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If you’ve never had mason jar ice cream, you’re in for a fun treat! I am going to show you how to make this simple homemade ice cream recipe with just 4 ingredients and a little arm power. It’s one of those novelties that kids and adults both enjoy and get a sense of satisfaction from making.
Summertime is the perfect time for ice cream (really, any time of the year is a perfect time for ice cream)! This mason jar ice cream recipe is so easy and will have the kids (and you) anxiously checking the freezer to see the final results.
why you’ll love this homemade mason jar ice cream
- Fun to make! If you’ve ever made mason jar butter, you’ll love this ice cream method too. In fact, you’ll love it even more because you can actually eat the whole thing when it’s finished.
- You can get creative with your flavors and mix-ins. The sky is the limit when it comes to mason jar ice cream flavors. You can go classic with chocolate and vanilla or get creative with mix-ins like crushed cookies, candy, or fresh fruit.
- It’s a great activity to do with kids. This is a perfect recipe to involve the kids in because they can help measure, pour, and shake everything together.
- No need for an expensive ice cream maker. For some, homemade ice cream may seem like an expensive endeavor because you have to buy an ice cream maker. But for this mason jar method, all you need is a little arm power and some patience while it freezes.
Ingredients to make mason jar ice cream
- Heavy cream: You’ll need half a cup of heavy cream for this recipe. You could also use whipping cream, but I find that the heavy cream yields a richer ice cream.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is what you’ll need for this recipe. You will want to add some sort of sweetness to the heavy cream, or it will be like eating frozen milk.
- Vanilla extract: This is completely optional, but I like to add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor.
- Sea salt: A pinch of salt helps to balance out the sweetness and enhances the flavors.How to make mason jar ice cream
How to make mason jar ice cream
- Pour cream into your mason jar.
- Add in the sugar.
- Next, is the vanilla.
- Last but not least, the salt.
- Cover the jar with its tight-fitting lid and shake until the ingredients become thick and double in size.
- Freeze until the consistency resembles soft-serve ice cream, and enjoy!
Tips for making homemade mason jar ice cream
- Use a wide-mouth mason jar to make the ice cream. This is great if you want to use a whisk for making the ice cream and even better for when it’s time to enjoy the ice cream right out of the mason jar.
- Make sure not to over-mix. If you’re shaking by hand, this shouldn’t be an issue. However, if you’re using a whisk, you could potentially over-mix and turn the heavy cream into whipped cream or butter. The best way to test this is to dip the spoon into the jar and pull it out. Look for the back of the spoon to be covered with the mixture but easily drip off.
- Don’t freeze for more than 3 hours. You’re looking for a soft serve consistency for the ice cream. If you freeze for longer, the consistency can be hard, or you may get ice crystals.
add-ins & topping ideas
- Creams: whipped Cream, cashew Cream
- Nut Butters: almond butter, peanut butter, cashew butter
- Sauces: strawberry sauce, melted chocolate
how to store mason jar ice cream
This ice cream recipe should really be eaten within 3 hours of making it for the best taste, consistency, and quality. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in the freezer.
When you’re ready to eat it again, let it sit out on the counter for about 15 minutes so it can soften up a bit.
how long will mason jar ice cream last in the freezer?
Ideally, you’ll want to eat it within a week for the best quality. After that, it will still be safe to eat but may not taste as good.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but I don’t recommend it. The fat in heavy cream is what makes this ice cream creamy and rich. Milk (even whole) does not have enough fat content to make a good mason jar ice cream, and you may end up with icy milk due to the water content if you use it.
Yes, you could try using a sugar substitute like honey, maple syrup, or stevia. Or you could omit the sweetener altogether and just add some mix-ins that are already sweet, like crushed cookies or chocolate chips.
You could use any type of airtight container that can be sealed shut. A ziplock bag would work in a pinch, but you’ll need to transfer it to a freezer-friendly container.
There you have it! A simple and fun homemade mason jar ice cream recipe that the whole family will love. Be sure to try out some of your favorite flavor combinations, and let me know what you come up with in the comments below. Happy ice cream making!
More ice cream recipes:
- Healthy Avocado Ice Cream
- 4 Banana Nice Cream Recipes
- Homemade Almond Joy Ice Cream
- Cappuccino Banana Nice Cream
- Classic Ice Cream
If you try this feel good Mason Jar Ice Cream recipe or any other recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. We would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some shots, share it on Instagram so we can repost on Stories!
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Mason Jar Ice Cream
Video
Ingredients
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch salt
- Optional mix-ins: chocolate chips sprinkles, peanut butter, crushed cookies, etc.
Instructions
- Pour cream, sugar, vanilla and salt into an 8 ounce mason jar. Add any mix-ins you’re using. Cover the jar with its tight-fitting lid and shake until the ingredients become thick and double in size, about 3 to 4 minutes. You can also use an electric mixer to blend quicker.
- Freeze for 2 to 3 hours until the consistency resembles soft-serve ice cream, being careful not to freeze any longer to avoid ice crystals.
- Scoop out ice cream and serve with your favorite toppings
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
What if you don’t have wide mouth ones? I just have a regular 8 oz. Also can you use other sizes too?
I just like the wide mouth ones because they’re easier to eat from. But you can use any type and any size. Hope you like it!
DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I really needed this for summer
Thank you so much, Karsen!
So the mason jars will hold up in the freezer without cracking?
I haven’t had that issue! I wonder if the size of the mason jar will affect that…
How low fat can we go with the cream if we’re watching fat / calories?
It’s up to you! However, the lower you go, the less creamy and rich.
I am a special ed teacher and today my students and I made your ice cream recipe. It was hit. The kids loved making it to their own taste. It was a great way to teach them fractions and follow directions. Thank for for making recipes so easy to follow.
That makes me so happy to hear! I love that! You’re so welcome.