Bags Of Fun – Learn How To Make Homemade Ice Cream In A Bag!

Craving ice cream but don’t have an ice cream maker? No worries — this fun and foolproof ice cream in a bag method is perfect for kids, parties, or just a little kitchen magic on a hot afternoon.

There’s no need for an ice cream maker to enjoy rich, creamy homemade ice cream ever again!

Using just a few basic ingredients, zip-lock bags, and a little elbow grease (aka shaking!), you’ll create creamy, customisable ice cream — no special equipment required.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

✅ How ice cream in a bag works (the fun + the science)
✅ What you need to get started
✅ Step-by-step instructions
✅ Fun flavour twists & mix-in ideas
✅ Bonus: Try the Ice Cream Ball method!

This fun, no-machine method is the perfect activity for kids and adults alike to create delicious homemade fun.

Get ready for bags of fun as we talk you through this easy technique for churning out small batches of customisable ice cream flavours without any special equipment.

It’s hands-on, super satisfying, and ready in under 15 minutes. Let’s get shaking!

If you’d like to go straight to our Homemade Ice Cream in a Bag recipe, use the following link, or read along to find out more about this fun method of making ice cream.

What Is “Ice Cream in a Bag” — and Why It Works

Making rich, creamy ice cream at home traditionally requires an ice cream maker or churning machine. These specialised appliances slowly churn and aerate the ice cream base while it freezes, incorporating air to create that signature smooth, scoopable texture.

While incredibly convenient, ice cream makers can be bulky, expensive, and require quite a bit of effort for cleaning.

That’s where our “Bags of Fun” method comes in as an innovative, no-machine alternative! It’s an incredibly simple technique that’s inexpensive, compact, and best of all – a total blast for kids and adults alike.

This clever method uses a basic principle of science (hello, salt + ice!) to flash-freeze your ice cream base.

Instead of a machine doing the churning, you’ll shake a small sealed bag of cream, sugar, and vanilla inside a larger bag filled with ice and salt. The salt lowers the temperature of the ice, freezing the cream as you shake — and your motion mimics the churning needed for creaminess. Win-win!

This is more than just making ice cream, it’s a fun learning activity for kids and the whole family!

• Perfect for kids
• Great party activity
• Teaches basic food science
• No bulky gadgets required

The Science Bit (Made Simple)

So, what is this Ice Cream in a Bag all about? Can you seriously make ice cream in a bag?

Making ice cream in a bag is an easy, hands-on method that doesn’t require any special equipment. And ther’e’s a simple science to how it works.

Here’s the short and sweet version:

• Salt + Ice = Super Cold Slush: When salt is added to ice, it lowers the freezing point, creating a cold enough environment to freeze cream quickly.
• Shaking = Churning: Constant movement incorporates air and breaks up ice crystals, giving you a smoother, fluffier texture.
• Double Bag = Smart Setup: The small bag holds the ice cream mix; the big bag holds the icy salt slush. Keep them separate so your dessert stays clean but freezes efficiently.

It’s kitchen chemistry and dessert — what’s not to love? And it’s a fun, interactive way to make small batches of fresh ice cream right at home.

The bag method is a perfect opportunity for kids to get hands-on with making their own frozen treats, and it’s also an easy technique for adults wanting to experiment with custom ice cream flavours using just a few simple ingredients.

Best of all, you can have fresh homemade ice cream ready in under 15 minutes using this clever, no-machine, bags of fun, bag-shaking approach!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

• 300ml double cream
• 150ml whole milk (optional – for lighter texture)
• 75g caster sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: chocolate chips, fruit, crushed biscuits, etc.

Equipment:

• 1 small zip-lock bag (about 500ml)
• 1 large zip-lock bag (3.8 L or 1 gallon)
• Ice cubes (about 1.5–2 L worth)
• 120g rock salt or coarse sea salt
• A tea towel or gloves (it gets cold!)

👉🏽 Need extra equipment? Check out our useful guide – What Equipment Do You Need To Make Homemade Ice Cream?

