Small Appliances
How To Use a KitchenAid® Ice Cream Attachment?
Making homemade ice cream has never been easier thanks to the KitchenAid® Ice Cream Maker Attachment!
The KitchenAid® Ice Cream Maker Attachment works by connecting it to a full-sized KitchenAid® Stand Mixer1 (tilt-head or bowl-lift) and then uses the mixer’s power to make up to 2 quarts (1.89 l) of refreshing, decadent and creamy ice cream, sorbet or other frozen treats. All you must do is add your mixture (don’t be shy about getting creative!) to the Freeze Bowl and mix on the lowest setting until it reaches your preferred texture and consistency. This should take about 25-30 minutes.
Keep reading to learn how to use the KitchenAid® Ice Cream Maker Attachment, so you can make your own custom flavours.
Do you need to buy a new stand mixer first? Shop colourful KitchenAid® Stand Mixers to find the ideal one for you.
1. Sold separately.
WHAT IS AN ICE CREAM MAKER ATTACHMENT?
The KitchenAid® Ice Cream Maker Attachment is a specialized bowl attachment specifically designed for KitchenAid® Stand Mixers1.
This attachment lets you churn up to 2 quarts (1.89 l) of many frozen favourites like ice cream, sorbet, gelato, and more. Simply pour a liquid base into the bowl and turn the mixer on to make and freeze your homemade treat.
The only two KitchenAid® Stand Mixers that the ice cream maker attachment does not work with are the 3.5 qt (3.3 l) mini and the KPM5 bowl-lift models.
1. Sold separately.
COMPONENTS OF THE KITCHENAID® ICE CREAM MAKER ATTACHMENT
The ice cream maker attachment is made of three main parts: dasher, Freeze Bowl and drive assembly. There is also an optional Freeze Bowl adaptor ring for select models.
ICE CREAM MAKER ATTACHMENT FREEZE BOWL
This Freeze Bowl is a 2-quart (1.89l), double-walled bowl that connects to the base of the stand mixer. Once the mixture is completely frozen, the liquid in the bowl’s double walls thoroughly freezes the ice cream batter during the mixing process.
DASHER
The dasher goes inside the bowl and rotates to perform the necessary functions of spreading, scraping and mixing the ice cream batter right in the Freeze Bowl.
DRIVE ASSEMBLY
The drive assembly attaches to the stand mixer motor head and engages the dasher to power its movement.
FREEZE BOWL ADAPTOR RING
The optional Freeze Bowl adaptor ring connects to the bottom of the Freeze Bowl and is designed to fit select tilt-head models.
KITCHENAID®ICE CREAM MAKER INSTRUCTIONS
The KitchenAid® Ice Cream Maker Attachment can fit both full-sized tilt-head stand mixers and bowl-lift models. It comes with a two-sided adaptor, allowing you to get the right fit regardless of the style of stand mixer you have.
If you’re unsure of which style mixer you have or which to buy, you should check out our Bowl-Lift Vs. Tilt-Head Mixers guide, and follow the below instructions for your specific mixer.
ATTACHING A KITCHENAID®ICE CREAM MAKER TO A TILT-HEAD MIXER
Connecting the ice cream maker attachment to your KitchenAid® Tilt-Head Stand Mixer is easy and only requires a few steps. Make sure you follow the instructions and only use the correct side of the drive adaptor that is designed for tilt-head models.
1. INSERT THE DASHER
Lower the Freeze Bowl straight down to put the dasher inside. You don’t have to twist or lock anything.
2. ATTACH THE FREEZE BOWL
Tilt back the motor head, put the Freeze Bowl right onto the bowl-clamping plate and then twist it to secure the same way you would a regular mixing bowl.
3. CONNECT THE DRIVE ASSEMBLY
Position the drive assembly onto the mixer, ensuring that side A is closest to the beater shaft. Then, slide the drive assembly onto the motor head stopping once it won’t slide any further.
4. CHECK THE ALIGNMENT
Once it’s properly assembled, you should notice that the outer curved edges of the drive assembly are centre on the motor head. If they are not, you will need to slide the drive assembly either back or forward until it is properly centred on the motor head. Press it upward to confirm that the drive assembly is securely in place.
