How Long Does it Take for Ice Cream to Freeze?

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Nowadays, everyone loves to make their own foods. Homemade is always the best. You just can’t beat it! Making some of your own homemade recipes can really make you feel like you are having authentic, traditional foods from your childhood.

You’re probably thinking that we are talking about homemade lasagnes, or momma’s homemade pies, yes? We are actually talking about homemade ice cream!

Some people have probably never even considered making their own ice cream, and think it is just easier to grab a tub from the store, but oh my, you will taste the difference once you try it!

The only problem with making your own homemade ice cream is that you have to wait for it to freeze before you can serve it up (or eat the bowl yourself). Homemade ice cream does take a while to freeze, but the taste will be divine.

If the waiting game is putting you off making it, you will want to know how long it takes exactly, and what you can do to speed up the process! If you want to know everything about making your own ice cream, don’t worry, we have got the scoop. 

How long does it take for ice cream to freeze?

If you are making your own homemade ice cream, then you will be wondering how long it will take to freeze, which basically means how long will you have to wait until you can enjoy your ice cream!

Generally speaking, it will take around six to twenty four hours for your ice cream to freeze, depending on the freezer, how full it is, the freezer temperature and if the door is opened often. 

You should use the 6-24 hour time frame as a rough guide, and simply check your ice cream and see if the ice cream is frozen completely before eating. The most common answer is that ice cream takes around six hours to freeze, but you can leave it for longer for best results.

That being said, it really does depend on the freezer. Some freezers can completely freeze homemade ice cream within three hours, which means you can make the recipe early on in the day, and get ready for some scrumptious scoops watching your favorite show later in the evening!

It may seem like a long wait to enjoy the soft, creamy, cold delicacy, but the results will be worth it. If you simply cannot wait any longer, then there are some tips and tricks to help the ice cream freeze faster.

How to freeze ice cream faster

The best way to make your ice cream freeze faster is to ensure that the bowl or container is frozen first.

This means that when you place it in the freezer with the ice cream inside, it will not take so long because you do not have to wait for the bowl to cool down too, before the ice cream even starts getting cold! 

You can do this by pre-freezing your ice cream bowl for up to 24 hours, or by keeping it within the freezer for a while before you intend to make the homemade ice cream. Trust us on this one, this tip will actually cut the freezing process time in half! 

In addition, you will also want to ensure that your ice cream base is cold before putting it in the freezer, this will help it freeze faster and will improve the overall texture of the homemade ice cream when it is done! 

You will also need to cover the top of the bowl or container with an airtight lid or cover and make sure there is no way for air to get in.

This way, your ice cream will be protected whilst it freezes, and it will not form any ice crystals. Ice crystals can completely ruin the texture and overall flavor of your ice cream, which you will not want if you have spent all day preparing it!

So, now you know how long it takes, and have already got all the tricks of the trade, are you ready to make your own ice cream?

How to make your own ice cream

Ready to make your own sweet treats? Making your own homemade ice cream could not be easier!

Follow these steps for a vanilla ice cream that is perfect for adding your own flavors to. 

You will need:

  • 1 can of chilled sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 cups of chilled heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • An electric mixer

If you have all of your ingredients, then you are good to go! We always recommend that you freeze your airtight container or bowl ready for making the ice cream beforehand.

It is best to freeze the bowl for around 24 hours before you are going to make the ice cream to speed up the process. 

Step One

The first step is to grab your electric mixer, and start whipping up the cream until little peaks form. 

Step Two

Once this is done, you will need to mix in the condensed milk and vanilla extract on a lower speed until it is all mixed together in a creamy consistency.

Step Three

At this point, you can also add your own flavorings or toppings depending on your preference.

Once it is all mixed together, you are ready to freeze.

Step Four

To do this step, you will want to grab your frozen resealable container, covering the surface with plastic wrap, and pour the mixture into the container.

Ensure that it is sealed completely, and then place inside the freezer. 

Aim to freeze the ice cream for around six hours, and check to see if it is firm before serving. Once it is ready, then you can serve it up and enjoy, keeping the leftovers (if there are any) back inside the freezer.

Making your own ice cream is a great and delicious activity, so have a little fun with it and try new flavors and toppings for a tasty treat!