Ice cube trays are not just for making ice anymore. With their versatile design and easy-to-use form, they have become an essential tool in many kitchens. In this article, we will explore nine unexpected, unique, and convenient things you can make using an ice cube tray.

1. Coffee Cubes

If you’re a coffee aficionado who despises watery iced coffee, try making coffee cubes. Pour your leftover brewed coffee into an ice cube tray and freeze it. The next day, you can enjoy a delicious cup of iced coffee without the risk of it becoming diluted.

2. Frozen Herbs

Preserving fresh herbs has never been easier. Chop up your favorite herbs, place them in an ice cube tray, and fill each compartment with olive oil or melted butter before freezing. Whenever you need them for cooking, just pop a frozen herb cube out of the tray and toss it into the pan.

3. DIY Dishwasher Tablets

Making your dishwasher tablets can save money and reduce waste from packaging materials. Combine baking soda, washing soda, citric acid, and salt in a bowl before adding water to form a paste-like consistency. Press the mixture into an ice cube tray and let it dry for several hours before dropping one tablet directly into the dishwasher.

4. Fruit-Infused Water Cubes

Bored with plain water? Jazz it up with fruity ice cubes! Add small fruit pieces (think strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries) to each ice cube section and fill with water before freezing. Use these fruity cubes to add flavor to still or sparkling water on hot summer days.

5. Chocolate Covered Treats

Melt chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and pour a small amount into each compartment of an ice cube tray. Add nuts, dried fruits, pretzels – whatever you like – then cover with more melted chocolate. Chill until set and enjoy your customized chocolate-covered treats!

6. Seed Starters

For gardeners, ice cube trays can be handy as seed starters. Fill each compartment halfway with soil, then plant a seed and cover it with a little more soil. Water and place in a sunny windowsill to kick-start germination before transplanting the seedlings outdoors.

7. Baby Food Portions

Preparing homemade baby food in bulk? Portion it into ice cube trays and then freeze! This makes it much easier to thaw only the amount needed for your baby’s mealtime.

8. Homemade Stock Cubes

Save leftover vegetable scraps, bones, or meat from your meals to make your own flavorful stock cubes. Simmer these scraps until you have a rich homemade broth, strain the solids and then pour the liquid into an ice cube tray for freezing. Use these homemade stock cubes to elevate your soups, stews, and sauces.

9. Frozen Yogurt Bites

Mix plain yogurt with fruit puree or honey and pour it into an ice cube tray to create custom frozen yogurt bites. This fun snack is perfect for kids (and adults) craving something cool on a summer day without reaching for sugary treats.

Get creative and experiment with these fun ideas using your trusty ice cube tray! With some imagination, you can turn this simple kitchen tool into a versatile helper that saves time, money, and reduces waste.