When ice cream is frozen solid, it is difficult to serve and also to enjoy. You have probably come across ice cream in the freezer that looks like rocks! To recover its creaminess and make it edible, there are several methods that will be very useful.
The question to choose from is "How much time do you have?" You can use several ways to soften it without compromising its texture and flavor, but when it comes to ice cream we recommend using the ones that take longer, so as not to abruptly break the cold cycle.
Here are some great options, ranked from most to least recommended, but all effective:
- Move the ice cream to the fridge: If your ice cream is frozen and you want to eat it after a meal, move the ice cream from the freezer to the fridge 1 hour or 30 minutes before dessert time. The change in temperature will help it to be softer and more serveable when you eat it.
- Let it rest at room temperature : Take the ice cream out of the freezer and let it rest on the counter for about 10-15 minutes before serving. You'll find that this will allow it to soften enough to be easy to serve.
- Dip the stainless steel ice cream scoop in hot water for a few seconds before using it : you will see that the steel retains the heat for those seconds so that it can penetrate the ice cream and be able to serve it. Some people use a knife first: put a knife under the tap in hot water and make a few cuts in the ice cream terrine, to help soften it, and then use an ice cream scoop also dipped in hot water to prepare the balls. The heat will help to cut the frozen ice cream more easily.
- Using the microwave : Place the ice cream in the microwave and heat it on low power (about 30% power) in 10-15 second intervals. Check it after each interval until it is soft enough. Don't use high power, as this may over-melt the ice cream. This method seems effective, but it actually effectively melts the edges and surface, but the center will still be very hard. However, it will help soften the ice cream for serving.
- Use a hot water bath : Fill a large bowl with hot (not boiling) water. Place the ice cream container (make sure it is tightly sealed) in the bowl for 1-2 minutes. This will help soften the edges and make it easier to serve. The drawback of this method is the same as the previous one, the center will still be very hard, but it can help warm it up a bit and soften it for serving.
I hope that among these methods you find the solution to enjoy those hard ice creams that we have in the freezer. Without a doubt, defrosting them in time is the best (options 1-2) but the fastest ones, added to the use of the hot ice cream scoop, will allow you to recover those ice creams and enjoy them immediately.
Happy summer, happy ice cream!
