Craving a sweet treat but lacking an ice cream maker? No problem! With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of shaking, you can whip up creamy, homemade chocolate ice cream right in a plastic bag. This fun and easy method is perfect for kids and adults alike, turning dessert-making into an interactive experience.
Why Make Ice Cream in a Bag?
Making ice cream in a bag is not only a delightful activity but also a fascinating science experiment. The process demonstrates how salt lowers the freezing point of ice, allowing the cream mixture to freeze into ice cream. It’s an educational and tasty way to engage children in the kitchen.forgetfulmomma.com
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 500 ml single cream or heavy cream
- 400 ml sweetened condensed milk
- 200 g dark or milk chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional, for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Ice cubes
- 1/3 cup rock salt or coarse salt
- 1 small resealable plastic bag
- 1 large resealable plastic bag
- Toppings of your choice (sprinkles, chocolate chips, nuts, etc.)SELF+1Simply Recipes+1Food.com+4forgetfulmomma.com+4More Momma!+4
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Ice Cream Mixture:
- In a saucepan, melt the chopped chocolate over low heat until smooth.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted chocolate, cream, sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder (if using), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Assemble the Bags:
- Pour the chocolate mixture into the small resealable plastic bag. Seal the bag tightly, ensuring to remove as much air as possible.
- Fill the large resealable plastic bag halfway with ice cubes and add the rock salt. Place the sealed small bag into the larger bag and seal the large bag securely.Delish+3Chelsea’s Messy Apron+3Bon Appétit+3
- Shake It Up:
- Shake the bags vigorously for about 5-10 minutes. The mixture will begin to harden into ice cream.
- To protect your hands from the cold, consider wearing oven mitts or wrapping the bag in a towel.Lindsay Ann Bakes+1Chelsea’s Messy Apron+1
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the ice cream reaches your desired consistency, remove the small bag from the larger bag.
- Wipe off any salt from the outside of the small bag before opening.
- Scoop the ice cream into bowls and add your favorite toppings.
Tips for Success
- Double Bagging: To prevent leaks, especially if children are involved, consider double bagging the ice cream mixture.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavors by adding fruit purees, extracts, or mix-ins like cookie crumbs or candy pieces.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping, as it may harden more than traditional ice cream.
The Science Behind the Magic
The key to this method lies in the use of salt with ice. Salt lowers the freezing point of ice, causing it to melt. As the ice melts, it absorbs heat from its surroundings—in this case, the ice cream mixture—causing the mixture to freeze. This endothermic reaction is a practical demonstration of freezing point depression and heat transfer.Bon AppétitrecipecriticHouse of Nash Eats+2forgetfulmomma.com+2recipecritic+2
Conclusion
Making chocolate ice cream in a bag is a delightful and educational activity that results in a delicious treat. It’s perfect for hot summer days, classroom experiments, or just a fun family activity. With minimal ingredients and equipment, you can enjoy homemade ice cream anytime.