Hi Bold Bakers!
Sometimes I come up with some recipes that make even me question my own sanity…but this recipe is different. This is a brand new, fun and crazy way to make ice cream…not just ice cream actually, homemade soft serve ice cream to be exact. That creamy, swirly deliciousness that you get as a treat on a hot Summer’s day can now be made at home.
So let me just put on my lab coat and glasses because this is more scientific than I usually get, plus I look good in glasses.
Let’s get to the big question: “How can you make soft serve at home?” Dry ice is the secret ingredient. Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide (CO2). It is colorless, with a neutral odor, non-flammable, and slightly acidic. You’re probably happy to see the non-flammable in there. Me too.
Dry Ice is used primarily as a cooling agent. It holds a lower temperature than that of regular ice so it will stay frozen for a lot longer. It is frequently used to package items that must remain cold or frozen, such as ice cream or biological samples. It is also used to carbonate fizzy drinks. Another fun fact, it was very popular in Discos in the 90’s. It was cool, trust me.
What is the science behind this soft serve ice cream? As liquid evaporates, it gets cold. This effect, familiar to anyone who has been wet, happens because it takes energy to turn a liquid into a gas, and that energy comes from heat drawn out of the liquid. Don’t ask me how someone figured out that this is how you make ice cream.
Once your soft serve is whipped up it should be eaten pretty quickly. You can pop the bowl in the freezer for up to 1 1/2 hours. Whip it up again on the mixer if it froze a bit. Longer than this and it will freeze rock solid and lose all of its soft texture. Feel free to make your ice cream base up to 3 days in advance. It will hang out happily in the fridge.
I found this recipe on Chefsteps.com. This is a website I often frequent because they get into the details of the how and why, which I love. They just have all over great cooking and kitchen essentials that will help you round out your skills.
Where can you buy dry ice? In the U.S. you can find it in large supermarkets like Smart & Final, Costco, Safeway and Walmart. However every location and state is different so call ahead before you go looking to see if they stock it. Thanks to the internet you can also buy it online in the U.S. at where else but Dry Ice Delivered. Outside of the U.S., I suggest doing a Google search to see what is available to you.
MAKE MORE ICE CREAM FLAVORS!
Get 100+ Ice Cream recipes at my Gemma’s Freezer Section Ice Cream Destination page!