Ice Cream in a Bag

You don’t need an ice cream maker to make this homemade Ice Cream in a Bag! It’s easy to make, only requiring 15 minutes, and is so creamy and delicious. It’s the ultimate kid friendly summer science project with a sweet treat at the end.

Not everyone has an ice cream maker, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to enjoy delicious homemade ice cream! This recipe for ice cream in a bag is super simple and creates the most creamy and perfectly sweet cold treat to enjoy. Plus, it’s like a science experiment and snack all-in-one too!

You can teach your kids how salt lowers the temperature of ice and makes it cold enough to freeze ice cream. A great way to do some “school” in the summer, while also making a refreshing treat to eat on a hot day!

We love making warm brownies or chocolate chip cookies and serving a cold scoop of fresh ice cream right on top! There’s something so comforting with freshly baked desserts and ice cream, one of best and most simple desserts ever!

You’re going to love how easy it is to make ice cream with just a few simple ingredients and materials!

Why You’ll Love Ice Cream in a Bag

• It only takes 15 minutes to make homemade ice cream! It won’t be long before you have creamy ice cream, better than what you can buy at the store.
• You can easily make different flavors of ice cream with this same method, making this recipe super versatile and fun!
• This is a fun way to get the whole family involved in the kitchen. Make memories while you make dessert.

Ingredients for Ice Cream in a Bag

• Milk – Whole milk will make the most creamy ice cream, but you can use 2% milk. 1% milk would not make the creamiest ice cream, but you can use it.
• Sugar – You’ll use sugar to perfectly sweeten this easy ice cream recipe.
• Heavy whipping cream – Adding heavy whipping cream into ice cream helps to thicken it up and make it extra creamy.
• Vanilla – Vanilla extract adds the perfect amount of flavor to this easy ice cream.
• Salt – Salt makes ice colder so that it is cold enough to freeze the milk and heavy cream mixture to make ice cream.
• Ice – You can’t make ice cream without the ice to freeze it!
• Toppings – Use your favorite ice cream toppings! Here are a few I use:
  • Whipped cream
  • Cherries
  • Sprinkles

How to Make Ice Cream in a Bag

In a ziploc bag, combine whole milk, heavy whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla. Push out the excess air and seal the bag well.

Place ice and salt in a larger resealable bag and then put the small bag inside the bigger bag.

Shake the bag vigorously for 5-7 minutes, until the ice cream hardens.

Then, remove the small bag and scoop out the ice cream with an ice cream scoop. Add your favorite toppings and serve!

How to Store Leftover Ice Cream in a Bag

Ice cream is best stored in a freezer-safe air tight container. You can also place ice cream in a pie dish or loaf pan and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Homemade ice cream made in a bag will last in the freezer for about a month if stored properly. Any longer, and ice crystals will begin to form.

What to top homemade ice cream with

Some of my favorite toppings are hot fudge, caramel sauce, and strawberry sauce. Sprinkles of all kinds are quite tasty as well! Oh and my homemade magic shell topping is a favorite too.

Sometimes, I like to top my ice cream with fresh fruit too! Adding candy as a topping is something people often forget. Chopping up peanut butter cups is super tasty, and M&M’s or chocolate chips are the perfect addition to vanilla ice cream.

You can cut up some strawberries, bananas, or top your scoops of ice cream with blueberries, mango, etc. too! Or even crumble some Oreo cookies or monster cookies as a crunchy topping.

Can I use half and half instead of heavy whipping cream?

You can use half and half in place of heavy whipping cream, but your ice cream may not be as creamy. If you use half and half, I recommend that you use whole milk to add some creaminess back into the mix!

Do I need to use rock salt?

You don’t have to use rock salt with the ice! Plain ol’ kosher salt will work just fine. If you have rock salt, feel free to use it.

You now have the perfect method to make the perfect ice cream sundae! Enjoy! And make more delicious desserts in a bag with this pumpkin pie in a bag recipe.

More Ice Cream Recipes You’ll Love

• If you’re a peanut butter lover, then you’re going to love this Nutter Butter Ice Cream.
• This No Churn Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream is addictively good! You won’t be able to put the spoon down…but that’s ok, I won’t tell.
• Make a Banana Split with homemade ice cream. It’s absolutely delicious, and is a great shareable dessert…or eat it on your own!
• You can make the most perfect Root Beer Float with this recipe. Such a refreshing summer treat!