While I mainly use my freeze dryer to preserve garden harvests, I really enjoy freeze-drying candy and ice cream—especially ice cream. It's my favorite treat and the best part is that it does not require refrigeration.
Freeze-Dried Texture
Freeze-dried ice cream is crunchy. The freeze-drying process removes all the moisture from the ice cream, leaving behind a light, crisp texture. When you bite into freeze-dried ice cream, it has a crunchy consistency that quickly melts in your mouth.
Freeze Drying Instructions
Prepare the Ice Cream
- Choose the Ice Cream: Start with your favorite ice cream flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade ice cream.
- Scoop or Slice: There are several different ways you can do your ice cream. You can use a small ice cream scoop and simply scoop the ice cream into small, evenly sized portions or you can remove the ice cream from the carton and slice it.
Tip: If you will cut the ice cream into smaller pieces before freeze drying, they will easily snap into bit size pieces.
Another option is to spread it into molds. This makes a much nicer presentation. Ice cream sandwiches works in much the same way. You can leave them whole or cut them into bite size pieces.
- Pre-Freeze (Optional): For best results, pre-freeze the ice cream portions on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze them until they are solid, which helps the freeze dryer operate more efficiently.
Load the Freeze Dryer
- Arrange the Ice Cream: Place the pre-frozen ice cream portions on the trays of your freeze dryer, ensuring they are spaced out evenly for proper air circulation.
- Insert the Trays: Carefully insert the trays into the freeze dryer.
Set the Freeze Dryer
- Start the Cycle: Close the freeze dryer door and start the freeze-drying cycle. I use the standard settings for freeze-drying and add 12 additional hours of time.
- Monitor the Process: The freeze-drying process can take anywhere from 20 to 40 hours, depending on the size of the ice cream portions and the freeze dryer model. The machine will freeze the ice cream to a very low temperature, then apply a vacuum to remove the moisture.
Check the Ice Cream
- Test for Doneness: Once the cycle is complete, check the ice cream to ensure it’s completely dry. It should be lightweight, crisp, and have no soft spots.
- Additional Drying (if needed): If any moisture remains, run an additional drying cycle. I have never had it not be completed with the 12 hours of extra dry time but if in doubt, add a little more time.
Store the Freeze-Dried Ice Cream
- Packaging: I store my freeze dried ice cream in mason jar and vacuum seal. You can also store the ice cream in a vacuum-sealed bag to protect it from moisture and air but I have not personally tried this so I can not speak from experience.
- Shelf Life: When properly stored, freeze-dried ice cream can last for years, making it a great long-term storage option.
Can you rehydrate freeze dried ice cream?
Freeze-dried ice cream is typically enjoyed in its dry, crunchy form, and it doesn't rehydrate in the same way as other freeze-dried foods. While you can attempt to add water to rehydrate it, the texture and consistency will not return to the creamy state of regular ice cream.