You will need
1 cup thickened cream
1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional mix-ins (chocolate chips, fruit, nuts, etc.)
Instructions
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Grab a jar – it doesn’t have to be a mason jar, but make sure it’s clean and dry. It can be any size, depending on how much ice cream you want to make. You can use a smaller jar, just adjust the recipe amounts so they will all fit, with room for the contents to be shaken and frozen.
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Add the ingredients to the jar.
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If you're adding any mix-ins like chocolate chips, fruit, or nuts, this is the time to add them. Stir them into the cream mixture until evenly distributed.
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Securely seal the mason jar with its lid. Make sure it's tightened well to prevent any leaks during the shaking process.
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Now comes the fun part! Hold the mason jar securely and shake it vigorously for about 5-10 minutes. You want to shake it until the mixture thickens and almost doubles in volume. The shaking helps incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a creamier texture.
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Once the mixture has thickened, place the sealed mason jar in the freezer. Make sure it's placed upright to prevent any spills. Leave it in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours, or until the ice cream is firm.
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After the freezing time, your mason jar ice cream should be ready to enjoy! You can scoop it directly from the jar or transfer it to a bowl for serving.
This ice cream recipe should really be eaten within 3 hours of making it for the best taste, consistency, and quality. But if there are any leftovers (highly unlikely!) 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 it last?
It’s so delicious – probably about 5 minutes! Seriously though, if you don’t eat the entire jar all at once, it will last in the freezer for about a week. It will still be safe to eat after this time, but may not taste as good as it did when it was freshly made.
Tips
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Experiment with flavours: Add flavourings or extracts such as vanilla, mint or almond – or add a bit of cocoa powder (or choc chips) for a chocolatey treat; or, go for a fruity option such as berries.
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Don't overfill: Leave some space at the top of the mason jar when adding the cream mixture to allow room for expansion as it freezes.
- Patience is key: While shaking, it may seem like nothing is happening at first, but be patient. Keep shaking, and you'll start to notice the mixture thickening up.
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You’ll probably want to enjoy your mason jar ice cream as soon as possible, but just in case - don’t freeze for more than 3 hours or the consistency can be hard (or you may get ice crystals).
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