Indulge in the cool, refreshing taste of homemade Peppermint Ice Cream. This creamy dessert is perfect for hot summer days, holiday celebrations, or any time you crave a sweet treat. Made with simple ingredients like heavy cream, milk, sugar, peppermint extract, and crushed candy canes, this ice cream brings a delightful minty flavor in every bite. You can even elevate it with peppermint bark for a festive touch. Making your own peppermint ice cream allows you to control the sweetness and texture, giving you a rich and creamy experience that store-bought versions simply can’t match.
Why We Love This Peppermint Ice Cream Recipe
This peppermint ice cream recipe is beloved for several reasons. First, it captures the bright, cool flavor of peppermint in a smooth, creamy base that melts in your mouth. The addition of crushed candy canes or peppermint bark adds both texture and bursts of festive flavor, making it a perfect treat for the holiday season. Unlike pre-made ice creams, this recipe gives you the freedom to adjust sweetness, mint intensity, and even the creaminess of your ice cream. Making it at home is not only satisfying but also fun—you get to watch the magic as the ice cream churns and thickens. You’ll love the contrast between the icy, sweet candy pieces and the rich, velvety ice cream surrounding them. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe. You can serve it as a dessert on its own, pair it with cakes, brownies, or pies, or even turn it into milkshakes and ice cream sandwiches.
Ingredients for Peppermint Ice Cream
For this peppermint ice cream, you will need simple, easily accessible ingredients that come together to make a creamy, festive treat. You can double the recipe if you are serving a crowd, and feel free to adjust the peppermint extract for a more intense mint flavor.
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup crushed candy canes
- Red food coloring (optional)
- Peppermint bark, chopped (optional)
How to Make Peppermint Ice Cream
Making homemade peppermint ice cream is easier than you might think, even if it seems complicated at first. By following a few simple steps, you can create a dessert that rivals your favorite ice cream shop.
Start by combining heavy cream, milk, and sugar in a medium saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is fully dissolved. Be careful not to boil the mixture; you just want it warm enough for the sugar to melt and the flavors to mingle. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the pan from heat. Stir in peppermint extract and vanilla extract. The peppermint extract gives the ice cream its signature cool flavor, while the vanilla adds depth and balance.
Next, allow your mixture to chill. Place it in the refrigerator or freezer for about 30 minutes. Chilling the base helps the ice cream churn properly and results in a smoother texture. Once the mixture is cooled, pour it into your ice cream maker. Follow your machine’s instructions for churning. As the ice cream nears completion, add crushed candy canes and a few drops of red food coloring if desired. If you’re adding peppermint bark, this is the moment to fold it in for delightful chocolate-mint pieces throughout the ice cream.
Once churned, you can enjoy a soft-serve version immediately. For firmer ice cream, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for 1–4 hours. The longer it freezes, the firmer your ice cream will become. This flexibility lets you enjoy it the way you prefer, whether soft and creamy or thick and scoopable.
How to Serve Peppermint Ice Cream
Serving peppermint ice cream is as fun as making it. You can scoop it into bowls for a classic dessert experience, or serve it in waffle cones for a playful treat. The candy pieces and optional peppermint bark make it visually appealing, perfect for impressing guests at a holiday party.
For a more decadent presentation, top the ice cream with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, or extra crushed candy canes. Pairing it with desserts like brownies, cookies, or warm chocolate cake elevates the dessert experience and adds contrasting textures and flavors. You can also use the ice cream as a base for milkshakes or floats, creating creamy drinks that are bursting with peppermint flavor.
Another creative idea is to layer it in parfait glasses with chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or fruit for a colorful, festive dessert. Peppermint ice cream can also be served alongside fruit tarts or pies, providing a cool contrast to warm baked goods. No matter how you serve it, this ice cream is sure to be a favorite at any gathering.
Expert Tips for Peppermint Ice Cream
- Use high-quality ingredients. The cream, milk, and peppermint extract greatly influence the flavor and texture. Opt for fresh cream and pure peppermint extract for the best results.
- Chill the ice cream base properly. This ensures a smooth, creamy texture and helps it churn evenly.
- Don’t overfill your ice cream maker. Give the mixture enough room to expand as it freezes for the best consistency.
- Fold in candy canes or peppermint bark gently. Adding them too early or mixing too aggressively can cause uneven distribution or melting.
- For softer ice cream, reduce the freezing time slightly, but for scoopable ice cream, allow it to freeze for a few hours.
- Experiment with flavor variations. A touch of chocolate syrup, crushed cookies, or even caramel can elevate the flavor without overpowering the peppermint.
- Always store in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming, keeping the ice cream smooth and creamy.
How to Store Peppermint Ice Cream
Proper storage is key to maintaining the texture and flavor of your peppermint ice cream. Always transfer the ice cream to an airtight container once churned or after soft-serve enjoyment. Store it in the freezer at a consistent temperature, ideally at 0°F (-18°C).
If you need to scoop ice cream that’s been frozen for several hours, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to soften slightly for easy serving. Avoid frequent temperature changes as this can create ice crystals and affect the creamy texture. When stored correctly, your ice cream can last up to two weeks in the freezer while maintaining its fresh flavor and festive peppermint crunch.
Variations of Peppermint Ice Cream
While the classic peppermint ice cream is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize it. For chocolate lovers, fold in chocolate chips or swirl in chocolate syrup for a peppermint-chocolate delight. You can create a holiday-themed ice cream by adding colorful sprinkles or extra crushed candy canes.
If you prefer a more natural approach, use organic peppermint extract and skip the food coloring, letting the candy canes provide the color and texture. Another variation is peppermint mocha ice cream, which combines a hint of espresso with your peppermint base for a sophisticated flavor. You can also experiment with mix-ins like crushed cookies, caramel bits, or even chunks of gingerbread during the holiday season. The possibilities are endless, letting you tailor the ice cream to your taste and occasion.
FAQ
What is the best peppermint extract to use in ice cream?
Choose a pure peppermint extract for the best flavor. Avoid imitation extracts, as they can taste artificial and overpower the ice cream.
Can I make peppermint ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes, you can make a no-churn version by whipping the cream, folding in condensed milk, peppermint extract, and candy pieces, then freezing in a container. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How long does peppermint ice cream last in the freezer?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it can last up to two weeks without losing flavor or texture.
Can I add peppermint bark to the ice cream?
Absolutely! Chopped peppermint bark adds a rich chocolate element and festive crunch. Add it toward the end of churning to keep pieces intact.
How can I make my peppermint ice cream extra creamy?
Use a combination of heavy cream and whole milk or half-and-half, and make sure to chill the base thoroughly before churning. Avoid over-churning, which can make ice cream icy.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Yes, you can reduce sugar slightly if you prefer less sweet ice cream. Keep in mind that sugar also affects texture, so do not remove it entirely.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, substitute dairy cream and milk with coconut cream or almond milk for a non-dairy version. Adjust sugar and extracts as needed to maintain flavor and creaminess.
Peppermint Ice Cream
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan
- Ice Cream Maker
- Airtight Container
Ingredients
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ to ¾ cup crushed candy canes
- as needed red food coloring optional
- as needed peppermint bark chopped, optional
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, and sugar. Heat over medium-low, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Do not boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in peppermint and vanilla extracts. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- As the ice cream nears completion, fold in crushed candy canes and red food coloring if desired.
- Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for 1-4 hours for firmer consistency.
- Scoop and serve, optionally topped with additional crushed candy canes or peppermint bark.
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