Ice cream in a mason jar? It’s like capturing a sunny day in a jar, ready to brighten any moment. With just a few ingredients and a shake or two, even the busiest among us can whip up a sweet treat. Imagine the joy of discovering your favorite flavor hiding in your fridge, waiting for you, like a little secret indulgence.
Steps
- Begin by pouring half a cup of heavy cream into an 8-ounce mason jar. Add in the sugar to incorporate sweetness into the cream.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor, followed by a pinch of sea salt to enhance the taste.
- Secure the jar with its lid and shake vigorously until the mixture thickens and doubles in volume, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Place the jar in the freezer for 2 to 3 hours until the mixture achieves a soft-serve ice cream consistency. Be cautious not to freeze for too long to prevent the formation of ice crystals.
- Once ready, scoop out the ice cream and serve it with your choice of toppings or mix-ins for added flavor.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- A pinch of sea salt
Nutritional Values
Calories: 438kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 27g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 134mg | Sodium: 32mg | Potassium: 115mg | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1749IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 0.1mg
FAQ
- Can I substitute regular milk for heavy cream in mason jar ice cream?
- While you can use regular milk, it is not recommended. The high fat content in heavy cream is essential for achieving a creamy and rich ice cream texture. Using milk, even whole milk, may result in a more icy consistency because it lacks the necessary fat content.
- Is it possible to make mason jar ice cream without sugar?
- Yes, you can substitute the sugar with alternatives such as honey, maple syrup, or stevia. Alternatively, you could omit the sweetener and add naturally sweet mix-ins like crushed cookies or chocolate chips.
- What should I do if I don’t have a mason jar?
- If you don’t have a mason jar, any airtight container that can be securely sealed will work. Although a ziplock bag can be used temporarily, you’ll need to transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container before freezing.
- How should I store leftovers of mason jar ice cream?
- Ideally, the ice cream should be consumed within three hours for the best taste and texture. If you have leftovers, store them in the freezer. When ready to eat, let it sit out for about 15 minutes to soften.
- How long will mason jar ice cream last in the freezer?
- For optimal quality, it is best to consume the ice cream within a week. After that, while it will remain safe to eat, the taste and texture may not be as desirable.
Tips
- Choose a Wide-Mouth Mason Jar: Opt for a wide-mouth mason jar to make mixing easier and to enjoy your ice cream directly from the jar.
- Avoid Over-Mixing: Be cautious not to over-mix your ice cream base, especially if using a whisk. Over-mixing can turn the cream into whipped cream or even butter. To check, dip a spoon into the mixture; it should coat the back of the spoon and drip off easily.
- Limit Freezing Time: Freeze your ice cream for no more than 3 hours to achieve a soft-serve consistency and prevent the formation of ice crystals.
- Repurpose Over-Mixed Base: If you accidentally over-mix and reach the whipped cream stage, use it as a topping for other desserts. If it turns into butter, save it for a sweet spread on bread or baked goods.
Equipment
- Wide-Mouth Mason Jar (8-ounce): Essential for mixing and freezing the ice cream. A wide-mouth jar is recommended for easier mixing and serving.
- Electric Mixer (optional): While you can shake the jar by hand, an electric mixer can speed up the process.
