Churn-Your-Own Ice Cream Adventure
Transform ordinary days into delightful experiences with this DIY ice cream in a coffee can recipe! Perfect for warm summer afternoons or cozy family gatherings, this homemade ice cream lets you customize flavors, mix-ins, and even the level of sweetness to your liking. The recipe provides a unique way to engage children and adults alike, as everyone can take part in the fun of rolling the can and watching their tasty creation come to life. Plus, with its use of simple ingredients and a creative method, you’ll have a delicious frozen treat ready to enjoy in no time!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rock Salt
1/2 cup (none)
Half-and-Half
1 pint (none)
Vanilla Extract
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Sugar
1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons (combined and mixed with other ingredients)
Instant Pudding Mix (of your favorite flavor)
3 tablespoons (none)
Fresh Fruit (e.g., bananas, strawberries, peaches)
1/3 cup (chopped)
Crushed Cookies (your favorite variety)
3 pieces (crushed into pea-sized pieces)
Finely Chopped Nuts
1/4 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Gather two coffee cans: one 1 lb can and one 3 lb can.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine half-and-half, vanilla, and both sugars (1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons). Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3
Pour the mixture into the 1 lb coffee can and add the pudding mix, fruits, crushed cookies, and chopped nuts. Stir to combine. Securely place the lid on the smaller can.
4
Fill the larger 3 lb can halfway with ice, then sprinkle a layer of rock salt over the ice. Place the smaller can into the larger one, then continue to layer ice and rock salt until the larger can is full, finishing with a layer of rock salt on top.
5
Secure the lid on the larger can, and if desired, wrap it with duct tape for extra security.
6
It’s time to have some fun! Place a towel on the floor or use a sheet to cushion the rolling. Invite friends or family to take turns rolling the can back and forth for at least 10 minutes.
7
After 10 minutes, carefully check the ice cream's consistency. If it hasn’t started to freeze, replace the lids and continue rolling for an additional 10 minutes.
8
Once the ice cream is thickened and frozen around the sides and bottom of the can, you can serve it immediately or transfer it to a freezer-safe container to firm up further.
9
For best results, check the ice cream every 10 minutes in the freezer if it's not thick enough after rolling.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Churn-Your-Own Ice Cream Adventure?
It is a DIY method of making homemade ice cream using two coffee cans, allowing you to customize flavors and mix-ins while engaging in a fun rolling activity.
What equipment is needed for this recipe?
You will need a 1 lb coffee can, a 3 lb coffee can, a mixing bowl, ice, and optionally duct tape and a towel or sheet.
What are the main liquid ingredients used?
The recipe uses one pint of half-and-half and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract as the base liquids.
How much sugar should I add to the ice cream mix?
You should use a combination of 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons of sugar, ensuring it is stirred until completely dissolved.
Can I choose the flavor of the ice cream?
Yes, you can customize the flavor by using 3 tablespoons of your favorite variety of instant pudding mix.
What type of fruit can be added to the mixture?
You can add 1/3 cup of chopped fresh fruit such as bananas, strawberries, or peaches.
How should the cookies be prepared for the recipe?
Take 3 pieces of your favorite cookies and crush them into pea-sized pieces before adding them to the can.
Are nuts included in this ice cream recipe?
Yes, you can include 1/4 cup of finely chopped nuts for added texture.
What is the purpose of the rock salt?
Rock salt is used to lower the freezing point of the ice, which helps freeze the ice cream mixture inside the smaller can.
How much rock salt is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of rock salt to be layered with the ice in the larger can.
How do I assemble the coffee cans?
Place the sealed 1 lb can inside the 3 lb can, then fill the surrounding space with alternating layers of ice and rock salt.
Should I use duct tape on the cans?
Duct tape is recommended to securely seal the lid of the larger can to prevent leaks during the rolling process.
How do I actually 'churn' the ice cream?
Place the can on a cushioned floor and roll it back and forth for at least 10 minutes.
How long does the rolling process take?
It takes at least 10 minutes of rolling, but may require an additional 10 minutes if the mixture has not frozen yet.
What should I do if the ice cream isn't frozen after 10 minutes?
Replace the lids and continue rolling for another 10 minutes, or check it every 10 minutes if you have moved it to the freezer.
How can I tell when the ice cream is done?
The ice cream is ready when it is thickened and frozen around the sides and the bottom of the smaller can.
Can I serve the ice cream immediately?
Yes, once it has reached the desired consistency, it can be served immediately.
How do I make the ice cream firmer?
To firm up the ice cream further, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and place it in the freezer.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Absolutely! It is designed as a fun family activity that engages both children and adults in the process.
Does this recipe require an electric ice cream maker?
No, this is a 'no ice cream maker' recipe that uses manual rolling to freeze the mixture.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to gather your two coffee cans, one 1 lb size and one 3 lb size.
How should the pudding mix be incorporated?
Add the pudding mix directly into the 1 lb coffee can along with the liquid mixture, fruits, cookies, and nuts, then stir.
Why use a towel or sheet while rolling?
A towel or sheet cushions the rolling and protects your floor from the movement of the metal can.
Can I adjust the sweetness of this recipe?
Yes, one of the benefits of this DIY method is that you can customize the level of sweetness to your liking.
How many mix-ins are suggested?
The recipe suggests three types of mix-ins: fresh fruit, crushed cookies, and chopped nuts.
What is the total amount of pudding mix used?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of instant pudding mix.
How much fruit is used in the mix?
You should use 1/3 cup of chopped fresh fruit.
Is there a specific way to layer the ice and salt?
Fill the large can halfway with ice, add a layer of salt, then continue layering until full, finishing with salt on top.
What is the preparation for the nuts?
The nuts should be finely chopped before being added to the mixture.
When is this treat best enjoyed?
It is perfect for warm summer afternoons or cozy family gatherings.