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15 Ways To Use Ice Cube Trays

July 30, 2014 by Lindsay 68 Comments

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Here are 15 Ways To Use Ice Cube Trays that go above and beyond frozen water.

Hi Friends!

Just popping in with a little inspiration for you. If you follow my food prep series, you may have noticed that I often freeze yogurt with mix-ins to make one of my favorite snacks: froyo bites. The other week, I was making a batch and I started thinking about my ice cube trays and about other ways I could use them.

Get creative and think outside the cube. Here are 15 ways to use ice cube trays in the kitchen to make life easier, store extra food, portion ingredients and more.

After a short brainstorming session, I came up with 15 ways to use ice cube trays, so I thought I’d share them with you guys!

  1. Coffee cubes – Freeze your leftover coffee and use in your iced coffees to keep them from getting watered-down, or add to smoothies for a caffeine boost!
  2. Smoothie cubes – Blend spinach or other greens with water until smooth. Freeze in trays and add to blender when making smoothies. You can also mash up ripe bananas and freeze into cubes for an easy smoothie addition.
  3. Yogurt bites – Add your favorite mix-ins to yogurt and freeze into cubes for a bite-sized snack. Find my favorite combo here: Frozen Yogurt Trail Mix Bars/Bites.
  4. Fruit cubes – Add fresh fruit and water to ice cube trays to add some color to your ice water.
  5. Pesto – Make a batch of pesto, spoon into trays and freeze. Store in the freezer and use in recipes when called for or to add some extra flavor to sauces, etc.
  6. Tomato paste – Recipes almost never call for the whole can of tomato paste. Freeze the extra in cubes to use in future recipes.
  7. Lemon/lime juice – Freeze the juice from fresh lemons and limes to add to blended frozen drinks or add to the pan when cooking dishes for some extra flavor!
  8. Cookie dough – Make a batch of cookie dough and freeze in cubes. When a cookie craving strikes, bake as many as you’d like.
  9. Baby food – Make your own baby food purees and stock the freezer with cubes. Simply defrost when needed.
  10. Chocolate cubes – Freeze melted chocolate in ice cube trays to make chocolate cubes. Add to regular milk or iced coffee for a little treat!
  11. Toddler meals – Place a variety of different bite-sized options in an ice cube tray for toddler meals or snacks and let them pick what they want to eat!
  12. Jewelry organizer – Store your earrings, rings and other jewelry in ice cube trays to avoid a messy jewelry drawer.
  13. Garbage disposal cleaner – Freeze vinegar and lemon pieces in ice cube trays. Every few weeks, toss a couple down the garbage disposal to freshen things up.
  14. Paint tray – Pour different paint colors into ice cube trays and let the kiddos go to town!
  15. Seedling Tray – Drill a drainage hole in the bottom of each cube, fill with dirt, and plant seeds for the garden so they can start growing indoors.

Get creative and think outside the cube. Here are 15 ways to use ice cube trays in the kitchen to make life easier, store extra food, portion ingredients and more.

Obviously these aren’t the only ways to use ice cube trays. This list is just to get the wheels turning for you! Once you start thinking about it, I bet you’ll come up with even more fun ways to use them! I’ve also use them to make frozen treats for my dogs, freeze leftover wine for cooking, etc. The possibilities are endless! For the food-related ones, I’d recommend removing from the ice cube trays after they’re frozen and storing in a tupperware container or ziploc bag to avoid freezer burn.

[Tweet “Think beyond water. Here are 15 Creative Ways To Use Ice Cube Trays from @leangrnbeanblog!”]

Get creative and think outside the cube. Here are 15 ways to use ice cube trays in the kitchen to make life easier, store extra food, portion ingredients and more.

Let’s chat:

What’s your favorite way to use ice cube trays?

Leave your ideas below to inspire others!

