How to Freeze Dry Ice Cream

Don’t buy when you can DIY! You can learn how to freeze dry ice cream to make novelty food fit for an astronaut.

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Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10

Freezing Time: 2

Author: Carolyn Thomas

Transfer the ice cream to the freeze dryer trays using one of the following methods:
Make individual ice cream “scoops” using a cookie scoop.
Spread softened ice cream in a layer across the tray.
Cut the ice cream into ½” thick slices using a large knife, and arrange the slices on the tray. Homesteading Hack: If spreading or slicing the ice cream, use a knife to score the ice cream into individual serving sizes. Scoring will make the freeze dried ice cream easier to separate for storage.

If desired, line freeze dryer trays with parchment paper.
Cover trays with plastic wrap and place trays in a freezer for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours for best results. Homesteading Hack: A deep freezer is recommended for this step, as the opening and closing of a main freezer door will be less effective in freezing the ice cream solid. This step can be optional if you work quickly with your ice cream when transferring it to the trays. If you need to soften the ice cream, or if it has melted during the transferring process, using the deep freeze will shorten your freeze drying time and keep your ice cream treats in individual servings.
Remove trays from the deep freeze and discard plastic wrap.
Load the trays in the freeze dryer, put the insulating cover in place, and close the door.
Select start, liquid, frozen, 30 minutes to pre-freeze, and continue.
Once the settings are selected, make sure your drain tube is closed, lock down the pump, and press start.

Note: If you are not using a Harvest Right freeze dryer, refer to your user’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

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