The time it takes for melted ice cream to refreeze depends on various factors such as the temperature of the freezer, the amount of ice cream, and the container the ice cream is in.
In general, if the freezer is set to the recommended temperature of 0°F (-18°C), a small amount of melted ice cream in a shallow container should freeze within a few hours. However, if the container is deep or if there is a large amount of melted ice cream, it may take longer to refreeze. It’s best to check the ice cream after a few hours to see if it has refrozen.
It’s worth noting that repeatedly melting and refreezing ice cream can affect its texture and quality. This is because the process of freezing and thawing can cause ice crystals to form and can result in a grainy or icy texture. For best results, it’s recommended to store ice cream in the freezer at a consistent temperature and avoid letting it melt and refreeze repeatedly.