Why Ice Cream in a Bag Works

This fun ice cream recipe is also a science lesson in disguise.

• The Science behind the goodness: The key ingredient to making ice cream is the salt. The salt lowers the temperature at which ice melts. Just like how many cities use salt to melt ice on roads or sidewalks faster. As the ice melts it needs the absorb heat to continue to melt. The ice will draw the heat from the ice cream ingredients, allowing the ice cream mixture to absorb the cold from the ice, freezing it.
• Shaking: Even shaking the bag helps in this science experiment. Shaking allows the transfer of heat to happen and also creates air in the ice cream mixture making it nice and creamy!

The Best Ice Cream in a Bag Tips and Tricks

Make summertime that much more fun and keep the ingredients on hand for endless fun.

• Bags: You can use a smaller quart bag for the ice cream mixture if you find that easier to have a smaller bag. Make sure you get as much air out as possible. And make sure it is sealed properly. I highly recommend using the name-brand bags for this activity as I have found they are a bit more durable and reliable. You can double bag it if you desire too. It isn’t as much fun when the bag breaks.
• It will get cold: Holding bags of ice will get cold for little fingers. Play hot potato and pass the bag around to help relieve the cold and to add an extra element of fun. Kids can also wear oven mittens or winter gloves to keep their fingers warm.
• Time: The amount of time it takes to get the right consistency you desire will vary. It can freeze as fast as 5 minutes or take up to 15. The more you shake it the faster it will freeze. Eat straight from the bag, place in a bowl, or put into a container and place the freezer to harden a bit more.
• Salt: While rock salt is ideal for keeping the salt from getting into your ice cream, any salt will do. This has been made successfully with table salt even.
• Variations: Make this dairy-free by using full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream.
• Flavors: Try different flavors by using different extracts such as almond, maple, or mint. Make chocolate ice cream by stirring in chocolate syrup.
• Mix-ins: Once the ice cream is done, stir in your favorite mix-ins. Try crushed cookies, mini M&M’s, any chopped candy bar, peanut butter, sprinkles, nuts, or fruit.

Summertime is the perfect time to enjoy cool treats and desserts that are light and don’t heat up the house. Whether you need a quick dessert for company or need to take one to a BBQ, these treats are sure to be the hit of the party. With summer you also have fresh fruit at your fingertips, which can make mouthwatering desserts.  Fresh fruit makes this Marshmallow Cream Cheese Fruit Dip and this Triple Berry Slushies absolutely divine. These other summer-friendly desserts are going to be huge hits for you this summer.

Ingredients

Instructions

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