Quick and Easy Soft Serve Ice Cream is the perfect treat for any occasion! This creamy, dreamy vanilla ice cream comes together in just about 5 minutes without needing any fancy equipment. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this quick and easy soft serve ice cream recipe will delight everyone. Its smooth texture and delicious flavor make it a standout dessert that you’ll want to make again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: Takes only 10 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for last-minute cravings.
- No Special Equipment Needed: You can whip this up using just plastic bags—no ice cream maker required!
- Customizable Flavors: Feel free to mix in your favorite toppings or flavors for a unique twist.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for parties, picnics, or cozy nights at home.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Kids love shaking the bags, turning ice cream making into a fun activity.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making your Quick and Easy Soft Serve Ice Cream, gather these essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Sealable plastic bags
- Larger resealable plastic bag
- Mixing spoon (optional)
- Gloves or towels (for shaking)
Importance of Each Tool
- Sealable plastic bags: These are crucial for mixing your ice cream base while preventing spills.
- Larger resealable plastic bag: This holds the ice and salt mixture needed for freezing.
- Gloves or towels: Helps protect your hands from the cold while shaking the bag vigorously.
Ingredients
For this Quick and Easy Soft Serve Ice Cream recipe, you will need:
For the Cream Mixture
- ½ cup (119 g) heavy cream
- ½ cup (122.5 g) whole milk
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Freezing Mixture
- 3 cups ice
- ⅓ cup (96 g) kosher salt (can also use Himalayan or rock salt)
How to Make Quick and Easy Soft Serve Ice Cream
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Mixture
- To a sealable plastic bag, add the heavy cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract.
- Add in the sugar. Seal the bag tightly and shake until all ingredients are well mixed.
Step 2: Remove Excess Air
- Open the bag carefully, trying to remove as much excess air as possible.
- Seal it again securely.
Step 3: Prepare the Ice Bag
- In a larger resealable plastic bag, add the ice and kosher salt.
Step 4: Combine Bags
- Place the sealed bag with the cream mixture inside the larger bag filled with ice.
- Ensure both bags are sealed tightly.
Step 5: Shake It Up!
- Shake the outer bag vigorously over a sink for about 5 minutes.
- Consider wearing gloves or wrapping towels around the bag to keep your hands warm.
Step 6: Check Consistency
- Carefully remove the inner bag from the outer one.
- Check if your soft serve has reached your desired thickness—shake longer if necessary.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
- Scoop or pipe your freshly made soft serve into bowls or cones.
- Enjoy immediately while it’s fresh!
This Quick and Easy Soft Serve Ice Cream recipe is sure to impress anyone who tries it!
How to Serve Quick and Easy Soft Serve Ice Cream
Serving your Quick and Easy Soft Serve Ice Cream can be a delightful experience, allowing you to get creative with toppings and presentations. Here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your dessert.
In a Cone
- A classic way to serve soft serve ice cream. Use waffle cones for extra crunch and flavor.
Sundae Style
- Top your soft serve with chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and a cherry for an indulgent treat.
With Fresh Fruit
- Add sliced strawberries or bananas on top for a refreshing twist that balances the sweetness of the ice cream.
In a Milkshake
- Blend the soft serve with milk for a creamy milkshake. You can even add chocolate or caramel sauce for extra flavor.
As Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Scoop the soft serve between two cookies for a fantastic ice cream sandwich. Chocolate chip cookies work well!
How to Perfect Quick and Easy Soft Serve Ice Cream
To get the best texture and flavor from your Quick and Easy Soft Serve Ice Cream, consider these helpful tips.
- Use cold ingredients: Start with chilled heavy cream and milk to help the mixture freeze faster.
- Shake vigorously: The more you shake, the creamier the texture. Aim for about five minutes of shaking.
- Monitor consistency: Check how thick your soft serve is after shaking. If it’s too soft, keep shaking!
- Experiment with flavors: You can add cocoa powder or fruit puree to customize your ice cream.
