The Full Potential of Your Freezer’s Best Friend
We all have one. Sitting quietly in the freezer, doing its thing day after day—the humble cubed ice tray. It’s one of those unsung kitchen heroes we barely think about. But here’s the secret: your everyday ice cube tray is so much more than a drink chiller. From cooking shortcuts to fun family projects, it can become one of the most versatile tools in your kitchen.
So let’s give it the spotlight it deserves. Whether you’re into meal prep, have kids at home, or just love clever life hacks, here are 10 creative ways to unlock the full potential of your ice cube tray—with a few cheeky Aussie nods along the way.
More Than Just Ice: Clever, Everyday Uses for Your Tray
We often default to filling ice cube trays with plain water—and sure, that’s useful—but the real magic happens when you think beyond the obvious. Here’s how Aussies are putting their trays to work in all sorts of creative, time-saving ways.
1. Preserve Fresh Herbs
Bought parsley or basil for one recipe, and now the rest is wilting in the crisper? Chop those herbs, place them into tray compartments, cover with olive oil, and freeze. You’ve now got instant flavour cubes—perfect for tossing into a hot pan when whipping up a pasta or curry.
2. Create Mini Yoghurt Pops
This one’s a winner for kids and grown-ups alike. Spoon flavoured yoghurt into your tray, add paddle pop sticks or toothpicks, and freeze. Voila—healthy, bite-sized frozen treats that are perfect for hot afternoons or lunchbox surprises.
3. Make Flavoured Ice for Fancy Drinks
Skip the boring ice. Try freezing fruit juice, coffee, or even edible flowers in water. Pop them into your soda, iced latte, or cocktail and enjoy the upgrade. And yes, freezing leftover wine is totally a thing—perfect for cooking later or sprucing up a sangria.
4. Freeze Homemade Baby Food
Parents, this is a game-changer. Puree veggies or fruits and freeze them into portions. Not only does this cut waste, but it also gives you grab-and-go meals for bub with zero additives.
5. Portion Control Butter
Sometimes you need just a little melted butter—especially for baking. Freeze small servings in a tray for quick use when greasing pans, finishing sauces, or making the perfect scrambled eggs.
6. Make Mini Chocolate Treats
Melt your favourite chocolate, pour into the tray, and add extras like nuts, coconut, or dried fruit. Let it set, and you've got homemade chocolates in fun shapes. Great for gifts, or just because.
7. Freeze Stocks and Broths
Don’t waste that homemade chicken stock! Freeze it into cubes for easy soup starters, sauce bases, or risotto boosters. It's the kitchen equivalent of a secret weapon.
8. DIY Bath Bombs
Got a creative streak? Use your tray to mould homemade bath bombs. Mix your own blend, fill the tray, and let it harden. Next time bath time rolls around, you'll be glad you did.
9. Use as a Seed Starter
Fill each cube with potting mix, pop in a seed, and watch your mini garden sprout. It’s a low-effort way to start herbs or veggies, even if you’re short on space.
10. Freeze Leftover Wine (Yes, Really)
Pour your leftover wine into a tray and freeze. Ideal for cooking—you’ll have ready-to-use portions for risottos, stews, or sauces without needing to crack open a fresh bottle.
Why Custom Trays Make All the Difference
Now, not all ice trays are created equal. At Chilled Out Creations, we craft premium silicone trays designed to take your ice game from basic to brilliant. Our 6-cube black tray, for example, offers generous cube sizes perfect for whisky lovers or aesthetic drinks—and you can even personalise the cubes with a custom monogram.
These trays aren’t just functional—they’re fun to use, a breeze to clean, and make amazing gifts. Whether you’re freezing fruit juice for the kids or crafting chocolate hearts for a romantic surprise, a custom tray adds that extra touch of joy and intention.
Rethink Your Freezer Drawer
So there you have it—ten unexpected, creative ways to make the most out of a humble cubed ice tray. Whether you're making baby food, chilling fancy drinks, or growing your own herbs, one small tray can make a big impact on your everyday routines.
If you're ready to explore the possibilities and elevate your kitchen with a tray that works harder (and looks cooler), check out our custom range at Chilled Out Creations. You’ll never look at your freezer the same way again.
