Ice Cream in a Bag

July 01, 2013
Nothing screams summer like a tasty frozen treat!
We love fruit-based desserts, like watermelon ice, but when we want an extra special treat, we love making ice cream in-a-bag.



Kids love making ice cream in a bag because they can actually make the ice cream by running around!

Ingredients for the Ice Cream Bag:

  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream or half and half
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 1/2 tsp sugar (we use turbino sugar, but granulated would also work)
sensory fun with ice cream in a bag

Place these ingredients into a tightly sealed sandwich sized bag, pressing the air out as you seal it. Then put this into another tightly sealed sandwich bag. Fill a gallon size resealable bag half-way full of ice cubes, and mix with 6 tablespoons of coarse kosher salt. Then put the sealed sandwich-size bag into the middle of the ice, and seal the larger bag. I also recommend doubling up the gallon size bags as well, especially if you have little helpers.

Making the Ice Cream

To make the ice cream, get moving! You need to shake the bag for about 5-10 minutes. We run and play tag and other chasing games, and toss the bag to each other. When I am holding the bag, I'll usually give it a few extra shakes. When the kids are helping, it's usually about 10 minutes until the ice cream forms. When it's just me shaking it, it's more like 5 minutes.

get active making ice cream in a bag

 Then we sit in the grass and share the ice cream! Sometimes we eat it straight out of the bag, or I'll bring out cups and pass them around. When we've had guests, I've doubled this recipe -but of course, more cream means more shaking time!

make ice cream in a bag delicious fun!
making ice cream
For another super easy tasty treat, try making these juice pops.
eating ice cream in a bag

 Carolyn is the writer at The Pleasantest Thing, a website focused on play, laughter, and learning. She can usually be found with a cup of tea or a camera in her hand. Connect with her on PinterestFacebook, Google +, or Twitter

More About the Author

Crystal Underwood is the writer and creator of Growing A Jeweled Rose. She has worked extensively with children and strongly believes in the importance of play at the core of early learning. She is passionate about the early years and believes that childhood should be a truly magical time in life. For all the best kids activities connect with Growing a Jeweled Rose below!