Let’s face it – there’s nothing more frustrating than wanting to eat ice cream, but then discovering that your tub is now a block of frozen hardness. You grab a spoon, try it, and – nope, it’s still solid as a rock. But don’t give up just yet! Scooping that rock-hard ice cream isn’t as difficult as it seems. And no, you won’t end up with a bent spoon or a dirty kitchen. So whether you’re getting ready for a dessert party or a cozy night in, here are 5 simple tricks to enjoy your frozen ice cream without any hassle!
Also read: Love Magnum ice cream? Now make healthy ice cream with this guilt-free recipe
Photo Credit: iStock
Here are 5 easy ways to make ice cream soft:
1. Microwave it
It may seem weird, but your microwave can actually help soften ice cream. Simply put the tub on the defrost setting for 10 to 15 seconds. Be careful not to over-melt it. This method softens the edges just right, giving you a creamy, scoopable texture without making the whole tub sticky. Perfect for a quick fix!
2. Dip the scooper in hot water
Here’s a great trick: if you dip your ice cream scooper in hot water before using it, scooping becomes a whole lot easier! Boil some water, pour it into a container and dip your scooper in for a minute. Shake off the excess water, and you’re good to go. This method preserves the texture and flavor of your ice cream, and there’s no need to fuss with the microwave.
3. Put the ice cream in the freezer door
Do you want to skip the ice cream softening step altogether? Simply place your ice cream in the freezer door. The temperature in the door is slightly warmer than the rest of the freezer, so your ice cream stays frozen but doesn’t harden as much. This makes it much easier to remove it straight from the freezer with minimal effort!
Photo Credit: iStock
4. Raise the freezer temperature slightly
If your ice cream is always too solid, it may be time to adjust the temperature of your freezer. Raise it a few degrees, to around -15°C. This small change can soften your ice cream and make it easier to scoop without affecting its texture or taste.
5. Heat up the knife and show off your skills
If you’re not keen on using a scooper, try heating up a knife instead. Soak the knife in warm water for a few minutes, then use it to cut off the desired portion of ice cream. This makes cutting frozen ice cream much easier. Just heat up the knife as needed, and remember to keep this trick away from children since it uses a hot knife.
Also read: 5 tips to make thick and delicious ice cream at home
Now that you’ve got these softening solutions in place, go ahead and enjoy that big scoop of ice cream you’ve been dreaming of!
