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Baggie Ice Cream

Helen T. Patterson
Baggie Ice Cream is a fun and easy way to make homemade ice cream without a fancy machine. With just a few basic ingredients—milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ice, and salt—this no-churn treat is perfect for a quick dessert or a fun family activity. The best part? You can customize it with a variety of flavors and toppings, making it a treat everyone will enjoy. All you need are two resealable bags, some shaking, and a little patience to create a delicious homemade ice cream that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 9 hours 10 minutes
Total Time 9 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack, Treat
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 small resealable plastic bag (8 - 12 oz)
  • 1 large resealable plastic bag (gallon-sized)
  • Towels or oven mitts (optional, for protection from cold)
  • Spoon or ice cream scoop (for serving)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup – Whole milk or heavy cream for a richer version
  • 2 tablespoons – Granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon – Vanilla extract
  • 2 cups – Ice cubes or crushed ice
  • ½ cup – Rock salt or table salt

Optional Add-ins

  • Chocolate chips fruit, candy pieces, crushed cookies, etc. (as desired)

Instructions
 

Prepare the ice cream mixture:

  • In a small resealable plastic bag, combine 1 cup of whole milk, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Seal the bag tightly and gently squish to mix everything together.

Prepare the freezing bag:

  • In a larger resealable plastic bag, fill it halfway with ice cubes and add ½ cup of rock salt. Place the smaller bag with the ice cream mixture inside the larger bag, ensuring the smaller bag is surrounded by ice.

Shake the bags:

  • Seal the large bag tightly. Shake vigorously for about 5 to 10 minutes, ensuring the ice cream freezes evenly. You can use towels or oven mitts to protect your hands from the cold.

Check consistency:

  • After shaking, check the ice cream’s consistency. When it reaches a soft-serve texture, remove the smaller bag from the larger bag. Wipe any salt off the smaller bag before opening it.

Serve and enjoy:

  • Scoop the ice cream into bowls, cones, or use it to make ice cream sandwiches. Add your favorite toppings or mix-ins and serve immediately!

Notes

  • For a creamier texture, use heavy cream instead of whole milk.
  • If you want to make a larger batch, simply double the ingredients and use a bigger bag.
  • This recipe is highly customizable. Feel free to add chocolate chips, fruit, crushed cookies, or any toppings of your choice.
  • If your ice cream is too soft, you can pop it in the freezer for a few minutes to firm up.
  • Be sure to shake the bag consistently to get the best freezing results. If you're making this with kids, it’s a great way to keep them entertained while waiting for the ice cream to form!
Keyword Baggie Ice Cream