coarse salt can provide additional protection against salt entering the small bag.
Lastly, take care when removing the ice cream from the bag. Any salt remaining on the outside of the small bag could become mixed into the ice cream.
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Pour 1 cup of half and half into a small ziplocbag.
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Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of imitation vanilla extract along with 1 tablespoon of sugar.
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Close thebagsecurely, removing any extra air.
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Fill the larger ziplocbagapproximately halfway withice. Pour in 1/4 cup of salt.
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Place the smallbaginside and cover it with additionaliceon top.Seal the large bag.
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Put on gloves and shake for 6 minutes. *Gloves are necessary because the salt makes the ice especially cold.
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Remove the small bag from the large one, then wash the outside of the small bag with cold water. Be sure to rinse the upper portion of the bag as well (above the seal).
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After rinsing, open the small bag carefully so that any leftover salt on the outside does not fall into the bag.
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At first, the ice cream may appear slightly icy. Stir it with a spoon to loosen and soften it, then scoop it out 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
- Seal the bag securely.
- Wash the small bag after shaking.
- Use two bags if the ice cream remains salty.
Your children will enjoy preparing their own ice cream! Stir in chocolate syrup or sprinkle on your preferred toppings for an even tastier treat!
Additional Recipes for Kids
Try these other kid-approved recipes: