Ice Cream in a Bag: The Intentional Learning Corner

Nothing says summer fun like homemade ice cream, especially when it’s made in a bag! This simple, hands-on recipe from The Intentional Learning Corner is perfect for kids and adults alike, turning an ordinary afternoon into a delicious learning experience.

With just a few ingredients, some ice, and a little shaking, you can create creamy, sweet ice cream without any fancy equipment. It’s a great way to explore a bit of kitchen science while enjoying a treat you made yourself.

Ingredients/Supplies Needed

• Milk (Whole milk, 2% milk, lactose-free milk, and heavy whipping cream will work for this recipe.)

• Sugar

• Vanilla Extract

• Tablespoon

• Teaspoon

• Measuring cup

• 2 sandwich bags (per serving)

• 2  one gallon sized freezer bags

• Salt (larger salt or ice cream salt work best but are not necessary)

• Ice (enough to fill a gallon-sized freezer bag)

Recipe for 1 Serving

• 1 cup milk

• 2 Tablespoons Sugar

• 1 Teaspoon Vanilla

Directions

• Gather all ingredients. 

• Pour 1 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla into a sandwich bag. Close the bag. Make sure all the air is out of the bag. Put the first sandwich bag into a second sandwich bag and seal the bag as before.

• Add ice and a liberal amount of salt to a gallon-sized freezer bag.

• Take the double-bagged sandwich bag of milk mixture and place it between the ice and salt inside the gallon-sized bag. Close the gallon-sized bag. Make sure all the air is out of the bag. Place the gallon-sized bag into another gallon-sized bag and seal it.

  
  

• Shake the bag vigorously for 5-10 minutes. Time may vary.

We have made up to 4 servings at a time. When your ice cream is your desired consistency, open the bag, grab a spoon, and enjoy!

Making ice cream in a bag isn’t just about the dessert; it’s about the joy of creating something from scratch, the laughter during the shaking, and the satisfaction of tasting your own handiwork. Whether you’re teaching kids about science, hosting a fun family activity, or simply craving a quick frozen treat, this method delivers sweet results every time. So grab your ingredients, get shaking, and enjoy every spoonful of your homemade ice cream!