National Strawberry Ice Cream Day is the perfect excuse to slow down, get outside, and make something sweet from scratch. Instead of heading to the store, this recipe turns dessert into an experience—one that kids love and adults appreciate just as much.
With a simple vanilla ice cream base and an easy two-ingredient strawberry jam, you can make fresh, creamy strawberry ice cream using the UCO Ice Cream Ball. No plugs, no prep work, no fancy equipment—just real ingredients and a little rolling, shaking, and laughing along the way.
This is one of those activities that feels nostalgic in the best way. It’s hands-on, low-stress, and a great reminder that making food together can be just as fun as eating it.
Why We Love Making Ice Cream This Way
• Simple, real ingredients
• Fun for kids (and surprisingly fun for adults)
• Perfect for backyard hangs, camping, or park days
• Encourages slowing down and making it yourself
Whether you’re looking for a summer activity or an easy dessert that feels special, this one checks all the boxes.
Classic Vanilla Ice Cream Base (1 Pint)
This is a go-to vanilla base that’s rich, creamy, and perfect for swirling with strawberry jam.
Ingredients
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1 pint heavy cream
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7 tablespoons sugar (¼ cup + 3 tablespoons)
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1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- Gear: UCO Ice Cream Ball
Instructions
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In a bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- See below for full instructions
Easy 2-Ingredient Strawberry Jam
This small-batch jam is incredibly simple and packed with fresh strawberry flavor. It’s perfect for swirling into ice cream or spooning over desserts.
You’ll need:
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1 pint fresh strawberries (clean, stem and chop)
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Sugar (1/4C)
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Add the chopped strawberries and sugar to a small saucepan and stir to combine. Mash up with a wooden spoon or masher
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Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down then bring to a simmer.
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Stir every 2 minutes as the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes).
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Remove from heat and let cool—the jam will thicken more as it cools.
That’s it. No pectin, no canning, no fuss—just a quick, fresh strawberry jam that tastes incredible. Let the jam cool slightly before using it in your ice cream.
How to Make Strawberry Ice Cream with the Ice Cream Ball
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Pour the vanilla ice cream base into one side of the Ice Cream Ball.
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Add a few spoonfuls of the strawberry jam and gently swirl.
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Add ice and rock salt to the outer chamber and securely close the ball.
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Roll, shake, and toss the Ice Cream Ball for about 20 minutes. Halfway through you will likely need to add more ice and more rock salt, especially if it melted.
- If you open the ball and it's still not ice cream consistency, keep shaking for 5 more minutes!
- Open and enjoy! Top with fresh strawberries and some additional jam. We love eating ice cream with our UCO utility sporks and UCO ECO camp cups.
A Fun Activity That Feels Good
This recipe is about more than ice cream. It’s about choosing to make something instead of buying it, turning dessert into a shared moment, and creating memories that stick.
Whether you’re celebrating National Strawberry Ice Cream Day, planning a backyard afternoon, or just looking for a simple way to connect, homemade ice cream is always a good idea.
If you want the full kit that includes the ice cream ball, sporks to eat with and bowls to eat from, check out the UCO Ice Cream Eats Bundle. This also makes the perfect gift for the ice cream lover in your family.