Best Side Dishes for Quick and Easy Soft Serve Ice Cream
Pairing side dishes with your Quick and Easy Soft Serve Ice Cream can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options to try.
- Brownies – Rich, fudgy brownies complement the lightness of soft serve perfectly.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies – These classic treats are great on their own but even better alongside ice cream.
- Fruit Salad – A mixture of fresh fruits adds a healthy contrast to the richness of soft serve.
- Pecan Pie – The nutty flavors of pecan pie create an indulgent pairing with creamy ice cream.
- Apple Crisp – Warm apple crisp served with cold soft serve makes for a delicious temperature contrast.
- Crepes – Light crepes filled with Nutella or fresh berries make an elegant accompaniment to ice cream.
- Doughnuts – Fried doughnuts can be dunked in soft serve for an incredibly indulgent treat!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Quick and Easy Soft Serve Ice Cream can be a breeze, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Incorrect Bag Sealing: If your bag isn’t sealed properly, the mixture can leak out during shaking. Always double-check that both bags are tightly sealed before shaking.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Using too much or too little of any ingredient can alter the texture and taste. Use precise measurements for the best results.
- Over-Shaking the Mixture: Shaking for too long can lead to overly firm ice cream. Aim for about 5 minutes or until you reach your desired consistency.
- Using Different Salt Types: Not all salts work equally well. Stick to kosher, Himalayan, or rock salt for effective freezing.
- Skipping the Ice Bath Step: The ice and salt mixture is crucial for achieving soft-serve consistency. Do not skip this step to avoid runny ice cream.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover soft serve in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 2 days in the refrigerator, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing Quick and Easy Soft Serve Ice Cream
- If you want to keep it longer, transfer to a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze it for up to 2 weeks. Just let it soften at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Reheating Quick and Easy Soft Serve Ice Cream
- Oven: Preheat to low heat (around 200°F). Place ice cream in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until slightly softened.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts (10-15 seconds) at low power, stirring between each burst until desired softness is reached.
- Stovetop: Place ice cream in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until it softens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Quick and Easy Soft Serve Ice Cream?
Quick and Easy Soft Serve Ice Cream is a delicious homemade treat that requires no special equipment and can be made in just about 5 minutes.
Can I customize my Quick and Easy Soft Serve Ice Cream?
Absolutely! You can add mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit purees before sealing the bag to create unique flavors.
How do I achieve the perfect consistency?
The perfect consistency comes from shaking vigorously for about 5 minutes. If it’s not thick enough, shake longer!
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version of Quick and Easy Soft Serve Ice Cream.
Final Thoughts
This Quick and Easy Soft Serve Ice Cream recipe is not only fast but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various flavors or toppings, making it perfect for any occasion. Give it a try today, and enjoy a delightful treat that will impress friends and family!
Quick and Easy Soft Serve Ice Cream
Indulge in the creamy delight of Quick and Easy Soft Serve Ice Cream, a homemade treat that comes together in just 5 minutes! Perfect for any occasion, this easy vanilla ice cream requires no special equipment—simply use plastic bags to create a deliciously smooth soft serve that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or satisfying a sweet craving, this delightful dessert can be customized with your favorite mix-ins and toppings. Get ready to impress friends and family with this simple yet irresistible recipe!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 2 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No churn
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups ice
- ⅓ cup kosher salt
Instructions
- In a sealable plastic bag, combine heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Seal tightly and shake until mixed.
- Remove excess air from the bag, reseal it securely.
- In a larger resealable bag, place ice and kosher salt.
- Insert the sealed cream mixture bag into the larger bag with ice and salt; ensure both bags are tightly sealed.
- Shake vigorously over a sink for about 5 minutes; use gloves or towels to keep hands warm.
- Check the consistency; if it's not thick enough, shake longer.
- Scoop or pipe the soft serve into bowls or cones and enjoy immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup (120g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