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About Lindsay

Lindsay Livingston is a Registered Dietitian and new mom from Columbus, Ohio. On her blog, she shares simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, workouts and snapshots of her life. Follow her on Twitter @LeanGrnBeanBlog and Instagram @TheLeanGreenBean and be sure to subscribe via RSS or email so you never miss a post!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says

    July 30, 2014 at 1:18 AM

    This is brilliant.

    Reply
  2. Arman @ thebigmansworld says

    July 30, 2014 at 5:08 AM

    Mind bloody blown.

    Favourite way to use ice cube trays……to make ice? 😉

    Reply
  3. Stephanie says

    July 30, 2014 at 5:50 AM

    Wow! I would never have thought of half of these, tomato paste! I tried coffee cubes but I always just get in a big mess and last time spilt coffee all over our freezer. Now whenever I get anything out it has sticky coffee on it! Not ice cube trays, but I used my cupcake trays to organise all the bits and pieces when my girls came round to decorate gingerbread houses at Christmas!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      July 30, 2014 at 12:25 PM

      ahh yes! muffin tins are great for this kinda stuff too!

      Reply
  4. Jen @ Chase the Red Grape says

    July 30, 2014 at 6:10 AM

    So many fab ideas! Thanks for sharing – will definitely be using some of these tips!

    Reply
  5. Sarah@creatingbettertomorrow says

    July 30, 2014 at 6:11 AM

    I was told since I want to try and make my own baby food that ice cube trays are the BEST for making big batches of food – prep, freeze, then take out just what you need the morning before feeding the kiddos 🙂 Thanks for all these other ideas!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      July 30, 2014 at 12:24 PM

      you’re welcome! enjoy!

      Reply
  6. Fancy Nancy says

    July 30, 2014 at 6:37 AM

    Wait…there’s never “leftover” coffee!!! These are great ideas! With both my girls I used the trays to make their baby food. It was a great way to get them a serving of veggies…then I would just pop out a few cubes and warm them up!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      July 30, 2014 at 12:24 PM

      so simple! love it

      Reply
  7. Linz @ Itz Linz says

    July 30, 2014 at 6:42 AM

    seriously genius! we don’t even use ice cube trays right now as breastmilk has taken over my freezer lol but once it comes to time to make baby food, i’ll definitely portion it in ice cube trays!

    Reply
  8. Hollie says

    July 30, 2014 at 7:03 AM

    I like that cookie dough idea. I know you can buy the breakables in the grocery but it would be fabulous to make your own and freeze them.

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      July 30, 2014 at 12:24 PM

      yes! i feel like i need to do this more often than i do 🙂

      Reply
  9. Carla says

    July 30, 2014 at 7:11 AM

    (((TOSSES CUBE’FETTI!!)))
    love these as this is something we do here all the time, too.

    Reply
  10. Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says

    July 30, 2014 at 7:23 AM

    I use mine for baby food!! Love it!

    Reply
  11. lindsay says

    July 30, 2014 at 7:23 AM

    love using mine for herbs too! works like a charm

    Reply
  12. Tiff says

    July 30, 2014 at 8:05 AM

    Love it!! I use it for baby food, but I was thinking of freezing some of Ethan’s yogurt. Does yogurt defrost well, or do you enjoy it frozen?

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      July 30, 2014 at 12:23 PM

      i usually eat it frozen once it’s frozen…haven’t tried freezing and then thawing.

      Reply
  13. Diane Boyd says

    July 30, 2014 at 8:12 AM

    Great ideas! I will be freezing pesto and tomato sauce for sure!

    Reply
  14. Amanda @ .running with spoons. says

    July 30, 2014 at 8:32 AM

    Cute! I’ve been freezing almond milk to toss into smoothies instead of ice cubes — adds to the creaminess without diluting the flavour 😀

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      July 30, 2014 at 12:23 PM

      perfect! Great idea!

      Reply
    • Esther says

      July 30, 2014 at 4:27 PM

      Oh, I LOVE that idea! I need to freeze some almond milk soon!

