When the weather warms up or you simply crave something sweet and refreshing, homemade peppermint ice cream is the ultimate treat. This delightful dessert brings together the cool, invigorating flavor of peppermint and the rich creaminess of ice cream to create a refreshing delight that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re enjoying it on a hot summer day or celebrating the festive season, peppermint ice cream is a classic that never fails to impress.
Why We Love This Peppermint Ice Cream Recipe
When it comes to making your own desserts, few things can match the satisfaction of churning out a homemade batch of peppermint ice cream. Not only is it simple to make, but it also allows you to customize flavors, textures, and sweetness levels to your liking. This particular recipe uses high-quality ingredients, ensuring that every spoonful is a treat. You’ll love how the combination of creamy texture and delightful peppermint flavor lifts your spirits.
This peppermint ice cream recipe is perfect for warm weather, holiday celebrations, or any time you want to indulge yourself. The use of fresh peppermint extract allows you to experience a burst of flavor with every mouthful, elevating your dessert to gourmet status. Additionally, making ice cream at home gives you the flexibility to experiment and make this recipe your own.
Ingredients for Peppermint Ice Cream
To whip up this delicious peppermint ice cream, you’ll need the following ingredients. They’re easy to find and perfectly balanced to deliver the ultimate creamy treat.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 ½ cups whole milk, divided
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candy
Gathering these ingredients ahead of time will make the process smooth and enjoyable. The star of this recipe, peppermint extract, lends a fresh and invigorating taste that makes this ice cream truly special. The crushed peppermint candy pieces add a delightful crunch, enhancing the overall experience.
How to Make Peppermint Ice Cream
Follow these straightforward steps to create your very own peppermint ice cream, ensuring it is creamy and bursting with flavor:
- Prepare Your Ice Cream Maker: Before you begin, remember to freeze the base of your ice cream maker overnight. A cold base is crucial for achieving that perfect creamy texture.
- Create the Mixture: In a medium saucepan, start by adding 1 cup of cold whole milk. Gradually whisk in the cornstarch until it’s completely combined, ensuring there are no lumps. Then add the granulated sugar and apply medium heat. Stir frequently for about 4 to 6 minutes until the mixture is nearly simmering and has thickened slightly. Once this happens, take it off the heat.
- Add Additional Ingredients: Now is the time to mix in the other ingredients! Add the remaining ½ cup of whole milk, the heavy cream, kosher salt, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Cool Down the Mixture: To achieve the right temperature, transfer the mixture to a large metal or glass bowl. Place this bowl into a smaller bowl filled with ice water for about 1 hour. Alternatively, you can refrigerate it for 3 to 4 hours until it cools down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Churning Time: Once your ice cream base is chilled, it’s time to churn! Follow the instructions for your ice cream maker, churning for about 25 minutes until you reach a soft-serve consistency. In the last minute of churning, add the crushed peppermint candy to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
- Freeze the Ice Cream: After churning, transfer the ice cream into a loaf pan or a storage container. If you desire, sprinkle additional crushed peppermint candy on top. Cover the container and place it in the freezer for at least 2 hours, or overnight for a firmer texture. You can store this delightful treat in a sealed container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
By following these steps, you will not only create a delightful dessert but also enjoy the process of making it. Homemade peppermint ice cream allows you to savor the satisfaction of crafting something from scratch.
How to Serve Peppermint Ice Cream
Now that your peppermint ice cream is ready, it’s time for the fun part — serving it! Here are a few creative ideas to enhance your serving experience:
- Classic Scoop: Serve generous scoops of peppermint ice cream in a bowl or a waffle cone. Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Pineapple & Peppermint: Pair your peppermint ice cream with slices of fresh pineapple for a refreshing, tropical twist. The sweetness of the pineapple balances the minty flavor beautifully.
- Chill it with Milkshakes: Blend a few scoops of your peppermint ice cream with milk to create a festive milkshake. You can decorate the rim of the glass with crushed peppermint candy for that extra touch.
- Decadent Sundaes: Turn your peppermint ice cream into a sundae by adding whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and a cherry on top. This makes for a delightful dessert.
- Holiday Treats: During the festive season, serve your peppermint ice cream alongside warm brownies or gingerbread cookies to create a splendid holiday platter.
With so many serving options, you can mix things up and keep your dessert experience fresh and exciting!
Expert Tips for Making Peppermint Ice Cream
To ensure that your peppermint ice cream turns out perfectly, consider these expert tips:
- Quality Ingredients Matter: The flavor of your ice cream will largely depend on the quality of your ingredients. Use high-grade heavy cream and pure peppermint extract to increase the flavor profile of your creation.
