10+ Genius Ways to Use an Ice Cube Tray

 July 23, 2022

Did you know that you can use ice cube trays to make more than just ice? It’s true! In fact, ice cube trays can be used for everything, from preparing your favorite smoothies ahead of time, to making a delicious cocktail. In this post, I’ll be sharing over 10 genius ways to use an ice cube tray, to make the most out of this underrated kitchen tool!

An image of an ice cube tray, on a cutting board, surrounded by chopped fruits. The text, "10+ Genius Ways to Use an Ice Cube Tray" is written across the image

Friends, do you follow me over on TikTok? If you do, then you’ve probably seen my VIRAL ice cube tray posts, by now. One of the ways that I’ve been having fun on the platform since earlier this year has been by finding new, fun ways to use ice cube trays. Who knew that ice cube tray recipes would be so popular?!

But instead of using these handy little contraptions to make ice, we will be using them to make a variety of fun, simple, and easy recipes that are designed to make your life easier. These hacks can help you to shave of precious time when it comes to cooking, and reduce your food waste at the same time. It’s a win-win!

1. Frozen Milk Cubes

Have milk that’s about to expire? Or, have you opened a brand-new can of coconut milk, only to end up using just a small amount? Then friends, this is the perfect hack for you.

Simply pour your milk of choice into the cavities of your ice cube tray, and freeze until your cubes solidify. Now, you have perfectly portioned sizes of milk ready-to-go for all of your recipes!

I love adding these milk cubes to smoothies, to soups, to pasta sauces, or any recipe that could use an extra bit of creaminess.

2. Pancake Cubes

This may just be the most fun way to use an ice cube tray yet! Did you know that you can prepare pancakes ahead of time, simply by using your ice cube tray. Simply prepare your favorite pre-made pancake mix, or homemade pancake batter, according to the directions.

Next, pour your pancake batter into each of the cavities of your ice cube tray. Then, top your pancake mix with any of your desired toppings; I personally love using chocolate chips or mini blueberries!

When you’re ready to eat your pancakes, head a nonstick skillet over medium heat and make sure it is greased WELL. Then, place your frozen pancake cubes inside. I recommend placing a lid over the cube for about a minute, so that the batter can melt.

Cook your pancakes evenly on both sides, and your perfect breakfast is ready in a pinch!

YouTube video

3. Fruity Ice Cubes

Okay, so I lied… we ARE using our ice cube tray to make ice cubes. But, these aren’t your mama’s ice cubes! My Fruity Ice Cubes are an easy and delicious way to stay hydrated in the summertime and get excited about drinking more water. If you’re someone like me who struggles to drink enough water daily, then this is the perfect “hack” for you.

The best part about this hack too, is that it’s super customizable. You can pick your favorite combination of fruits and/or herbs, and make them work for this recipe! I personally love using strawberries, blueberries, and fresh mint, but feel free to get creative. There is no wrong way to make this recipe!

4. Watermelon Rind Smoothie Cubes

This recipe of mine went viral on both TikTok and Instagram earlier this year, and for a good reason: it is the BEST way to reduce your food waste and get the most out of the entire watermelon!

All you have to do is chop up your watermelon rinds into nice, small pieces.

Next, get out a high-speed blender (like a Vitamix) and dd in your watermelon rinds to it, along with water. Then, blend until the mixture is totally smooth – this will take a few minutes, and you may need to use a paddle, if your blender has one, to make sure that the rinds blend properly. 

Then, transfer your mixture to an ice cube tray, and place in the freezer overnight, until the mixture is fully solidified.

These cubes are perfect to add-in to all of your smoothies (like my Tropical Green Smoothie, for example) for an extra dose of fiber and antioxidants!

5. Chocolate Cubes

Are you a chocolate lover like me? If so, then you will love this simple and easy hack. It’s the perfect way to make bite-sized chocolates that you can snack on anytime that the cravings hit.

When I was a kid, I loved few things more than going to the gas station, getting a Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bar, and immediately taking it home to put in the freezer. There’s something about frozen chocolate that is truly the best!

