Who doesn’t love ice cream? Ice cream in a bag for kids is a great way to make your own ice cream. It is such a fun activity to do especially during the hot summer months!
Ice cream in a bag is such a fun science experiment for preschoolers. I included instructions to make this recipe dairy free if needed and lots of tips including how to keep little hands warm while shaking everything up! My kids love making this. We’ve made this pretty much every summer since they were toddlers.
Not only is this a fun science experiment but the ice cream tastes good too! Personally, I think it tastes kind of like soft serve. If you want more recipes that kids can help make be sure to also check out this Cinnamon Raisin Bread in a Bag, Easy Pizza Recipe for Kids, and these Honey Peanut Butter Balls.
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🍦 Why you’ll love this activity
This ice cream in a bag is the perfect summer activity to do with kids. It is a fun science experiment and super easy to set up. You can make it with heavy cream or canned coconut milk.
🥛 Ingredients needed
To make ice cream in a bag, you will need:
- Heavy cream: Also called whipping cream. If you need a dairy free option, you can also use canned coconut milk (be sure to use canned coconut milk and not the milk alternative type).
- Ice: To make the ice cream cold.
- Kosher salt: I’ve been asked a lot if you can substitute regular salt but unfortunately you will need kosher salt for this recipe. I do not recommend subbing regular salt or your ice cream will not turn out right.
- Vanilla extract: To give the ice cream a yummy flavor.
🧾 Equipment needed
- A quart sized plastic storage bag
- A heavy duty freezer plastic storage bag
- Oven mitts (to keep hands warm while shaking the ice cream)
👩🏻🍳 How to make this recipe
In the smaller bag, add the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla.
Seal the bag and remove as much excess air as possible.
In the larger bag, add the kosher salt and ice. Add the smaller bag inside the larger bag.
Using oven mitts (to keep your hands warm), shake the bag for about 10 minutes.
Remove from the bag and serve with optional toppings if desired.
💭 Tips
- Use oven mitts to keep little hands warm.
- Use high quality plastic storage bags, cheaper ones may leak.
📋 Recipe FAQs
Store any leftovers in your freezer just like regular ice cream.
No, the kosher salt helps reduce the temperature to make it ice cream.
Yes, you can use canned coconut milk as a substitute for the heavy cream.
Other fun kids activities:
If you tried this Ice Cream in a Bag or any other recipe on my site, please leave a ⭐ rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. I would love to hear from you!
Ice Cream in a Bag for Kids
Equipment
- Large gallon size plastic bag
- Quart size plastic bag
- Oven mitts (to keep hands warm)
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream or substitute canned coconut milk
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups ice
- ⅓ cup kosher salt
Toppings (optional)
- fresh fruit
- sprinkles
- chocolate syrup
- caramel syrup
Instructions
- In the smaller bag, add the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla.2 cups heavy cream , 3 tablespoons white sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Seal the bag and remove as much excess air as possible.
- In the larger bag, add the kosher salt and ice. Put the smaller bag inside the large bag and seal.3 cups ice, ⅓ cup kosher salt
- Using oven mitts (to keep your hands warm), shake the bag for about 10 minutes.
- Remove from the bag and serve with optional toppings if desired.
- If needed, freeze for a few minutes before serving.
Patricia Chamberlain says
My daughter would love this activity! We are going to have to try it soon.
Kelly says
Oh how fun! I’m looking for activities to do with my daughter and I think she’ll love this one! 🙂
Tonia L. says
Thank you for the recipe it turned out perfect,was so delicious.
Marie says
Great recipe! What an awesome idea! Thanks for sharing!
Holly says
I absolutely love this! I had no idea you could easily make homemade ice cream in a bag. We will absolutely be doing this in my house on the next super hot day. Thanks for sharing!! 🍦