If ice cream has been taken out of the freezer too soon and has become soft, there are a few methods you can try to harden it back up:
Return it to the freezer: Place the softened ice cream back into the freezer as quickly as possible. Make sure to put it in a colder section of the freezer, such as the back or bottom, where the temperature is typically lower.
Transfer to a shallow container: If the ice cream is in a container with a lot of empty space, transfer it to a smaller, shallow container. This reduces the surface area and allows the ice cream to freeze faster.
Cover with plastic wrap or wax paper: Press a sheet of plastic wrap or wax paper directly onto the surface of the ice cream before closing the container. This helps to minimize air exposure and prevent the formation of ice crystals.
Freeze for a longer period: Leave the ice cream in the freezer for an extended duration to allow it to harden. The exact time needed will vary depending on the freezer temperature and the initial softness of the ice cream.
Use an ice cream maker: If you have an ice cream maker, you can transfer the softened ice cream into the machine and churn it for a short time. This will help incorporate air and freeze it to a firmer consistency.
It's worth noting that once ice cream has partially melted and refrozen, the texture may be slightly compromised, and it may develop ice crystals. While these methods can help firm it up, the texture might not be the same as freshly scooped ice cream.