Are you craving a delicious homemade treat but don’t have an ice cream maker? No worries! Making ice cream in a plastic bag is not only a fun kitchen activity but also a tasty way to cool off on a hot day. This simple method allows you to customize your ice cream with your favorite flavors and mix-ins. Get ready to enjoy a creamy and refreshing dessert with this easy-to-follow recipe for homemade ice cream in a plastic bag.
**How To Make Ice Cream In A Plastic Bag**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Ice cubes
– 1/2 cup rock salt
– Flavored extracts or mix-ins (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Ice Cream Base**
– In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until the sugar has dissolved. Feel free to add any flavored extracts, like mint or almond, at this stage if desired.
2. **Fill the Small Plastic Bag**
– Pour the ice cream base into a pint-sized resealable plastic bag, making sure to squeeze out any excess air before sealing it tightly. Consider using a double seal or reinforcing with tape to prevent leaks.
3. **Create an Ice Bath**
– Fill a larger resealable plastic bag halfway with ice cubes. Sprinkle the rock salt over the ice. The salt lowers the freezing point of the ice, helping to freeze the ice cream mixture.
4. **Assemble the Ice Cream Bag**
– Place the sealed small bag containing the ice cream base into the larger bag with the ice and salt mixture. Seal the larger bag securely, ensuring no leakage. Shake the bags gently to distribute the cold evenly.
5. **Shake, Shake, Shake**
– Wrap a towel around the bags to insulate them from the cold and prevent them from becoming too cold to handle. Shake the bags vigorously for about 5-8 minutes, or until the ice cream mixture thickens and firms up.
6. **Check the Consistency**
– Open the small bag to check the ice cream’s consistency. If the ice cream is still too soft, reseal the bags and continue shaking for an additional few minutes until it reaches your desired thickness. Be cautious not to puncture the bags with sharp ice cubes.
7. **Serve and Enjoy**
– Once the ice cream has reached the desired consistency, remove the small bag from the larger bag. Wipe the bag clean to avoid any salt contamination and carefully open it. Scoop the ice cream into a bowl or cone, and add your favorite toppings or enjoy it as is!
Ice cream in a plastic bag is a fantastic hands-on activity for kids and a fun way to involve the whole family in creating a delicious treat together. Experiment with different flavors and mix-ins to customize your ice cream creations. What’s more, this simple method eliminates the need for specialized equipment, making it accessible to everyone. Enjoy the creamy and rich taste of homemade ice cream with this easy and enjoyable recipe!