How to Make Ice Cream in a Bag (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Mix the Base

• Add cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt into the small bag.
• Seal tightly and remove excess air.

Step 2: Prep the Ice Bag

• Fill the large bag halfway with ice and add rock salt.
• Give it a quick shake to distribute.

Step 3: Combine & Shake

• Place the small sealed bag inside the larger one.
• Wrap in a towel or wear gloves and shake vigorously for 5–10 minutes.

Step 4: Check Consistency

• Once it thickens to a soft-serve texture, open the bags.
• Be careful to avoid getting any saltwater into your ice cream!

Step 5: Add Extras (Optional)

• Stir in your mix-ins, reseal, and shake for another minute to combine.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

• Scoop straight into bowls or cones.
• For a firmer texture, pop it in the freezer for 1–2 hours.

Pro Tips

• Use double-bagging to prevent leaks.
• Wrap in a towel or use oven mitts — it gets icy cold!
• Pre-freeze mix-ins like chocolate chips so they don’t melt your base.
• Try flavour swaps like peppermint, almond extract, or lemon zest.

The Science of Shake-Churned (Bags of Fun) Ice Cream

The “Bags of Fun” method relies on some simple physics and chemistry to transform a liquid cream base into luscious ice cream through shaking alone.

The key is creating an ultra-cold environment using ice and salt inside the outer bag.

When salt is added to ice, it causes the ice to melt and the temperature to drop below the normal freezing point of water (32°F/0°C). This salt and ice mixture can reach as low as 0°F/-18°C, which is cold enough to freeze the ice cream base.

As you vigorously shake the sealed inner bag containing the cream mixture, it gets exposed to this extreme cold from the salty ice surrounding it. The constant motion helps incorporate air into the base while preventing large ice crystals from forming, resulting in that signature smooth, creamy ice cream texture.

The double bag setup is important – the inner bag holds the ice cream base while the outer bag contains the salted ice bath. This separation allows the cream to freeze from the outside in while being churned by the shaking motion. It mimics the action of a traditional ice cream maker without any machinery required!

So in essence, the salt helps super-cool the ice to below freezing, creating the perfect chilly environment for transforming the liquid base into frozen ice cream through vigorous shaking and aeration.

It’s a fun, hands-on way to witness basic science principles in action while making a delicious frozen treat!

Now that we’ve got the whole scientific part out of the way, let’s get straight into having bags of fun and creating our own homemade ice cream in a bag!

What You’ll Need

To make delicious ice cream in a bag, you’ll just need a few simple supplies:

Supplies:

• 1 500ml ziplock bag
• 1 3.8-litre ziplock bag
• Ice cubes
• 120g rock salt or coarse salt

That’s it! With just some cream, sugar, vanilla, and the power of salt and ice, you’ll be able to transform these basic ingredients into rich, creamy ice cream in about 15 minutes of hands-on shaking time.

This is a great activity for the kids, so make sure you get them involved by letting them add their favourite mix-ins or create custom flavours.

The best part is you can make small batches of fresh ice cream whenever a craving strikes, without any special equipment required.

Once you’ve gathered your supplies, you’re ready to get started on the super easy, fun-filled process of making ice cream in a bag!

Most kitchens should have all the equipment needed to make this easy Homemade Ice Cream, but if you find you are missing anything, be that a spatula, mixing bowls etc, our article – What Equipment Do You need to make Homemade Ice Cream? – lists everything you could possibly need and provides easy links if you find you’re missing anything.

Bags of Fun Homemade Ice Cream Recipe

Ingredients:

• 300ml double cream (or half-and-half)
• 150ml whole milk (optional)
• 75g caster sugar / granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1.4-1.8 litres ice cubes
• 120g rock salt
• 1 litre ziplock bag
• 3.8 litre ziplock bag
• Optional mix-ins like chocolate chips, crushed biscuits/cookies, fruit, etc.