      Reply
  15. Kristina @ Cucina Kristina says

    July 30, 2014 at 8:33 AM

    I made homemade vegetable and beef stock and freeze it in ice cube trays. I also use them for many of what you have suggested above and measured a standard ice cube tray. 2 cubes = 1/4 cup, 4 cubes = 1/2 cup, 6 cubes = 3/4 cup, and 8 cubes = 1 cup. I have those measurements as a pinnable graphic here: http://wp.me/p46jfk-PG

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      July 30, 2014 at 12:23 PM

      such a great tip!! thanks for sharing!

      Reply
  16. Heather (Where's the Beach) says

    July 30, 2014 at 8:48 AM

    I never think to use ice cube trays for anything other than water. Actually don’t even have trays any longer. But a friend of mine uses them to freeze almond milk for smoothies and I keep thinking I need to give that a shot. Thanks for this list!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      July 30, 2014 at 12:23 PM

      that’s a great idea!

      Reply
  17. Jennifer F says

    July 30, 2014 at 8:58 AM

    You are a kitchen tip genius — love this

    Reply
  18. Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says

    July 30, 2014 at 9:02 AM

    Definitely some great ideas! I’ll remember the one about tomato paste, for sure…I always end up throwing away half-empty cans of the stuff.

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      July 30, 2014 at 12:22 PM

      i’ve definitely done my fair share of that!

      Reply
  19. Alysia @ Slim Sanity says

    July 30, 2014 at 9:17 AM

    Great ideas! I’ve been wanting to do some of those frozen fruit cubes!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      July 30, 2014 at 12:22 PM

      they make water so much more fun!

      Reply
  20. Carly @ Fine Fit Day says

    July 30, 2014 at 9:18 AM

    Great list, Lindsay! I just started freezing coffee cubes recently and it has been awesome for iced coffee! A friend of mine freezes her fresh herbs towards the end of the season, too.

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      July 30, 2014 at 12:22 PM

      ahh yes…i’ve done that too. great idea!

      Reply
  21. Kim says

    July 30, 2014 at 9:36 AM

    Those are some mighty good tips!

    Reply
  22. jill conyers says

    July 30, 2014 at 9:37 AM

    I use a lot of these ideas! My favorite is not wasting tomato paste anymore!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      July 30, 2014 at 12:22 PM

      definitely one of the best. i’ve thrown so much away!

      Reply
  23. Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says

    July 30, 2014 at 9:48 AM

    lots of great ideas! I freeze raspberries sometimes and add them to seltzer

    Reply
  24. Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says

    July 30, 2014 at 9:56 AM

    These are such great ideas!! Sharing! Thanks girly!

    Reply
  25. Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves says

    July 30, 2014 at 10:01 AM

    Such awesome ideas!

    Reply
  26. Kateri Von Steal says

    July 30, 2014 at 10:11 AM

    Amazing! Tomorrow is the 31st and I AM SO EXCITED!!!

    Reply
  27. Emily @ Zen & Spice says

    July 30, 2014 at 10:53 AM

    Awesome post! Definitely will pin this one for later. I need to buy some ice cube trays!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      July 30, 2014 at 12:21 PM

      yes! good thing they’re super cheap 🙂

      Reply
  28. Kat says

    July 30, 2014 at 10:54 AM

    Such a great post, smart ideas girlie!

    Reply
  29. Melanie @ Nutritious Eats says

    July 30, 2014 at 10:54 AM

    Pesto and baby food! I have heard about the coffee one but I don’t drink much iced coffee so I typically forget about it. Great post idea Linds!

    Reply
  30. Kirtley Freckleton @ The Gist of Fit says

    July 30, 2014 at 11:35 AM

    Yahaaay!
    I’ve been wanting to use out trays for reals! Thanks for the inpsiration, next week should be fuhun!

    Reply
  31. Serena says

    July 30, 2014 at 11:44 AM

    Oh my goodness I’ve never thought of #4, #15, #13…and great reminder of all the rest – especially pesto, as basil is coming out my ears!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      July 30, 2014 at 12:21 PM

      Perfect time to stock the freezer 🙂

      Reply
  32. Lisa @ Healthy Nibbles & Bits says

    July 30, 2014 at 12:33 PM

    So I don’t own any ice cube trays, but I have been meaning to get some! I love the tomato paste and fruit cubes idea!