5. LOWER THE MOTOR HEAD
Now is the time to lower the motor head to engage the drive assembly with the dasher. If this doesn’t happen, slide the drive assembly either back or forward until it properly engages the dasher.
6. LOCK IT IN PLACE
Put the motor head down. Place the locking lever in the LOCK position. You need to test the lock by trying to raise the motor head prior to mixing.
ATTACHING A KITCHENAID® ICE CREAM MAKER TO BOWL-LIFT MIXER
This bowl should attach the same way as a regular bowl. Side B of the drive adaptor connects to the motor head and engages the dasher.
Follow the below directions to set up your KitchenAid® Ice Cream Maker Attachment for a bowl-lift mixer.
1. ATTACH THE FREEZE BOWL
Manipulate the bowl-lift handle so that it's in the down position. Then fit the Freeze Bowl above the locating pins. Lastly, press down on the back of the Freeze Bowl until the bowl pin snaps directly into the spring latch.
NOTE: Model KPM5 is the only bowl-lift mixer that the Freeze Bowl will not fit. If the bowl pin situated at the back of the bowl is either too long or too short to properly snap into the spring latch, you should remove and rotate the bowl to line up the opposite bowl pin with the spring latch and then repeat the first step.
2. INSERT THE DASHER
Lower the Freeze Bowl straight down and place the dasher inside. There is no need to twist or lock it.
3. CONNECT THE DRIVE ASSEMBLY
Connect the drive assembly by positioning it onto the mixer, ensuring that side B is closest to the beater shaft. Complete this step by sliding the drive assembly onto the motor head as far as possible.
4. CHECK THE ALIGNMENT
Once everything is properly assembled, you’ll notice that the outer curved edges of the drive assembly are centred on the motor head. If not, you’ll need to slide the drive assembly, either forward or back, until it is centred on the motor head. Press upward to make sure that the drive assembly is secure.
5. LOWER THE MOTOR HEAD
Now is the time to lower the motor head to engage the drive assembly with the dasher. If this doesn’t happen, slide the drive assembly either back or forward until it properly engages the dasher.
HOW MUCH TIME IS NEEDED TO MAKE ICE CREAM IN A KITCHENAID®STAND MIXER?
You should only need between 20-30 minutes to make ice cream with a KitchenAid® Ice Cream Maker Attachment on your stand mixer. Churning a mixture for this length of time should produce soft-serve ice cream. If you prefer firmer ice cream, you should freeze it for between 2-4 hours.
MAKING ICE CREAM WITH THE KITCHENAID®ICE CREAM MAKER
You want to store the Freeze Bowl in your freezer for at least 24 hours before you start.
If you’re a multi-tasker, you can keep the Freeze Bowl in the freezer as you prepare your ice cream base. Once you’re ready to start, remove the Freeze Bowl and set up the ice cream maker attachment according to the directions already provided in this article.
NOTE: If you want to make an ice cream that requires you to heat the ice cream base, like a custard, you must first let it cool completely before putting it in the Freeze Bowl.
1. SET THE MIXER TO “STIR”
Be careful not to pour the batter into the Freeze Bowl before turning on the stand mixer as this may cause the batter to freeze prematurely while also locking the dasher.
2. ADD THE BATTER TO THE FREEZE BOWL
Mix the batter for 20-30 minutes. The exact amount of time depends on the recipe you’re using or your preferred consistency.
3. ADD ANY SOLID INGREDIENTS
Now is the time to add any solid ingredients you want such as nuts, fruits, candies or chocolate chips. Add them to the bowl during the last 1-2 minutes of mixing.
4. SERVE AND ENJOY OR STORE
Remove both the dasher and the Freeze Bowl. With a rubber spatula or a plastic or wooden spoon, scrape the ice cream into bowls or an airtight container for storage.
The ice cream maker attachment is designed to create a soft ice cream that is ready to enjoy once it’s made. For a firmer consistency, store your ice cream in a shallow airtight container and freeze for 2-4 hours.
Never store ice cream in the Freeze Bowl in the freezer. It’s very difficult to scoop hard ice cream out of the Freeze Bowl and metal scoops or utensils could damage it.
INGREDIENTS TO MAKE ICE CREAM
One of the great things about ice cream (there are many!) is the endless flavour combinations and types you can create.