To make these chocolate cubes, simply place your favorite chocolate chips or chocolate chunks in a bowl, alongside a tablespoon of coconut oil. Then, melt them together in the microwave, in 3 30-second increments, being sure to stir them in-between. You can also do this over the stove, using the double-boiler method.

Then, pour your chocolate evenly into the cavities of your ice cube tray. Top them with any toppings you’d like- chopped nuts, strawberries, shredded coconut, or simply leave them plain. Then, freeze your cubes until the chocolate fully freezes, and enjoy your bite-sized chocolates!

6. Broth Cubes

There’s nothing worse than buying a large container of broth, only to use a little bit before it spoils in the fridge. I’ll admit, I’ve been there more times than I can count. That is… until I discovered this hack! This is such a simple and easy way to store your leftover broth, so you can prevent food waste and save yourself money in the long run, too!

Simply pour your leftover broth into your ice cube tray and freeze. Then, whenever you need a perfectly-portioned size of broth for a recipe, you’ll have your cubes ready to go!

YouTube video

7. Vinegar-Lemon Cubes

Now before you ask what these cubes taste like, let me be clear that these cubes are for cleaning, NOT for eating. Specifically, they’re for cleaning your garbage disposal!

An often neglected and underrated part of our kitchen, it’s important to clean our garbage disposals regularly, to prevent any buildup or stink from forming. But while cleaning other parts of your kitchen can be time consuming, this hack makes cleaning your garbage disposal a breeze.

Simply start by chopping a lemon into small pieces, and place one piece inside of each ice cube cavity. Then, fill each cavity to the top with white vinegar and freeze your cubes.

Once they’re frozen, place a few in your garbage disposal and let it run. It keeps your sink nice and clean, every time!

8. High-Protein Greek Yogurt Cubes

Bite-sized greek yogurt cubes makes for the perfect snack, on-the-go breakfast, or toddler-approved meal! I love these little cubes anytime of day, for an easy boost of delicious protein.

Simply pour your greek yogurt into a bowl, and mix in your toppings of choice, along with some maple syrup, vanilla extract, and collagen peptides. I personally love using chopped strawberries, blueberries, chocolate chips, or even nuts!

Once your ingredients are fully mixed into your yogurt, fill each cavity of your ice cube tray with the yogurt mixture. Freeze, then once they’re frozen, pop them out and enjoy them anytime you want a cooling and delicious treat!

9. Spinach Smoothie Bombs

Have you ever bought a big box of spinach, only for it to start wilting within two days? Well, don’t throw it out, because this is the perfect way to make sure that your spinach doesn’t go to waste!

Simply add the spinach to a blender and blend it with almond milk or coconut water. Once they are fully incorporated, pour your spinach mixture into the cavities of your ice cube tray. Freeze until solid, then pop these cubes into your favorite smoothie recipe for an extra boost of vitamins, minerals, and greens!

10. Herb Olive Oil Cubes

Don’t throw away your wilted herbs! Instead, use this simple hack to help revive them and keep them fresh for all of your recipes.

Simply chop up your herbs and add them to the cavities of your ice cube tray. Then, fill the cavities to the top with olive oil, or another oil of your choosing!

Once your cubes are frozen, you can add them to soups and stews, or defrost them and use them in any of your favorite savory recipes!

11. Wine Spritzer Cubes

And of course, I had to save one of my favorite “hacks” for last! Wine Spritzer Cubes are one of my favorite ways to make a quick and easy wine spritzer, anytime. It’s perfect for this warm summer days!

Add your favorite chopped fruit to each cavity of your ice cube tray and then fill to the top with your favorite red wine. Once your cubes are frozen, pop them into a glass with some sparkling water or club soda, and you have the perfect wine spritzer at your fingertips!

If you decide to try out any of these hacks, please be sure to leave a comment and rating below! And since I practically live on Instagram, be sure to tag me in your creations so I can see them and repost on my IG stories! Enjoy! xx

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  1. I follow you on Instagram and love your recipes! I just ordered the chopper you use and also want to order the ice cube trays you use with covers. I remember seeing a link to them in one of your videos, but now I can’t find it. Would you please tell me the name of them? Thank you for your time!
    Becky Comp

    • Hi Becky, thank you so much for your support! The ice cube trays are linked in the blog post 🙂