Got a few ice cube trays you don’t know what to do with?

Other than making ice (duh!) ice cube trays are perfect for a variety of culinary and creative uses around the house. Here are just a few that we use them for after we’re done making plain ol’ boring frozen water.

12 uses for ice cube trays other than ice

Herb cubes

Freezing fresh herbs with olive oil or broth is a fantastic way to preserve their flavor and make cooking easier. 

For example, chop basil and garlic, mix them with olive oil and freeze the mixture in trays for easy-to-use cubes that are perfect for quickly adding flavor to pasta sauces or sautéing vegetables. You can also blend mint leaves with lemon juice and freeze them, creating refreshing mint-lemon cubes that are handy for infusing your water or adding a zesty twist to iced tea. This approach keeps herbs fresh and ready to use, simplifying meal preparation and reducing food waste at the same time!

Broth or stock

Portioning leftover broth or stock into ice cube trays is a practical solution for managing leftovers and adding flavor to dishes.

Freezing chicken, beef, vegetable or other kinds of broth in trays allows you to easily thaw small amounts for soups or sauces without defrosting an entire batch. You can do the same thing with gravies, pre-made sauces or even yogurt! This method not only reduces waste but also provides you with concentrated flavors that are readily accessible and available in small portions.

Smoothie packs

Ice cube trays are ideal for preparing smoothie packs in advance. 

Blend a mix of fruits such as strawberries, blueberries and bananas with yogurt, then pour the mixture into trays and freeze. This results in pre-portioned smoothie bases that can be quickly blended with liquid for a quick and nutrient-packed drink. Do the same with spinach, avocado and pineapple, freeze the mix in trays and use these green smoothie cubes as a base for a quick and healthy green juice! This approach streamlines your morning routine and ensures that you’re getting a balanced mix of fruits and vegetables no matter how much time you have to make it. 

Leftover coffee

Freezing leftover coffee in ice cube trays offers a versatile way to reuse coffee and enhance beverages. For example, you can freeze brewed coffee into cubes and use them in iced coffee drinks to keep them cool without watering them down, or you can turn them into a blended beverage that mimics your favorite Starbucks creation. You can also use coffee cubes in baking recipes like coffee cakes or brownies to impart a rich coffee flavor. 

This handy ice cube method prevents coffee from going to waste and provides a practical solution for keeping your drinks flavorful and enjoyable.

Mini desserts

Ice cube trays are perfect for making mini desserts that are easy to portion and enjoy. You can fill trays with chocolate mousse to create individual servings that are ideal for a quick dessert, especially if you have access to some cool silicone trays with unique shapes and designs. 

Another idea is to freeze yogurt mixed with fruits into mini dessert cubes, offering a healthy and cool treat for both kids and adults. Stick a popsicle stick into the center before they freeze and you’ve got your own frozen lollipops, too! These mini desserts not only help with portion control but also provide a convenient way to enjoy a sweet treat without the need to prepare larger desserts (or expend extra energy doing so).

Chocolate or candy molds

Using ice cube trays to mold chocolates or candies is a quick solution for making creative and personalized treats. Melt your favorite chocolate, pour it into the trays and let it set to create custom chocolate shapes with various fillings, textures and colors. You can also use colored candy melts and silicone ice cube trays to create festive shapes for decorating cakes or cupcakes. These homemade creations are perfect for gifts or special occasions, and you can use what you already have!

Homemade baby food

Freezing homemade baby food in ice cube trays offers a convenient and economical way to provide nutritious meals for a tiny human, while also making it easy to defrost small portions as needed. 

Making your own purees with fruits and vegetables of your choice allows you to control ingredients and avoid preservatives while managing leftovers effectively. Plus, they’ll last longer in the freezer than in the fridge!

Frozen fruits or vegetables

Freezing fruit and vegetable pieces in ice cube trays is an excellent way to preserve their freshness and create convenient, ready-to-use portions. Freeze berries, citrus, stone fruit or grapes that can then be used in smoothies, as ice cubes in drinks, or as a fresh summer snack. You can do the same with vegetables, too: cubes of diced vegetables like bell peppers or onions can be quickly added to stir-fries or soups. You’ll always have fresh ingredients on hand while reducing waste and making dinner time easier! Win, win, win!

Cocktail garnishes

Using ice cube trays to create fruit or herb-infused ice cubes adds a stylish and flavorful touch to cocktails. Freeze slices of lemon or berries in water to create visually appealing ice cubes that enhance your drinks, while herbs like rosemary or thyme in water can add subtle slow-release flavors to your cocktails or mocktails. This approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your drinks but also infuses them with interesting flavors, making your cocktail experience more enjoyable and their preparation much quicker.

Paint palettes

If you’re through with using your ice cube trays or mold for food, then retire them to your craft cupboard for a new life of creativity!

An ice cube tray works great as a paint palette, especially for acrylics, oils or gouache paints that need to be separated. The trays clean well and can hold at least a dozen colors in one little tray, all the while stacking nicely in neat piles. Handy, huh?

DIY crayons

Got a million pieces of crayon bits and nowhere to put them? Melt them down!

Ice cube trays are great for repurposing old crayon stubs into new, fun shapes. By melting broken crayons and pouring the wax into trays, you can create custom crayon colors for kids to enjoy while allowing them to be a part of the creation process. You can even marble the melted colors to create multicolored crayons or use silicone trays to make shapes like stars or animals.

You’ll reduce waste and provide kids with new, exciting art supplies that will, in turn, help them be a part of new creative experiences.

Scented oils or wax melts

Ice cube trays are the perfect vessels for making homemade scented products. For example, you can mix essential oils with melted wax and pour the mixture into trays to create natural air fresheners or aromatherapy melts, or create wax melts with added fragrances and use them in a wax warmer to fill your apartment with calming scents. It’s also a great way to consolidate leftover wax from candles and turn it into interesting shapes and colors!

If anything, these ideas will inspire you to use those old ice cube trays for some fun projects, whether it be culinary or crafty.

Enjoy!

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Featured photo by Antonio Cansino from Pixabay