How to use a KitchenAid® ice cream attachment

What is an ice cream maker attachment?

The KitchenAid^® Ice Cream Maker attachment is a specialized bowl attachment for KitchenAid® stand mixers [1] that allows you to make up to 2 quarts of ice cream, gelato, sorbet and more. Just turn your mixer on to stir, add your liquid base to the bowl, churn your ice cream and freeze for a creamy, homemade frozen dessert. The Ice Cream Maker attachment is compatible with all KitchenAid® stand mixers except the 3.5 qt mini and the KPM5 bowl-lift models.

[1] Sold separately

Parts & features of the KitchenAid® ice cream attachment

The Ice Cream Maker attachment is comprised of three main parts: freeze bowl, dasher, drive assembly, plus an optional freeze bowl adaptor ring for select models:

Ice cream attachment freeze bowl

A 2-quart, double-walled bowl that attaches to the stand mixer base. Once completely frozen, liquid within the double walls of the bowl provides thorough, even freezing of ice cream batter throughout the mixing process.

Dasher

Fits inside the bowl and rotates to spread, scrape and mix ice cream batter within the Freeze Bowl.

Drive assembly

Attaches to the stand mixer Motor Head and engages the Dasher to power its movement.

Freeze bowl adaptor ring

Attaches to the bottom of the Freeze Bowl to fit select tilt-head models.

Setup: KitchenAid® ice cream maker instructions

The KitchenAid^® Ice Cream Maker attachment is designed to fit full-sized tilt-head stand mixers as well as bowl-lift models. It comes with a two-sided adaptor so you can get a perfect fit no matter which style stand mixer you’re using. If you’re not sure which style mixer you have or are trying to decide on a new one, read our guide to Bowl-Lift Vs. Tilt-Head Mixers, then follow the instructions for your mixer style below.

How to attach a KitchenAid® ice cream maker to tilt-head mixer

Adding the ice cream attachment to your KitchenAid^® tilt-head stand mixer is simple with just a handful of steps. Be sure to follow the directions and use the correct side of the drive adaptor specially designed for tilt-head models.

1. Insert the dasher

Place the dasher inside the freeze bowl by lowering it straight down. No need to twist or lock.

2. Attach freeze bowl

With the motor head tilted back, place the freeze bowl on the bowl-clamping plate and twist to secure as you would for a regular mixing bowl.

3. Connect drive assembly

Position the drive assembly onto the mixer so that side A is closest to the beater shaft. Slide the drive assembly onto the motor head until it will not slide any further.

4. Check alignment

When properly assembled, the outer curved edges of the drive assembly should center on the motor head. If they are not centered, slide the drive assembly either back or forward until it is centered on the motor head. Make sure the drive assembly is securely in place by pressing upward.

5. Lower motor head

Lower the motor head to engage the drive assembly with the dasher. If the drive assembly doesn’t engage the dasher, slide the drive assembly either back or forward until it does engage the dasher properly.

6. Lock in place

Make sure the motor head is down completely. Place the locking lever in the LOCK position. Before mixing, test the lock by attempting to raise the motor head.

How to attach a KitchenAid® ice cream maker to bowl-lift mixer

The bowl attaches just like a regular bowl, then side B of the drive adaptor connects to the motor head and engages the dasher. Follow the steps below to set up your KitchenAid^® Ice Cream Maker attachment for a bowl-lift mixer.

1. Attach freeze bowl

Place bowl-lift handle in the down position. Fit the freeze bowl in place over the locating pins. Press down on the back of the freeze bowl until the bowl pin snaps into the spring latch.

Note: The freeze bowl is designed to fit all bowl-lift mixers except model KPM5. If the bowl pin at the back of the bowl is too short or too long to snap into the spring latch, remove and rotate the bowl so the opposite bowl pin faces the spring latch. Repeat step 1.

2. Insert dasher

Place the dasher inside the freeze bowl by lowering it straight down. No need to twist or lock.

3. Connect drive assembly

Position the drive assembly onto the mixer so that side B is closest to the beater shaft. Slide drive assembly onto the motor head until it will not slide any further.

4. Check alignment

When properly assembled, the outer curved edges of the drive assembly should center on the motor head. If they are not centered, slide the drive assembly either back or forward until it is centered on the motor head. Make sure the drive assembly is securely in place by pressing upward.

5. Raise the bowl

Raise the bowl to engage the dasher with the drive assembly before mixing. If the drive assembly doesn’t engage the dasher, slide the drive assembly either back or forward until it does engage the dasher properly.

How long does it take to make ice cream in a KitchenAid® stand mixer?

It usually takes 20-30 minutes to make ice cream with a KitchenAid® Ice Cream Maker attachment for your stand mixer. Churning for this amount of time will produce soft-serve ice cream. If you want a firmer, scoopable ice cream you can freeze it for 2-4 hours, then serve.

How to use the KitchenAid® ice cream maker: making ice cream

Make sure to store the freeze bowl in the freezer for a minimum of 24 hours before getting started. Leave the freeze bowl in the freezer while you prepare your ice cream base. When you are ready to pour it in, remove the freeze bowl and set up the Ice Cream Maker attachment per the directions above.

Note: If you are making an ice cream style that requires you to heat the ice cream base, such as custard, you will need to let it cool completely before adding it to the freeze bowl.

