Homemade Ziplock Bag Ice Cream
Experience the joy of making your very own ice cream with this fun and simple Homemade Ziplock Bag Ice Cream recipe! Ideal for kids and adults alike, this no-churn ice cream can be customized with your favorite flavors and mix-ins. Using just a few basic ingredients and a couple of Ziplock bags, you can create a creamy, delicious treat that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Perfect for hot summer days or as a fun kitchen activity, this recipe brings everyone together for a sweet and delightful experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Milk
1/2 cup (none)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
Vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Rock salt
8 tablespoons (none)
Ice
enough to fill a gallon-sized Ziplock bag (none)
Instructions
1
In a small pint or quart-sized Ziplock bag, combine the milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Seal the bag carefully, ensuring there are no leaks.
2
In a larger gallon-sized Ziplock bag, fill it halfway with ice. Add 8 tablespoons of rock salt to the ice, which will help lower the temperature and create a freezing environment.
3
Place the small milk mixture Ziplock bag inside the larger Ziplock bag filled with ice and salt, then seal it tightly again.
4
Shake the bags vigorously for about 5-10 minutes. The more you shake, the creamier your ice cream will become.
5
Once the ice cream reaches your desired consistency, carefully remove the small bag from the larger one. Rinse the small bag under cool water to remove any salt before opening.
6
Enjoy your ice cream directly from the bag or scoop it into a bowl for serving. Optional: mix in your favorite toppings or enjoy as is!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Homemade Ziplock Bag Ice Cream?
It is a fun and simple no-churn ice cream made by shaking ingredients in a plastic bag surrounded by ice and salt.
How long does it take to make this ice cream?
The shaking process takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes depending on your desired consistency.
What ingredients are needed for the base?
You will need 1/2 cup of milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Why is rock salt used in this recipe?
Rock salt lowers the freezing point of the ice, creating a colder environment that allows the milk mixture to freeze into ice cream.
Can I use regular table salt instead of rock salt?
Yes, you can use table salt, but rock salt is generally more effective for the freezing process.
What bag sizes are required?
You need one small pint or quart-sized Ziplock bag for the milk mixture and one gallon-sized Ziplock bag for the ice and salt.
How do I prevent the ice cream from tasting salty?
Carefully rinse the small bag under cool water after shaking to remove any salt residue before opening it.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, it is an ideal and fun kitchen activity for kids and adults alike.
Can I add mix-ins to the ice cream?
Absolutely! You can mix in your favorite toppings or flavors once the ice cream reaches your desired consistency.
What type of milk works best?
Whole milk provides the creamiest result, but you can use any milk you prefer.
Can I use dairy-free milk?
Yes, dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk can be used, though the texture may vary.
What happens if I shake the bag longer?
Shaking the bag more vigorously or for a longer duration typically results in a creamier texture.
Do I need an ice cream maker?
No, this is a no-churn method that only requires Ziplock bags and manual shaking.
How much ice should I put in the large bag?
You should fill the gallon-sized bag about halfway with ice.
Can I use different extracts besides vanilla?
Yes, you can customize the flavor by using almond, mint, or chocolate extracts.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
This recipe makes a single serving of ice cream, perfect for one person.
Is the rock salt edible?
No, the rock salt used in the outer bag is only for the cooling process and should not be eaten.
Should I wear gloves while shaking?
Since the bag gets very cold, wearing gloves or using a towel to hold the bag is recommended while shaking.
How do I know when the ice cream is done?
The ice cream is ready when the liquid in the small bag has thickened and feels like a soft-serve consistency.
Can I make a larger batch?
You can double the ingredients, but it is often easier to make multiple individual bags to ensure they freeze properly.
What should I do if the bag leaks?
Ensure the bags are sealed tightly before shaking. You can double-bag the milk mixture for extra security.
Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Yes, honey or other liquid sweeteners can be used as a substitute for granulated sugar.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The base ingredients (milk, sugar, vanilla) are gluten-free, but always check your specific ingredient labels.
Can I reuse the ice and salt?
The ice will likely melt during the process, so it is best to use fresh ice and salt for a second batch.
What is the best way to serve the ice cream?
You can enjoy it directly from the bag with a spoon or scoop it into a bowl.
Does the type of sugar matter?
Standard granulated white sugar works best for a smooth texture.
Can I add chocolate syrup to the mix?
Yes, you can add chocolate syrup to the small bag before shaking for chocolate ice cream.
How cold does the ice and salt mixture get?
The mixture can drop well below the freezing point of water, often reaching temperatures near 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is this recipe healthy?
It is a treat intended for dessert, but you can control the sugar content and milk type to suit your dietary needs.
Can I use this for a science experiment?
Yes, this is a popular science experiment to demonstrate freezing point depression and phase changes.