Fun Ice Cream Recipes for Kids – Getting Children Involved in the Kitchen

Last Updated on November 16, 2024 by Cherie

Learn to make delicious and easy-to-make fun ice cream recipes for kids that they’ll love! Get them involved in the kitchen and create sweet memories with these fun homemade treats.

Getting the kids involved in the kitchen is always an education, most times a lot of fun, on occasion incredibly messy, but above all, it’s a time of discovery where you see them light up whilst learning and creating and accomplishing! It’s not just the final result, i.e.; what you are creating, it’s the fun you’ll have getting there.

In this article, we’ll discuss the best way to approach having the kids in the kitchen with you making homemade ice cream and of course, we’ll share a variety of fun recipes, designed for the kids that they will love to create.

If you want to go straight to the recipes we have shared by clicking either of the links below or read along to find out more.

Jump to Easy Homemade Oreo Ice Cream Recipe
Jump to Classic Vanilla Homemade Ice Cream (Eggless) Recipe
Jump to Easy Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe
Jump to Mint Chocolate Chip Homemade Ice Cream Recipe

Let’s get into it, with your little chefs by your side.

The Magic of Making Ice Cream Together

It’s not just about the end product; it’s about the experience. Making ice cream together is a fantastic way to teach children essential life skills while having a blast.

Beyond the fun factor, creating these homemade treats offers an educational opportunity. Kids can discover fresh produce, transforming fruits and even vegetables into delicious, unexpected homemade creations.

This hands-on process involves measuring ingredients, understanding temperature, and even a touch of chemistry, all while encouraging valuable family bonding time.

It’s a great way to spark their interest in food, cooking and learning the joy of crafting something delicious from scratch.

Choosing the Right Recipes for Kids

When it comes to choosing ice cream recipes for your kids, it’s essential to strike a balance between simplicity and creativity. Selecting the right recipes is key.

Every parent knows their child and their individual abilities, and of course, their attention span. There is no point in giving your kids something that is too difficult for their age and abilities as you’ll risk turning them off from trying and potentially stifling their interest. So you want options that are simple, safe, and, most importantly, fun.

Recipes that are easy enough for them to actively participate in but also exciting enough to spark their imagination.

We’ve listed a selection of kid-friendly ice cream recipes that promise not only fantastic flavours but also lots of learning and opportunities for the little ones to be fully hands-on and involved.

These recipes are easy to follow and allow plenty of room for your little ones to get creative with toppings and mix-ins.

The Joy of Making Memories

Making ice cream with kids is not just about tasty treats; it’s about creating wonderful memories. As you make ice cream together, you’ll see the joy in their eyes as they mix, chop, churn and experiment.

You’ll witness their excitement whilst learning, observing and creating. You’ll share the spills, thrills and giggles as you create delicious homemade ice cream treats together.

It’s a chance for your little ones to learn about ingredients and measurements while having fun. And when they enjoy the ice cream they helped make, that feeling of success is priceless.

Whether your child is new to the kitchen or an aspiring junior chef, we have a recipe that’s just right for them.

So, let’s explore some yummy ice cream creations that your budding little chefs will enjoy making and eating!

Fun Ice Cream Recipes for Kids: Kid-Friendly Tasty Creations for Young Chefs

When it comes to creating ice cream recipes with your kids, there’s a huge variety to choose from. Whether your little ones are fans of fruity flavours or crazy for cookies and cream, there’s a recipe to suit every taste bud.

In the following sections, we’ll list some simple yet delicious homemade ice cream recipes for kids that will have your children eager to put on their aprons and join you in the kitchen.

Easy Homemade Oreo Ice Cream Recipe

Kids today love cookie dough, cookies and cream, and Oreo ice cream flavours. These are the new big things apparently! Check out our posts What is the most popular ice cream flavour? which gives information on the nation’s favourite flavours.

So, let’s make a simple Oreo ice cream that tastes just like these favourite Oreo cookies.

Here’s an easy homemade Oreo ice cream recipe:

Ingredients:

• 250ml double cream
• 125ml whole milk
• 50g granulated or caster sugar
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 10 Oreo cookies, crushed into small pieces

Instructions:

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the double cream and sugar until the sugar has completely dissolved.
• Stir in the whole milk and vanilla extract until well combined.
• Place the Oreo cookies into a plastic sealable bag and crush them, either with a rolling pin, or a wooden spoon, and set aside.
• Pour the cream, milk, sugar and vanilla extract mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically takes about 20-25 minutes.
  • NB: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make this recipe. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture vigorously with a fork to break up ice crystals, repeating this process for about 3-4 hours or until the ice cream is firm. Please also check out our post – How to Make Homemade Ice Cream: Without an Ice Cream Maker – to learn more.
• During the last 5 minutes of churning, add the crushed Oreo cookies to the ice cream mixture. This will help even distribution throughout the ice cream.
• Once the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency, transfer it to an airtight container. If you want a firmer texture, you can freeze it for an additional 2-3 hours.
• Serve your homemade Oreo Ice Cream in bowls or cones, and enjoy!

This easy recipe is perfect for making delicious Oreo Ice Cream with the help of your young chefs with plenty of opportunity for learning and having fun.

Classic Vanilla Homemade Ice Cream (Eggless) Recipe

Seeing as Vanilla is the nation’s favourite ice cream flavour, we’ll try an easy vanilla homemade ice cream next.