1. Set the mixer to "stir" speed

Important: Pouring batter into the freeze bowl before starting the stand mixer may cause the batter to freeze prematurely and lock the dasher.

2. Pour the ice cream batter into the freeze bowl

Mix 20-30 minutes, depending on your recipe or to your desired consistency.

3. Add solid ingredients

Pour add-ins such as fruits, nuts, candies or chocolate chips into the bowl during the last 1-2 minutes of mixing.

4. Serve or store

Remove the dasher and the freeze bowl. Using a rubber spatula or a plastic or wooden spoon, transfer ice cream to dessert dishes or to an airtight container for storage.

The Ice Cream Maker attachment will create a soft-consistency ice cream that can be enjoyed right away. If you want a firmer consistency, store the ice cream in a shallow airtight container in the freezer for 2-4 hours.

Important: Do not store ice cream in the freeze bowl in the freezer. Prying hard ice cream out of the freeze bowl with metal scoops or utensils may damage the freeze bowl.

What you need to make ice cream

While there are endless flavor combinations and types of ice cream just waiting to be dreamed up, here are some basic ingredients you’ll find in most dairy-based ice creams:

• Heavy whipping cream

• Whole milk

• Egg yolks

• Sugar

• Vanilla, cocoa, fruit juice or other flavoring

Dairy and non-dairy ice cream ingredients

You can experiment with different types of cream and milk to achieve a range of results. In general, the higher the fat content, the thicker and richer your ice cream will be. If you’re looking for a lightened-up ice cream or or a vegan ice cream recipe , try lower fat dairy or alternatives like almond and oat milk. Coconut milk is another popular non-dairy ice cream ingredient that lends its own unique flavors and textures to ice cream. This Raspberry Ripple ice cream recipe for your Ice Cream Maker attachment uses coconut milk alongside cacao butter and soy or almond milk for a vegan ice cream dream. Curious about other frozen treats? The shave ice attachment lets you make snow cones, Italian ice and more.

Ice cream flavor ideas

The possibilities are endless when it comes to ice cream flavors. Add in fruits, candies, herbs, baked goods or even savory elements to create a flavor profile all your own. Meld brown sugar, cinnamon and bananas in this Banana Dulce de Leche Ice Cream Sandwich recipe or add unexpected floral notes with Lavender and Honey Ice Cream. Welcome the changing seasons with favorites like Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream in the fall or Strawberry Mango Ice Cream in the warmer months. If you’re looking to start with the basics, learn how to make vanilla ice cream and layer on your own flavors from there. If you’re looking to plan a party, get ideas for an ice cream sundae bar.

Many of the other KitchenAid^® stand mixer attachments can help you create your best homemade ice cream recipes, too. The Fruit and Vegetable Strainer attachment can help create fruit purees for refreshing summer flavors while the Food Processor with Commercial-Style Dicing Kit attachment can help you chop nuts, chocolate, candies and more to top your ice cream creations. Explore all KitchenAid® stand mixer attachments.

Popular homemade ice cream questions

How to store homemade ice cream

Always store homemade ice cream in a freezer-safe, airtight container in the freezer. You can add a layer of wax paper on top to help protect your ice cream from freezer burn if you’ll store it for more than a few days. For ultra-convenient serving, you can divide ice cream into individual single-serve containers making your favorite treat ready to grab and enjoy right away.

How do you make homemade ice cream thicker?

Add extra egg yolks, cornstarch or cream cheese to make homemade ice cream thicker. Simply adding an extra yolk can help you achieve a thicker texture but may lend a more custard-like taste to the end result. Instead, you can add a bit of cornstarch or cream cheese before simmering your mixture.

How to prevent ice crystals in ice cream?

Using a KitchenAid® Ice Cream Maker attachment helps prevent ice crystals in homemade ice cream by continually churning it as it freezes. Once fully churned, you should transfer ingredients to an airtight container and place near the back of the freezer as soon as possible. This will help the ice cream to finish freezing quickly and avoid the formation of new ice crystals.

How to clean a KitchenAid® ice cream maker

The KitchenAid® Ice Cream Maker attachment is just as easy to clean up as it is to use. Warm soapy water cleans the attachment quickly and easily and some parts are top-rack dishwasher-safe.

1. Let bowl come to room temperature

Important: Allow the freeze bowl to reach room temperature before attempting to clean it.

2. Hand wash the dasher

Wash the dasher by hand in warm, soapy water or place on the top rack of your dishwasher.

3. Hand wash the bowl

Hand wash the freeze bowl and drive assembly in warm water with mild detergent. Never wash the freeze bowl or drive assembly in the dishwasher.

4. Dry the bowl

Thoroughly dry the freeze bowl before storing in the freezer. Do not store the drive assembly in the freezer.

The best KitchenAid® ice cream maker for your sweet tooth

If you own a KitchenAid^® stand mixer, adding an Ice Cream Maker attachment is a quick and easy way to start churning out your own frozen creations right away. Make your favorite homemade ice cream in under 30 minutes once the ice cream bowl is frozen [2] and your base is fully prepped. Watch your ingredients thoroughly mix and process while the churning dasher does the work of spreading, scraping and mixing. The attachment also cleans up quickly so you can get back to enjoying your delicious homemade ice cream.

[2] Allow bowl to freeze 24 hours prior to use.