This recipe for Homemade Soft Serve Ice Cream is a novel, entertaining, and insane method to create ice cream that goes well with This recipe allows you to make the same creamy, swirly goodness at home without having to drive to your neighborhood ice cream store.
The best part is that there’s a secret ingredient and you don’t need a machine. Identify the answer? Dry ice is what it is! You’ve never seen an ice cream recipe quite like this one, and I can’t wait to show you Bold Bakers just how bold it can get around here.

A History of Soft Serve
The history of soft serve begins in the United States in the late 1930s. The ice cream industry was revolutionized when the soft serve machine was developed, enabling the production and dispensing of this frozen delight on demand. These days, soft serve is a standard in fast-food joints, specialized stores, fairs, carnivals, and amusement parks.
Homemade Soft Serve Ice Cream Inspiration
I enjoy that this website goes into the specifics of the how and why, so I visit it frequently. They also don’t mind experimenting with daring ingredients, such as using dry ice to make ice cream. If you’re seeking for excellent kitchen and cooking basics that can help you hone your talents, I suggest perusing the website!
Have Questions About Dry Ice? We’ve Got You Covered:
What is dry ice?
Frozen carbon dioxide (CO2) is known as dry ice. It is non-flammable, colorless, has a neutral smell, and has a faint acidic taste.
The main application for dry ice is as a cooling agent. It will stay frozen for a much longer period of time since it retains a lower temperature than ordinary ice. It’s widely used to package things like biological samples and ice cream that need to stay frozen or cold. Fizzy drinks are also carbonated with it.
How does dry ice work?
The dry ice becomes colder as the liquid evaporates from it. Heat extracted from the liquid provides the energy needed to change a liquid into a gas. Soft-serve ice cream instantly freezes as a result of this chemical reaction, which makes it a great addition for cold desserts.
Is dry ice safe to use?
I used food-grade dry ice in this recipe, which means it is made especially for use with and ingestion of food. This substance, which evaporates as it cools the meal, is widely utilized in restaurant kitchens and the catering industry.
It is safe to eat in moderation, but must be treated with caution. Having said that, if you’re a youngster, please make sure you have adult supervision or assistance because improper handling might result in burns. Use a cloth or put on gloves.

Where can I buy dry ice?
Large stores such as Safeway, Costco, Walmart, and Smart & Final in the US carry dry ice. To find out if they’re in stock, phone ahead of time as each state and region is unique.
Can I use regular ice rather than dry ice for this recipe?
Regretfully, no. Since this soft-serve recipe calls for extremely quick freezing, dry ice is the only way to accomplish this. Ordinary ice is insufficiently cold.
Tools You Need To Make Homemade Soft Serve Ice Cream (No Machine):
- Measuring plates and spoons
- Large bowl
- Hand blender
- Tea towel or apron
- Gloves
- A hammer or cast iron pan (or a hefty object to crush)
- Plastic bowl or Tupperware container
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment
- Spoon
- Optional: Piping bag; large, round piping nozzle
What Kind Of Cream Should I Use?
You can use heavy, whipping, or all-purpose creams, among other types of cream. Although any of these creams can be used, I suggest choosing heavy cream as it enhances and intensifies the vanilla flavor.
To top off your homemade soft serve ice cream, you can even go above and beyond and make your own homemade whipped cream! To increase the variety of baked goods you may make, try my other homemade cream recipes.
What Other Flavors Can I Add To My Soft Serve Ice Cream?
The world is your oyster when your ice cream has a vanilla base. To add some variety, you can add flavorings like matcha or chocolate powder. But as you continue, you’ll need to modify the measurements.
Tips For Making the Best No-Machine Soft Serve Ice Cream:
- Freezing your bowl is a great technique to ensure that your Soft Serve Ice Cream stays cold during the procedure. Before making your ice cream, place your bowl in the freezer for one hour.
- When handling dry ice, put on safety gloves made of leather, nitrile, or latex insulation.
- Take your time adding the dry ice to the ice cream base. Otherwise, your work surface will be covered in a large pile of melted ice cream. Proceed cautiously.

- You can prepare your ice cream foundation up to three days ahead of time because this recipe keeps well in the refrigerator.
- If you’re not going to have your soft serve ice cream right away, place it in the freezer for up to one and a half hours to maintain its texture. It will lose its soft texture and freeze solid if you keep it in for an extended period of time.
Can I Add Mix-Ins to The Ice Cream?
Indeed! You can add mix-ins like chocolate chips, crushed cookies, fruit pieces, or nuts to your soft-serve ice cream to make it uniquely yours. Blend the mixture with the ice, then add the mix-ins. Alternatively, add your preferred toppings, such as caramel and chocolate syrup, to the vanilla ice cream!
How To Store Soft Serve Ice Cream
This is a recipe for around one cup of ice cream, so serve it right away. It is also at its softest at that time. On the other hand, you may keep it frozen. But when you’re ready to eat it, it won’t be as creamy.