Instructions:

• Prepare the Ice Cream Base:
  • In the 500ml ziplock bag, combine the double cream (or half cream/half milk), whole milk, caster sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Seal the bag, squeezing out as much air as possible.
• Prepare the Ice and Salt Mixture:
  • In the 3.8-litre ziplock bag, add the ice cubes until it’s about half full, then add the 120g of rock salt.
• Combine and Shake:
  • Place the sealed 500ml bag containing the ice cream base into the 3.8-litre bag with the ice and salt. Seal the larger bag, squeezing out as much air as possible.
  • Wrap the larger bag in a towel or wear gloves to protect your hands from the cold. Vigorously shake and massage the bags for 5-10 minutes, ensuring the smaller bag gets completely surrounded by the ice/salt mixture.
• Check Consistency:
  • After 5-10 minutes of shaking, check the consistency. It should have a soft-serve texture. If needed, continue shaking for a few more minutes until the desired consistency is reached.
• Add Mix-ins (Optional):
  • Open the bags and add any desired mix-ins like chocolate chips or crushed biscuits. Reseal and shake for 1-2 more minutes to incorporate.
• Serve:
  • Carefully open the bags, avoiding any salt water from the outer bag getting into the ice cream. Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy immediately for a soft-serve texture.
  • For a firmer, hard-scoop ice cream, transfer the contents to an airtight container and freeze for 3-4 hours before serving.

And there you have it, homemade ice cream made in a bag—no fancy ice cream makers required and a workout for your arms too, win-win!

This fun and easy method not only delivers delicious, creamy ice cream but also provides a fun activity for kids and adults alike.

Whether you’re looking to cool down on a hot summer day or just want to enjoy a tasty treat, this “Bags of Fun” approach is sure to bring smiles all around.

So grab your ingredients, get shaking, and enjoy the sweet rewards of your hard work.

How About Ice Cream in a Ball?

Seriously, this is a thing!

If you’re looking for another fun and interactive way to make homemade ice cream, consider trying the “Ice Cream in a Ball” method.

This innovative approach uses a specially designed ice cream ball that you can fill with your ice cream ingredients and ice, then kick, roll, or shake to create delicious ice cream.

These ice cream balls are perfect for outdoor activities, family gatherings, or just a playful way to enjoy a sweet treat.

How It Works

The ice cream ball is divided into two compartments: one for the ice cream mixture and the other for ice and rock salt.

To get started, simply pour your ice cream base (a mix of cream, sugar, and flavourings) into the designated compartment. Fill the other compartment with ice and rock salt, which will help lower the temperature and freeze the ice cream mixture as you play.

Once both compartments are filled and securely closed, the fun begins!

Kick, roll, or shake the ball for about 20-30 minutes. The movement helps churn the ice cream mixture, incorporating air and preventing large ice crystals from forming, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture.

After playtime, open the ball to reveal your freshly made ice cream, ready to be scooped and enjoyed.

Why Not Try It?

The “Ice Cream in a Ball” method is not only a unique way to make ice cream but also a great way to get everyone involved in the process.

It’s an excellent activity for kids, encouraging them to be active while learning a bit about the science of ice cream making.

Plus, it’s a fantastic option for picnics, camping trips, or any outdoor event where you want to combine fun and dessert.

So, if you’re looking to add a bit of excitement to your ice cream making, give the ice cream ball a try. It’s an innovative and fun way to enjoy homemade ice cream with a twist of playfulness and creativity.

Have a look at the following YouTbue Video to see the Ice Cream Ball making method in action:

===> Click here to see the Soft Shell Ice Cream Ball.

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👉🏽 Want more no-churn ideas? Check out our guide: How to Make Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker

We hope that you have enjoyed our article – Bags Of Fun – Learn How To Make Homemade Ice Cream In A Bag! – and that we have inspired you to give this unique method of making ice cream a go. Great fun for the family and delicious ice cream to devour after your endeavours.

Do let us know if you have any questions by dropping a comment below, and of course, we would love to hear from you about your Ice Cream in a bag or ball experiences.

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