How to Make Ice Cream in a Bag (or Mason Jar) in 5 Easy Steps

We have the best recipe for how to make homemade ice cream in a plastic bag, or a mason jar if you want to be a little extra. You don’t need a fancy ice cream machine to make delicious homemade ice cream! And it's so easy, that kids shouting "I'm Bored" from the rooftops can make this themselves. We also have 100 other ideas of things to do when kids are bored!

These two homemade ice cream recipes take just 5 to 10 minutes and in just a few steps. Making homemade ice cream is one of the coolest science experiments for kids, and the perfect anytime activity, but especially fun during the summer.

How to Make Ice Cream in a Bag or Jar

There are several ways to make ice cream at home, but these two recipes below are the simplest for making a great ice cream with kids. Now gather up all your supplies, so that next time everyone is screaming for ice cream, you’ll be able to whip up a fresh batch in no time. 

Use these recipes as a base to add other flavors and ingredients. Experiment with mint, chocolate chips, or fresh-cut fruit like strawberries.

Want to know how to make ice cream? Even kids can conquer this recipe!

How to Make Ice Cream in a Bag

Ingredients for Ice Cream in a Bag

1 cup of half-and-half
2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
3 cups of ice
1/3 cup of kosher salt
Toppings of your choice

Step 1

Mix the half-and-half, sugar, and vanilla in a resealable bag. Push as much air as you can out of the bag before you seal it. 

Step 2

Place the ice and the kosher salt in another resealable bag.

RELATED: Homemade Popsicle Recipes to Make with Kids

Ice and half-and-half are the two main ingredients, then you can go wild with add-ins.

Step 3

Place the sealed half-and-half mixture into the bag with the ice. Now seal up that outer bag. 

The fun part: Shake your ice cream in a bag! Those bags of ice feel great in the summer.

Step 4

Vigorously shake the bags for 5 to 10 minutes. When finished, the half-and-half mixture will harden to form ice cream. 

Step 5

Add toppings and enjoy.

No special equipment is needed to make ice cream, just grab a mason jar, fill it, and shake! Photo by Sara M.

How To Make Ice Cream in a Mason Jar 

Another option for making homemade ice cream is using a mason jar. The recipe is similar to the one above but offers maybe a prettier presentation for your ice cream––giftable even!

Ingredients for Mason Jar Ice Cream

1 cup of heavy cream
1 1/2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Step 1

Place all the ingredients into a mason jar and tightly seal it. 

Step 2

Shake the mason jar vigorously for around 5 minutes. You will notice the cream mixture double in size. 

Step 3

Place the mason jar in the freezer for around 3 hours. 

Step 4

Remove hardened ice cream from the freezer and add toppings.