Shop Little Guyana
  • Shop
  • Recipes
    • Beverages
    • Meat
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Goat
      • Lamb
      • Pork
    • Seafood
      • Fish
    • Snacks
    • Fruit & Vegetables
    • Soup
  • Ingredients
    • Baking Ingredients
    • Beverages
    • Spices & Seasonings
    • Pasta, Grains, & Beans
    • Pantry Items
    • Prepared Foods
  • Equipment
    • Cookware
    • Small Appliances
    • Tools & Gadgets
  • Learn
    • How-To Series
    • Science Behind
    • Tips & FAQs
  • Local Spotlights
    • Business Reviews
    • Events
    • Travel
  • All Posts
  • My Interests
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Notification
Shop Little GuyanaShop Little Guyana
Font ResizerAa
  • Home
  • All Posts
  • Shop
  • My Interests
Search
  • Shop
  • Recipes
    • Beverages
    • Meat
    • Seafood
    • Snacks
    • Fruit & Vegetables
    • Soup
  • Ingredients
    • Baking Ingredients
    • Beverages
    • Spices & Seasonings
    • Pasta, Grains, & Beans
    • Pantry Items
    • Prepared Foods
  • Equipment
    • Cookware
    • Small Appliances
    • Tools & Gadgets
  • Learn
    • How-To Series
    • Science Behind
    • Tips & FAQs
  • Local Spotlights
    • Business Reviews
    • Events
    • Travel

Explore, Savor, and Create

Check out the latest!
Lebanon

Surviving Lebanon: A Culinary Journey

Photo by Snappr from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/traditional-caribbean-cuisine-27556985/

Jerk Chicken & Jerk Pork Quick Recipe

Ackee and Saltfish

Ackee and Saltfish: Jamaica’s National Dish That Mash Up Every Plate

Stay Connected

Find us on socials
FacebookLike
PinterestPin
InstagramFollow
© Shop Little Guyana. All rights reserved.
Shop Little Guyana > Blog > Learn > How-To Series > DIY Ice Cream: Ziploc Bag and Ice Method
How-To SeriesRecipes

DIY Ice Cream: Ziploc Bag and Ice Method

DIY project without an ice cream maker!

Tom Rose
Last updated: June 24, 2024 12:59 am
By Tom Rose
2 Comments
8 Min Read
Share
Disclosure: This website may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. Your support is appreciated!
SHARE
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

It’s time to get creative and make your own delicious ice cream at home. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it’s also a fun and rewarding activity for the whole family. Here’s how to make your own DIY ice cream.

Contents
Why This Recipe WorksWhat You’ll NeedRecipe Ingredients and VariationsHow to Make Ice Cream in a BagTips for Best ResultsDIY Ice Cream

Why This Recipe Works

This ice cream method is based on a simple science trick: using salt to lower the temperature of ice, which then freezes the ice cream mixture. The shaking process also incorporates air into the mix, making the ice cream creamy and delicious.

Ice Cream in a bag
Ice Cream in a bag

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

- Advertisement -
  • Heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk: 2 cups total (use more heavy cream for a creamier texture)
  • Sugar: 2 tablespoons
  • Vanilla extract: 1/2 teaspoon (or other extracts like mint, maple, or almond)
  • Mix-ins: Optional (chocolate chips, crushed cookies, fruit pieces, etc.)

Equipment:

  • Small ziplock bag (quart size)
  • Large ziplock bag (gallon size)
  • Ice: 6-8 cups
  • Rock salt or kosher salt: 1/2 cup
  • Towel or gloves: To protect your hands from the cold

Recipe Ingredients and Variations

Cream or Milk: We recommend using 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of whole milk for a perfect balance of creamy and light texture. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

Sugar: Granulated sugar is best as it dissolves quickly without heating. Adjust sweetness to taste.

Flavoring: Vanilla extract is classic, but feel free to experiment with other flavors. Remember to use less of stronger extracts.

Mix-ins: Add your favorite mix-ins at the end for a personalized touch. Crumbled Oreos, chopped strawberries, or nuts are great options.

How to Make Ice Cream in a Bag

Combine Ingredients:

  • Pour the heavy cream (or milk), sugar, and vanilla extract into the small ziploc bag. If you’re adding mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit, add them now.
  • Seal the small bag tightly, ensuring there is no air trapped inside to avoid any leaks.

Prepare the Ice Bag:

  • Fill the large ziploc bag halfway with ice.
  • Add the rock salt to the ice. The salt is essential because it lowers the freezing point of the ice, creating a super-cold environment that freezes the ice cream base quickly.

Combine the Bags:

  • Place the sealed small ziploc bag into the large ziploc bag filled with ice and salt. Make sure the small bag is nestled well within the ice.
  • Seal the large bag tightly to prevent any leaks during shaking.