    Reply
  33. Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says

    July 30, 2014 at 2:02 PM

    This is awesome! I totally can’t wait to try the tomato paste version! I NEVER use a whole can of it at one time.

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 1, 2014 at 9:14 AM

      so annoying right? this is the perfect solution!

      Reply
  34. Jody - Fit at 56 says

    July 30, 2014 at 3:11 PM

    LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If there is any left over coffee & that is a big IF, ice cubes for future coffee! 🙂

    Reply
  35. Esther says

    July 30, 2014 at 4:30 PM

    These are all FABULOUS ideas! I have used some before. I def need to get some more trays and have a freezing session! Never thought about freezing tomato paste before.
    I have also made little smoothie pops for the kids I babysit. Stick a Popsicle stick in each tray cube and freeze! Perfect for little ones who can’t eat big Popsicles with out them melting all over! 🙂
    Thanks for posting these!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 1, 2014 at 9:13 AM

      oh love that idea! so fun!

      Reply
  36. Kristi says

    July 30, 2014 at 10:39 PM

    This is great! Awesome post and awesome ideas. Can’t wait to try the pesto!!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 1, 2014 at 9:12 AM

      yep! summer is the best time to stockpile that!

      Reply
  37. GiGi Eats says

    July 30, 2014 at 10:57 PM

    I’ve been doing coffee cubes for YEARS! And I would do tomato paste cubes… BUT…. When one of those cans open, I ALWAYS FINISH IT OFF WITH A SPOON 😉

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 1, 2014 at 9:12 AM

      haha that’s awesome!

      Reply
  38. Stephanie @ Long Distance Baking says

    July 30, 2014 at 11:07 PM

    What great ideas! I do coffee fairly regularly, but like the idea of the mix ins for smoothies too!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 1, 2014 at 9:12 AM

      yes! so convenient!

      Reply
  39. Alison Phillips says

    July 31, 2014 at 1:02 AM

    I cannot believe this never occurred to me before. This is a goldmine of a find!!! I must now rush out and buy out as many ice cube trays as I can find, I’m on a serious mission. There’s SO much potential in this! Great things come in small packages after all!

    Reply
  40. Kelly @ New Leaf Wellness says

    July 31, 2014 at 2:25 PM

    Love! Just pinned and shared on FB!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 1, 2014 at 9:10 AM

      thanks so much Kelly!

      Reply
  41. Cassie says

    July 31, 2014 at 9:08 PM

    UM girl, you are brilliant. Seriously… cookie dough? That is genius! I love all these ideas, now I actually need to get my butt in gear AND TRY SOME!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 1, 2014 at 9:10 AM

      right?! i’m planning to stock up on cookie dough this weekend!

      Reply
  42. Caroline says

    August 15, 2014 at 3:38 PM

    Left over coffee? What’s that? hehe… Love your ideas.. pinning!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 18, 2014 at 1:23 PM

      🙂 thanks for pinning!

      Reply
  43. Juli Holgerson says

    January 11, 2019 at 6:47 PM

    Chopped up Parsley and chopped up Cilantro. So handy in to use in meals.

    Reply
  44. Karen Windsor says

    June 20, 2020 at 7:28 PM

    I use ice cube trays when I make homemade hot dog chili. I spoon it in ice cube trays and each cube is perfect for 1 hot dog. So, now there is no more waste. If I know we will be eating 4 hot dogs, I heat up 4 cubes.

    Reply
  45. Karen Windsor says

    June 20, 2020 at 7:34 PM

    My mom used to make us kids Kool-Aid and she would pour it in ice cube trays then put plastic over the trays and insert a toothpick into the middle of each one. When They were froze she would remove the plastic and we had a perfect cool treat on a hot summer day.

    Reply

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