Ingredients:

• 250ml double cream (or whipping cream)
• 125ml whole milk
• 75g granulated or caster sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

• Add the Sugar and Milk to a saucepan and gently heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
• Once the mixture has cooled, pour into a mixing bowl and add the double cream and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavours.
• Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes, but the time may vary depending on your specific ice cream maker.
  • NB: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make this recipe. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture vigorously with a fork to break up ice crystals, repeating this process for about 3-4 hours or until the ice cream is firm. Please also check out our post – How to Make Homemade Ice Cream: Without an Ice Cream Maker – to learn more.
• The ice cream is ready when it reaches a soft, creamy consistency. If you prefer a firmer texture, transfer the churned ice cream into a lidded container and place it in the freezer for an additional 2-3 hours.
• Scoop the delicious eggless vanilla ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy it as is or pair it with your favourite desserts and toppings.

Note:

• You can customise this base by adding mix-ins such as chocolate chips, or fruit chunks during the last few minutes of churning. At the point of serving, you can add 100’s n 1,000’s (aka sprinkles) as an additional topping.

This eggless vanilla ice cream recipe offers a smooth and creamy base, perfect for exploring various flavour combinations or enjoying on its own. If you’d like to attempt an egg custard ice cream base, then please head on over to our article – How to make Delicious, Luxurious, Homemade Ice Cream – which provides a handful of extra hints and tips for the perfect homemade ice cream.

Easy Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe

And perhaps for something more fruity? Let’s try out a classic homemade strawberry ice cream

Ingredients:

• 450g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 75g granulated or caster sugar (adjust according to taste and preference depending on the sweetness of your strawberries).
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 250ml double cream
• 125ml whole milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

• Prepare the Strawberries:
  • In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, 30g of sugar, and lemon juice. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to macerate, which helps release the strawberry juices.
• Blend the Strawberries:
  • After macerating, blend the strawberry mixture until smooth. You can use a blender or a food processor.
• Mix the Base:
  • In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, double cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the sugar is completely dissolved.
• Combine and Chill:
  • Combine the strawberry puree with the cream mixture and mix well. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least an hour, or until it’s thoroughly chilled.
• Churn:
  • Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
    • NB: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make this recipe. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture vigorously with a fork to break up ice crystals, repeating this process for about 3-4 hours or until the ice cream is firm. Please also check out our post – Homemade Ice Cream: Without an Ice Cream Maker – to learn more.
• Freeze:
  • Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container and freeze it for at least 2-4 hours, or until it’s firm.
• Serve:
  • Scoop the strawberry ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy!

This classic strawberry ice cream captures the fresh, sweet essence of ripe strawberries in every creamy bite. Perfect for a summer treat!

Mint Chocolate Chip Homemade Ice Cream Recipe

And finally, let’s try a delicious homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Ingredients:

• • 250ml double cream (or whipping cream)
  • 125ml whole milk
  • 75g granulated or caster sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure peppermint extract
  • 85g chocolate chips (semisweet or dark, as per your preference)
  • Green food colouring (optional, for a minty colour)

Instructions:

• Mix the Base:
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the double cream, whole milk, and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved.
• Add Flavour:
  • Stir in the pure peppermint extract. You can adjust the amount to taste, depending on how minty you want it.
• Add Colour (Optional):
  • If you want a minty green colour, add a few drops of natural green food colouring to the mixture and stir until you achieve your desired shade.
• Chill:
  • Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until it’s thoroughly chilled.
• Churn:
  • Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
    • NB: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make this recipe. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture vigorously with a fork to break up ice crystals, repeating this process for about 3-4 hours or until the ice cream is firm. Please also check out our post – Homemade Ice Cream: Without an Ice Cream Maker – to learn more.
• Add Chocolate Chips:
  • During the last few minutes of churning, add in the chocolate chips. They will evenly distribute throughout the ice cream.
• Freeze:
  • Transfer the mint chocolate chip ice cream into an airtight container and freeze for at least 2-4 hours, or until it’s firm.
• Serve:
  • Scoop the mint chocolate chip ice cream into bowls or cones, and enjoy the refreshing mint flavour with the delightful crunch of chocolate chips!

This homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream is a delicious combination of cool mint and rich chocolate. Customise the minty intensity and chocolate chip quantities to your taste preference. Perfect for a cool and refreshing treat on a warm day!

Adapt to Your Own Taste

With all of these recipes, you can adapt to your personal taste preferences. Reduce the amount of sugar or replace the sugar with an alternative sweetener. Change the milk and double cream to an alternative dairy-free milk or create a low-fat option.

The choice is yours and the great thing about homemade ice cream is you can adapt it to your exact flavour preferences.

Anyone for Ice Lollies (aka Popsicles)?

Kids love this aspect of making ice lollies, and perhaps it’s because of the added creativity and fun involved in choosing their own ingredients, colours, and shapes. It’s a fantastic way to keep them engaged and excited about homemade ice cream creations.

With all or any of the above recipes, you can turn your ice creams into ice lollies, with great ease.

Simply take your part churned ice cream mixture and pour it into ice lolly moulds. You can place pieces of chopped-up strawberries into the moulds, chocolate chips, or crushed Oreo cookies first and then pour in your mixtures.

Most kitchens will have the majority of items needed to make Homemade Ice cream, Gelato, Sorbets & Frozen Yoghurts and Ice Lollies, but should you find you are missing any equipment, be that mixing bowls, fine mesh sieves, or ice lolly moulds, then please head over to our post – What do you need to make Homemade Ice Cream? – which lists all the items you might need along with some useful links.

We hope that you have enjoyed our article – Fun Ice Cream Recipes for Kids: Getting Children Involved in the Kitchen – and we do hope this has inspired you to get the kids involved in making some delicious homemade ice creams and lollies. We’d love to hear how you get on if you do give it a try.

If you’d like to try out making some ice lollies, aka popsicles, then head on over to our article – When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Homemade Lemonade Ice Lollies! – Frosted Fusions – which provides you with all you need to know to create more delicious homemade treats with your budding chefs.

Drop us a comment below if you have any questions or if you’d like to share your ice cream-making experiences with us.

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