How To Make Chocolate Ice Cream In A Bag

How to Make No-Churn Chocolate Ice Cream in a Bag: A Fun and Easy Recipe

Making ice cream at home can seem daunting, but this no-churn chocolate ice cream recipe using a zip-top bag is incredibly simple and fun, perfect for a hot day or a family activity! No ice cream maker needed! This method leverages the power of salt and ice to freeze your creamy mixture quickly and effectively.

What You'll Need:

• Ingredients:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

• Equipment:

  • One large zip-top bag (gallon size)
  • One smaller zip-top bag (sandwich size or quart size)
  • Ice (about 3 cups)
  • Rock salt (about ½ cup)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or fork

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chocolate Mixture:

In the smaller zip-top bag, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt until the sugar and cocoa powder are completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Make sure there are no lumps! A whisk works best for this.

2. Create the Ice Bath:

Fill the larger zip-top bag about halfway with ice. Add the rock salt. The salt lowers the freezing point of the ice, creating a colder environment for faster freezing.

3. Combine and Freeze:

Place the smaller bag (containing your chocolate mixture) inside the larger bag filled with ice and salt. Seal both bags tightly, ensuring there are no leaks.

4. Shake it Up!:

Now for the fun part! Shake the larger bag vigorously for 15-20 minutes. This is crucial for the ice cream to freeze evenly. You may need to take breaks to avoid getting tired! You’ll feel the mixture starting to thicken.

5. Freeze for Further Firmness (Optional):

Once you're finished shaking, remove the smaller bag from the ice bath and pat it dry. Place the bag in your freezer for at least 2-3 hours, or even overnight, to allow the ice cream to fully set and become firmer.

6. Enjoy Your Homemade Ice Cream!

After freezing, carefully open the smaller bag and scoop out your delicious homemade chocolate ice cream! You can enjoy it immediately or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.

Tips for Success:

• Use high-quality cocoa powder: This will greatly impact the flavor of your ice cream. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will create a richer, darker chocolate flavor.
• Don't skip the salt: The salt is essential for lowering the freezing point of the ice and ensuring your ice cream freezes properly.
• Shake vigorously: The more you shake, the smoother and creamier your ice cream will be.
• Adjust sweetness to your liking: If you prefer a sweeter ice cream, add a little more sugar.
• Get creative with add-ins: Once your ice cream is partially frozen (before the final freezer step), you can add mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or cookie crumbs.

This simple method is a great way to enjoy homemade ice cream without any special equipment. It's a fun and delicious treat for everyone! Enjoy!