National Soft Ice Cream Day

Celebrate Soft Ice Cream Day with Good Thyme Gal’s Equitable Recipe...

Why We Celebrate Soft Ice Cream Day 🍦

There’s something universally joyful about a swirl of creamy, cold, soft ice cream on a hot summer day. Each year on August 18th, we honor Soft Ice Cream Day, a celebration of this beloved dessert’s silky texture and endless flavor possibilities.

Soft ice cream, first popularized in the 1930s, quickly became a symbol of summertime fun, whether served at roadside stands, amusement parks, or straight from your own kitchen. Unlike traditional ice cream, soft serve has a lighter, airier texture thanks to its unique churning process and slightly warmer serving temperature.

The Benefits of Celebrating Soft Ice Cream Day

1. Brings Back Happy MemoriesWhether it’s your first cone from a summer carnival or a family trip to the beach, soft ice cream is tied to moments of connection and pure happiness.

2. Encourages Creativity in the KitchenFrom classic vanilla to bold flavors like mango or matcha, soft ice cream invites experimentation, making it an exciting project for food lovers of all skill levels.

3. Affordable IndulgenceHomemade soft ice cream can be made with just a few ingredients and without a fancy machine, making it accessible to everyone.

Why This Holiday Aligns with Good Thyme Gal 🌿

At Good Thyme Gal, our mission is to make recipes equitable, approachable, and delicious, and soft ice cream embodies all of that. It’s simple enough for beginners, customizable for dietary needs, and endlessly adaptable with fresh ingredients and bold flavors.

An equitable recipe means using ingredients you can find in almost any grocery store, keeping costs low, and providing options for dairy-free or lower-sugar variations. Everyone deserves a sweet treat, and Good Thyme Gal makes sure no one is left out.

Equitable Homemade Soft Ice Cream Recipe

Servings: 4 | Cost: Under $8 | Prep Time: 10 minutes active, 3 hours freezing

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)

• 1 cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk)

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for a natural sweetener)

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Whisk the base — In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the sugar dissolves completely.

2. Freeze partially — Pour the mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe pan. Freeze for 1 hour.

3. Mix to add air — After an hour, scrape the mixture with a fork or whisk to break up ice crystals. Return to the freezer.

4. Repeat — Every 30 minutes for the next 2–3 hours, stir or whisk the mixture until it becomes soft, creamy, and scoopable.

5. Serve — Spoon into bowls or cones. Add sprinkles, fruit, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra fun.

   
   

Why This Recipe Works

• Equitable & Inclusive — Dairy-free and low-sugar swaps make it accessible to more people.

• Low-Cost — Just a handful of affordable ingredients, no special equipment required.

• Customizable — Add cocoa powder for chocolate, puréed berries for fruity flavors, or a dash of cinnamon for warmth.

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Celebrate August 18th the Good Thyme Gal Way

National Soft Ice Cream Day is a reminder that joy doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, it can be as simple as a homemade cone shared with friends. By making your own, you get to control the flavors, sweetness, and ingredients, ensuring a treat that’s perfect for your taste and your budget.

At Good Thyme Gal, we believe in celebrating life’s little indulgences with recipes that are kind to your wallet, inclusive for your guests, and full of flavor. So, on August 18th, grab a mixing bowl, whip up some creamy goodness, and savor the sweetness of summer.