An ice cream gallon would make 32 scoops based on a typical serving size of 4 ounces. But unless the scoop is leveled off and just the ice cream inside the scoop is counted, that amount is not entirely accurate.
When the ice cream that is present above the scoop line and around the edges is taken into account, the average scoop could actually weigh 6 to 8 ounces. Popular ice cream shops like Cold Stone Creamery and Baskin-Robbins have been known to serve up to two extra ounces of ice cream per serving, on top of the recommended amount.
This page is dedicated to assisting you in deciding how much ice cream to purchase to satisfy everyone.!
Table of Contents
How Many Ice Cream Servings Equal…?
This information is based on the traditional 1/2 cup servings of ice cream.
4 servings = pint of ice cream
8 servings = quart of ice cream
16 servings = half gallon of ice cream
32 servings = gallon of ice cream
64 servings = 2 gallons of ice cream
96 servings = 3 gallons of ice cream
128 servings = 4 gallons of ice cream
160 servings = 5 gallons of ice cream
How Much Ice Cream Is In…?
This information is based on approximately 2/3 cup servings…probably a more realistic serving size. But you should still be aware of your audience and plan accordingly!
3 servings = pint of ice cream
6 servings = quart of ice cream
12 servings = half gallon of ice cream
24 servings = gallon of ice cream
48 servings = 2 gallons of ice cream
72 servings = 3 gallons of ice cream
96 servings = 4 gallons of ice cream
120 servings = 5 gallons of ice cream
What Is the Equivalent Number of Ice Cream Sundaes?
This information is based on 1 cup servings. You can anticipate your guests consuming 1 to 1 1/2 cups of ice cream if you’re serving ice cream sundaes!
2 servings = pint of ice cream
4 servings = quart of ice cream
8 servings = half gallon of ice cream
16 servings = gallon of ice cream
32 servings = 2 gallons of ice cream
48 servings = 3 gallons of ice cream
64 servings = 4 gallons of ice cream
80 servings = 5 gallons of ice cream
How Many Ice Cream Sundaes Can I Make With…?
This information is based on 1 1/2 cup servings. You can anticipate your guests consuming 1 to 1 1/2 cups of ice cream if you’re serving ice cream sundaes!
A little more than 1 serving = pint of ice cream
A little more than 2 servings = quart of ice cream
A little more than 5 servings = half gallon of ice cream
A little more than 10 servings = gallon of ice cream
A little more than 21 servings = 2 gallons of ice cream
32 servings = 3 gallons of ice cream
A little more than 42 servings = 4 gallons of ice cream
A little more than 54 servings = 5 gallons of ice cream
How Much is a Serving of Ice Cream?
1 serving of ice cream is considered to be 1/2 cup of ice cream…but most people eat more than just a half a cup of ice cream!
So, to determine how much ice cream you need to buy, ask yourself…
- Who will be consuming the ice cream?
You can probably get away with servings of just 1/2 cup of ice cream if your guests are young children or people who only eat dessert.
If your guests are big eaters, you’ll need to buy a little extra ice cream because they’ll consume more than their allotted 1/2 cup.
- What else are you going to serve alongside the ice cream?
You only need to give your guests 1/2 cup servings if you’re serving cake and ice cream.
If the dessert, for example, consists primarily of ice cream, ice cream sundaes), you can count on your guests wanting more than just a regular serving of ice cream!
How to Calculate How Much Ice Cream You Need for Your Party
We’ve done the math for you below and calculated how much ice cream you’ll need based on various serving sizes.
Below you’ll find calculations based on
1/2 cup servings: the “standard serving size”
2/3 cup servings: a more realistic serving size
1 cup servings: a realistic serving size for ice cream lovers
1 1/2 cup servings: a very generous serving size
A Few Practical Details
If guests serve themselves rather than you doling out precisely measured portions, you’ll always consume more ice cream. By providing relatively small scoops and tiny bowls or dishes for eating the ice cream, you can exert a modicum of control. The same is true for toppings: Set them out in tiny dishes with tiny spoons and restock as necessary.
You’ll need a way to keep all of that ice cream cold unless you intend to dash to the store as soon as your guests arrive, which is a high-risk scenario. Ideal freezer conditions call for ample space to accommodate everything. If that’s not possible, your backup refrigeration option is to use dry ice or ice in picnic coolers. Although dry ice is more efficient, it also presents a risk of injury if you have young children or inebriated adults in your home who might be tempted to play with it.
Read about How Many Liters Are in a Bottle?