Here are some of the basic ingredients found in most dairy-based ice creams:
- Sugar
- Egg yolks
- Heavy whipping cream
- Whole milk
- Flavouriing like vanilla, cocoa or others
DAIRY AND NON-DAIRY ICE CREAM INGREDIENTS
Ice cream lets you experiment with a variety of creams and types of milk to produce different results. Generally, the higher the fat content, the thicker and richer an ice cream will be.
To make lighter ice cream, you should use lower-fat dairy or an alternative like almond and oat milk. Coconut milk is also a popular non-dairy ice cream ingredient that contributes unique flavours and texture.
ICE CREAM FLAVOURS
Ice cream flavours are a door to limitless possibilities. You can use fruits, candies, herbs, baked goods or even savoury elements to concoct a flavour profile that will please your taste buds.
Marry brown sugar, cinnamon and bananas to make a Banana Dulce de Leche Ice Cream Sandwich or enjoy unexpected floral notes with Lavender and Honey Ice Cream. When fall arrives, whip up a pumpkin pie ice cream or a strawberry mango ice cream once the calendar turns to late summer.
Many of the other KitchenAid® Stand Mixer Attachments are designed to help you create whatever homemade ice cream recipe you want. The Fruit and Vegetable Strainer Attachment can puree fruit while the Food Processor with Commercial-Style Dicing Kit Attachment is adept at chopping nuts, chocolate and candies to complete your ice cream creations.
Browse these KitchenAid® Stand Mixer Attachments.
COMMON HOMEMADE ICE CREAM QUESTIONS
HOW DO I STORE HOMEMADE ICE CREAM?
You should always store homemade ice cream in a freezer-safe, airtight container. It’s not a bad idea to add a layer of wax paper on top to protect your ice cream from freezer burn. This is especially important if you intend to store it for longer than a few days. For added convenience, divide the ice cream into individual single-serve containers.
HOW CAN I THICKEN HOMEMADE ICE CREAM?
Thicken ice cream by adding extra egg yolks, cornstarch or cream cheese.
Even just adding an extra yolk can achieve a thicker consistency. Beware, though, that it might result in a more custard-like taste. If this doesn’t appeal to you, you can try thickening agents like cornstarch or cream cheese before you simmer your mixture.
HOW CAN I PREVENT ICE CRYSTALS FROM FORMING IN ICE CREAM?
Just by using a KitchenAid® Ice Cream Maker Attachment, you can help prevent ice crystals from forming in your homemade ice cream. It does so by continually churning the mixture as it freezes.
Once your ice cream is completely churned, transfer the ingredients to an airtight container and put it near the back of the freezer right away. This will help the ice cream to freeze quickly and avoid ice crystals.
HOW DO I CLEAN A KITCHENAID®ICE CREAM MAKER
The KitchenAid® Ice Cream Maker Attachment is simple to clean. Warm soapy water is all you need to quickly and easily clean the attachment. Also, some parts are top-rack dishwasher-safe.
Follow these directions to clean your appliance:
1. LET BOWL REACH ROOM TEMPERATURE
IMPORTANT: Let the Freeze Bowl arrive at room temperature before you clean it.
2. HAND WASH THE DASHER
You can wash the dasher by hand in warm, soapy water or on your dishwasher’s top rack.
3. HAND WASH THE BOWL
Use warm water and a mild detergent to hand wash both the Freeze Bowl and drive assembly. We recommend never cleaning the Freeze Bowl or drive assembly in your dishwasher.
4. DRY THE BOWL
You need to thoroughly dry the Freeze Bowl before placing it in your freezer. You should never put the drive assembly in the freezer.
THE BEST KITCHENAID®ICE CREAM MAKER FOR YOU
Adding an ice cream maker attachment to your KitchenAid® Stand Mixer is an easy way to start making your own 31 flavours of frozen creations.
It usually takes under 30 minutes once the ice cream bowl is frozen2 and the base is prepped and ready to go. Your ingredients will mix perfectly as the churning dasher does the heavy lifting of spreading, scraping and mixing. This attachment is also a breeze to clean, so all you have to do is enjoy some delicious ice cream whenever you want. Click to find the right one for your KitchenAid® Stand Mixer.
2. Allow bowl to freeze 24 hours prior to use.
