Coffee Can Ice Cream

I’m so excited to share this recipe with you!! I used to make coffee-can ice cream every summer, while camping. It was a total blast teaching the method to my girls.

Whether you’re in the wilderness or your backyard, this is an easy, and fun summer snack-tivity to do with your kids!

This kid-powered ice cream maker is made with two metal coffee cans—a small one (about 12 oz) and a large one (about 48oz), and five simple ingredients:

• 1 Cup Half-n-Half (or coconut milk creamer for dairy free ice cream!)
• 2Tbs – 1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar – Add a little at a time and taste your mixture.
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• Crushed Ice – about 6 cups
• Rock Salt

STEP 1

Add the half-n-half, sugar, and vanilla to the small coffee can. Mix and taste. Adjust sugar to taste. When your mixture tastes right, put the lid on. Make sure it’s tight!

TIP: To speed up the ice cream-making process, make sure your ingredients are cold! I like to put my half-n-half in the freezer for an hour or two before hand.

STEP 2

Place the small, sealed coffee can inside the large coffee can. Fill in the space around the small coffee can with the crushed ice and salt. Put the lid on the large coffee can. Make sure it’s tight!

TIP: Duct tape works great to fix leaky lids!

STEP 3

Roll the can back and forth for 15-20 minutes. There were a few complaints about cold hands, but they powered through and reaped the rewards of their perseverance!

STEP 4

Remove the small can from the large can and scoop out your delicious treat! Serve in bowls or on cones. Eat, and enjoy!

TIP: Making ice cream with this method will produce a soft set, so be ready to go with your serving tools as soon as the kids are done rolling the can. If you want a firmer set, pop the small can in the freezer for an hour or two before serving.

That’s all there is to it! An easy and fun summer activity that produces a delicious snack! Happy summer!!