Mason Jar Ice Cream is a fun treat with only 4 ingredients. You don’t need an ice cream maker, and the kids will love to help!
Mason Jar Ice Cream is such a fun ice cream dessert to make. You only need a few simple ingredients, and it turns out so delicious.
We love this year-round but it’s especially fun to make in the summer. The entire family loves to help and it’s perfect on this Ice Cream Charcuterie Board.
If you love homemade ice cream, also try Lemon Shortbread Ice Cream.
Table of contents
Why We Love This
It is super easy and just a blast to make. Plus, it tastes so rich and creamy with a soft serve consistency.
You can add toppings for even more fun. Everyone will have a fun time making and eating this ice cream.
It’s a great base recipe and you can easily add in your favorite toppings or mix-ins to please the family. We like to let everyone make their own jar and the kids think it’s so cool!
Ingredients
- Heavy Cream. Make sure it is cold.
- Sugar. Just regular granulated sugar.
- Vanilla Extract. Pure vanilla extract has the best flavor.
- Pinch of Salt. Truly just a pinch. You don’t want to add too much. The salt enhances the flavor and balances out the sweetness.
- Add Ins. These are optional but so delicious. Some ideas include crushed cookies, sprinkles, cocoa powder and chocolate chips.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1. Go ahead and pour all of the ingredients into the mason jar. Also, stir in the optional add-ins if using into the heavy whipping cream mixture. You will need at least an 8 ounce mason jar.
Step 2. Next, place the top on the jar and seal tightly. Seal the jar closed with a lid.
Step 3. Then shake for 4-5 minutes. The mixture should double in size and thicken.
Step 4. Remove the lid and check the consistency of the ice cream. It should easily coat the back of a spoon but is not too thick like whipped cream.
- Step 5. Add the lid back to the jar and freeze for 2-3 hours. Then serve and enjoy.
Add-Ins and Toppings
- Fruit. Strawberries, blueberries, peaches, raspberries or lemon zest. You might like to combine several types of berries.
- Brownies. Chunks of One Bowl Brownies taste delicious.
- Peanut Butter. Swirls of peanut butter look pretty and taste yummy.
- Nuts. Chopped pecans, walnuts, almond or peanuts.
- Sauces. Add a few tablespoons of Homemade Caramel Sauce, Homemade Strawberry Sauce Recipe or Hot Fudge Chocolate Sauce Recipe.
- Chocolate pieces. We love chopped up candy bars in the ice cream mixture.
Pro Tips
- Don’t overmix the ingredients. Make sure that you do not overmix the ingredients or you will make whipped cream or butter instead of ice cream. As long as you are shaking the jar and not using a whisk, you should not overmix.
- Don’t freeze longer than 3 hours. Ice crystals will start to form on the ice cream if frozen for an extended amount of time.
- You can use a wide-mouth mason jar. Either type of mason jar is good to use in this homemade ice cream recipe. The wide mouth just gives you a little more room up top.
Storage
We recommend eating the ice cream within 3 hours of making it for the best taste and texture. However, you can store leftovers up to a week in the freezer if needed.
When ready to enjoy, allow to sit on the counter for 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can try using maple syrup or honey.
It works easiest in a mason jar. However, you can use any type of container that will seal tightly and is airtight.
While, it will still make ice cream, it won’t taste as good. The fat in the heavy cream makes the ice cream rich and creamy.
More Homemade Ice Cream
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Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
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Red Velvet Ice Cream
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Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
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Chunky Monkey Ice Cream
Try this easy and delicious Mason Jar Ice Cream Recipe. Then come back and leave a star rating and comment please.
Mason Jar Ice Cream
Ingredients
- ยฝ cup Heavy Cream
- 2 teaspoons Granulated Sugar
- ยผ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Pinch of Salt
- Optional Add Ins: crushed cookies, sprinkles, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, etc.
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients into at least an 8 ounce mason jar (including the optional add-ins).
- Seal the jar closed with a lid. Shake for 4-5 minutes until the mixture doubles in size and becomes thick.
- Check the mixture but remove the lid and make sure that the mixture can easily coat the back of a spoon but is not too thick like whipped cream.
- Reseal the jar and freeze for 2-3 hours. After this time, the ice cream is ready to serve and enjoy!
Such a fun family activity and it tastes great too!