- Don’t Rush the Cooling Process: Allowing the mixture to cool down adequately is vital for a smooth texture. You don’t want to churn a warm mixture, as it may lead to ice crystals forming.
- Taste Test: During the mixing phase, taste the mixture before churning. Adjust the sweetness or peppermint intensity to your preference before it’s too late.
- Freeze Your Containers: Freeze any storage containers for at least 30 minutes before transferring your churned ice cream into them. This helps to keep the freshly churned ice cream from melting quickly.
- Air Bubbles: When churning, avoid over-churning as this can introduce excess air, making the final product less creamy. Aim for a velvety texture that will melt smoothly in your mouth.
By following these expert tips, your homemade peppermint ice cream will stand out and impress everyone who tries it.
How to Store Peppermint Ice Cream
One of the best things about making your own peppermint ice cream is being able to store it for later enjoyment. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Sealed Containers: Ensure you use an airtight container. This will prevent the ice cream from absorbing other flavors in your freezer and keep it tasting fresh.
- Avoid Temperature Fluctuations: Store the ice cream in a part of the freezer that maintains a consistent, cold temperature. Avoid placing it near the door, which can be susceptible to temperature changes.
- Covering the Surface: To further protect your ice cream, consider placing a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container. This minimizes air exposure and helps maintain texture.
- Label and Date: If you’re storing multiple ice creams or different desserts, make sure to label your container with the date. While peppermint ice cream can last for about two weeks, it’s always good to keep track.
Following these steps will help you enjoy your peppermint ice cream for as long as possible, so you can indulge in your homemade goodness anytime you want!
Variations of Peppermint Ice Cream
If you’re feeling adventurous and wish to mix things up, consider trying these variations of peppermint ice cream:
- Chocolate Peppermint Crunch: Add cocoa powder or melted dark chocolate to the mixture before churning for a delicious chocolate-peppermint combination. You can also throw in chocolate chips for added texture.
- Minty Chip Delight: Incorporate mini chocolate chips or chunks into the mixture alongside the crushed peppermint candy during the last minute of churning.
- Peppermint Mocha Ice Cream: For a coffee-infused twist, blend in some instant coffee granules or espresso powder during the mixing stage. This creates a delicious peppermint mocha flavor.
- Swap Candies: Instead of using crushed peppermint candy, try swirling in chunks of your favorite holiday candies or even some crumbled cookies to personalize your creation.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut milk or cashew cream and use a plant-based sweetener for a delightful vegan peppermint ice cream.
These variations allow you to explore different flavor profiles and make a unique ice cream tailored to your preferences.
FAQ about Peppermint Ice Cream
Can I make peppermint ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes! If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Stir it every 30-45 minutes to break up ice crystals, until it reaches the desired consistency.
How can I make my ice cream fluffier?
Whipping your heavy cream before adding it to the mixture can help achieve a light and airy texture. Just be cautious not to over-whip it.
What if I don’t find peppermint extract?
You can substitute peppermint extract with spearmint extract for a different minty flavor, or even use fresh mint leaves steeped in the milk before adding other ingredients.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use coconut milk, almond milk, or any plant-based milk along with a suitable vegan cream substitute.
How long does freshly made peppermint ice cream last?
If stored properly in the freezer, your homemade peppermint ice cream can last for about 2 weeks. After this period, it may start to lose flavor and texture.
Peppermint Ice Cream
Ingredients
Base Mixture
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 ½ cups whole milk, divided Use one cup for the base and half a cup for mixing later.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream Use high-quality heavy cream for the best texture.
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract Use pure peppermint extract for optimal flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candy For a delightful crunch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Freeze the base of your ice cream maker overnight.
- In a medium saucepan, add 1 cup of cold whole milk and whisk in the cornstarch until combined.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar and apply medium heat. Stir frequently for 4 to 6 minutes until the mixture is nearly simmering and has thickened slightly, then take off heat.
- Mix in the remaining ½ cup of whole milk, heavy cream, kosher salt, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract.
- Cool the mixture in a large bowl placed in ice water for about 1 hour or refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours.
- Churn the chilled mixture in the ice cream maker for about 25 minutes, adding the crushed peppermint candy in the last minute.
- Transfer the ice cream to a loaf pan or storage container, sprinkle with extra crushed peppermint if desired, cover, and freeze for at least 2 hours or overnight.
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