Shake It Up:

  • Shake the bags vigorously for about 5-10 minutes. If the cold gets too intense, wrap the large bag in a towel or wear gloves to protect your hands.
  • Keep shaking until the mixture in the small bag thickens to an ice cream consistency. This might take a bit of muscle, but it’s worth it!

Serve:

  • Once the ice cream has thickened, carefully remove the small ziplock bag from the large bag. Wipe off any salt from the outside of the small bag before opening it to avoid getting any salt in your ice cream.
  • Open the small bag and scoop the ice cream into a bowl or cone. If you want to add any toppings, now’s the time!

Tips for Best Results

  • Start Cold: Use heavy cream or milk straight from the fridge for faster freezing.
  • Double Bagging: If you’re worried about leaks, double bag the ice cream mixture.
  • Salt Type: Rock salt works best, but kosher or table salt will do in a pinch.
  • Play a Game: Make it fun by passing the bag around or playing a game of hot potato.

Making ice cream with the ziploc bag and ice method is not only easy and cost-effective, but it’s also a fun activity for kids and adults alike. Customize your ice cream with your favorite flavors and mix-ins, and enjoy a sweet treat at a fraction of the cost of store-bought ice cream.

Give it a try, and you’ll have delicious, homemade ice cream ready to enjoy in no time!

Bowl of Ice Cream

DIY Ice Cream

Fun, easy, and affordable DIY method to make your own delicious ice cream at home using ziploc bags and ice.
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Add to Collection Go to Collections
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 1 cup

Equipment

small ziploc bag (quart size)
1 small ziploc bag (quart size)
large ziploc bag (gallon size)
1 large ziploc bag (gallon size)
Ice (enough to fill the large bag halfway)
Ice (enough to fill the large bag halfway)
cup rock salt or kosher salt (lowers the freezing point of the ice)
1/2 cup rock salt or kosher salt (lowers the freezing point of the ice)
Towel or gloves (to protect your hands from the cold)
Towel or gloves (to protect your hands from the cold)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk heavy cream makes it richer, but whole milk works too
  • 2 tablespoons sugar adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for classic vanilla flavor
  • Optional mix-ins: chocolate chips fruit pieces, crushed cookies, etc.
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions
 

Combine Ingredients:

  • Pour the heavy cream (or milk), sugar, and vanilla extract into the small ziploc bag. If you're adding mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit, add them now.
  • Seal the small bag tightly, ensuring there is no air trapped inside to avoid any leaks.

Prepare the Ice Bag:

  • Fill the large ziploc bag halfway with ice.
  • Add the rock salt to the ice. The salt is essential because it lowers the freezing point of the ice, creating a super-cold environment that freezes the ice cream base quickly.

Combine the Bags:

  • Place the sealed small ziploc bag into the large ziploc bag filled with ice and salt. Make sure the small bag is nestled well within the ice.
  • Seal the large bag tightly to prevent any leaks during shaking.

Shake It Up:

  • Shake the bags vigorously for about 5-10 minutes. If the cold gets too intense, wrap the large bag in a towel or wear gloves to protect your hands.
  • Keep shaking until the mixture in the small bag thickens to an ice cream consistency. This might take a bit of muscle, but it’s worth it!
  • Enjoy Your Homemade Ice Cream!

Serve:

  • Once the ice cream has thickened, carefully remove the small ziplock bag from the large bag. Wipe off any salt from the outside of the small bag before opening it to avoid getting any salt in your ice cream.
  • Open the small bag and scoop the ice cream into a bowl or cone. If you want to add any toppings, now’s the time!
Keyword ice cream
Tried this recipe?Mention @shoplittleguyana or tag #shoplittleguyana!

Find Us on Social

FacebookLike
PinterestPin
InstagramFollow
- Advertisement -
TAGGED:ice cream
Share This Article
Facebook Pinterest Whatsapp Whatsapp Reddit Email Print
2 Comments 2 Comments
  • Junk says:
    October 28, 2024 at 2:40 pm

    5 stars
    It really works

    Reply
  • Kb says:
    June 25, 2024 at 11:39 pm

    5 stars
    Recipe was great!

    Reply
5 from 2 votes

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Explore More

You may also like
Ackee and Saltfish

Ackee and Saltfish: Jamaica’s National Dish That Mash Up Every Plate

Tags: ackee
Duck Curry

Guyanese Duck Curry: A Flavorful Journey to the Tropics

Tags: Curry duck
Split Pea Soup

Split Pea Soup Recipe by Chef K

Tags: Chef K soup
Plantain Chips

Plantain Chips Recipe by Chef K

Tags: Chef K plantain chips
Show More
Shop Little Guyana

Shop Little Guyana – is your go-to destination for a taste of home. Indulge in the flavors, embrace the traditions, and embark on a cultural journey.

Quick Links

  • Home
  • All Posts
  • Shop
  • My Interests

About Us

  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions

© Shop Little Guyana. All rights reserved.

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

This worked exactly as written, thanks!
My family loved this!
Thank you for sharing this recipe

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.