7 Essential Tips for Storing Homemade Ice Cream

Kelli Foster
Kelli FosterSenior Contributing Food Editor
Kelli is a Senior Contributing Food Editor for Kitchn. She's a graduate of the French Culinary Institute and author of the cookbooks, Plant-Based Buddha Bowls, The Probiotic Kitchen, Buddha Bowls, and Everyday Freekeh Meals. She lives in New Jersey.
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updated May 2, 2019
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It’s been extra steamy in New York City the past few days, and I’m totally ok with it. Mostly because it’s been the perfect excuse (not that I really need one) to enjoy an extra helping of homemade ice cream everyday. Because really, there are few things better than ice cream on a hot summer day.

Just as important as knowing how to make a great batch of homemade ice cream, though, is knowing how to store it properly.

Since we love ice cream over here, and we’re sure you do too, we’ve shared our favorite essential ice cream making tips – like these:

Now that you have your homemade ice cream in hand, here are seven tips for making sure it stays tasty in the freezer.

(Image credit: Sara Kate Gillingham)

1. Check the temperature of your freezer

If you haven’t checked the temperature of your freezer in a while, now is a good time. Ice cream is best when stored at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below.

2. Use airtight storage containers

Store ice cream in a freezer-safe, airtight container. I usually use Tupperware plastic containers. They’re freezer safe, sturdy and they stack well, so my freezer stays organized.

3. Use a shallow, flat container

Shallow, flat containers help keep ice cream at an even consistency. I especially love them because they make a great “runway” for scooping!

4. Cover ice cream with plastic wrap

Press a piece of plastic wrap firmly against the entire surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming.

5. Store ice cream in the back of the freezer

When ice cream warms and cools too much it can take on an unpleasant grainy texture. Keep ice cream stored in the back of the freezer where the temperature is the coldest and most consistent.

6. Avoid storing ice cream in the freezer door

It’s an easy storage spot for sure, but resist the urge. Items stored in the freezer door are subject to the most temperature fluctuation…aka the fast track to grainy ice cream.

7. When in doubt, eat it as fast as possible

I’m kidding. Sort of. Well, not really.

How do you store homemade ice cream? Have you found the perfect container?

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Dessert
Ice Cream
Tips & Techniques