“Kick the Can” Ice Cream Recipe!
Kick the can ice cream is a nostalgic treat that’s part dessert, part game. This DIY ice cream dates back to the days when kids had to get creative for fun—long before gadgets took over. The idea is simple: combine ice cream ingredients in a smaller can, seal it tight, then place it inside a larger can packed with ice and salt. Roll, kick, or shake the can around for about 20 minutes, and voilà—ice cream! It’s hands-on, a little chaotic, and the payoff is sweet.
Ingredients:
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Ice (enough to fill the large can halfway)
3/4 cup rock salt or coarse salt
Equipment:
1 small metal coffee can (about 1 lb) with a tight-fitting lid
1 large metal coffee can (about 3 lb) with a tight-fitting lid
Duct tape (optional for extra sealing)
Towels or gloves (the can gets cold!)
Instructions:
Mix the Ice Cream Base:
In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the sugar dissolves.
Fill the Small Can:
Pour the mixture into the small can, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Seal the lid tightly (duct tape for extra security if you’re worried about leaks).
Set Up the Large Can:
Place the small can inside the large can. Surround it with ice, layering rock salt generously between the ice. (The salt lowers the ice’s freezing point, helping the ice cream freeze faster.)
Seal and Roll!
Put the lid on the large can and secure it. Roll, kick, or shake the can for 15-20 minutes, checking halfway to scrape the sides of the small can for even freezing. If the ice melts, add more ice and salt.
Check Consistency & Serve:
After 20 minutes, open the cans and check the ice cream. If it’s too soft, roll for a few more minutes. Once frozen, scoop it out and serve immediately!
Tips:
For a creamier texture, use more cream and less milk.
Roll the can on a towel or soft surface to avoid loud clanging! But if you want, you can do what we did when we were kids and you can literally kick the can around the block! 😉
Level-up your ice cream by adding crushed cookies, nuts, candy, chocolate chips, or fruit before sealing the small can.
Check out unique some savory ice cream flavor ideas here!
