The chill of winter brings with it a certain magic, doesn’t it? The crisp air fills your lungs with a refreshing bite while the world envelops itself in a soft blanket of snow. Inviting your loved ones into your cozy sanctuary during this time is a cherished ritual, and what better way to celebrate than with the sweet embrace of homemade peppermint ice cream? This delightful dessert captures the essence of the season with its creamy texture and invigorating burst of peppermint, evoking the spirit of holidays shared with family, laughter, and joy.
Picture this: you scoop a generous portion of this velvety treat into a bowl. As you take your first mouthful, the cool creaminess dances on your tongue, intertwined with the delightful crunch of peppermint candy canes, perfectly harmonizing to create an experience beyond just dessert. Each spoonful tingles with a burst of peppermint that infuses the air, mingling with the sweet aroma of vanilla, making every bite feel like a celebration. The mingling scents and flavors swirl in the air, inviting you to indulge just a little more while keeping the festive spirit alive.
As you savor this creamy creation, visions of holiday gatherings spring to life. Whether nestled between warm chocolate cookies for a homemade ice cream sandwich or proudly served in a festive bowl as the star of your dessert spread, peppermint ice cream captures the very essence of holiday cheer and indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Ice Cream
This peppermint ice cream stands out in the crowded field of frozen delights for a multitude of reasons. First and foremost, the tantalizing peppermint flavor awakens the senses, instantly transporting you to wintry landscapes and holiday celebrations. The creamy decadence combines with a hint of nostalgia, as it evokes memories of joyful gatherings and sweet moments shared over holiday feasts.
Beyond its enchanting flavor, this homemade treat comes together with minimal effort, making it the perfect dessert for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices alike. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply craving a refreshing dessert, this recipe delivers a delightful celebration of flavors that never fails to please. Plus, it’s an impressive way to showcase your culinary skills, and you can easily customize it to your heart’s desire.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To create your peppermint ice cream masterpiece, gather a few essential tools that will aid in crafting this creamy delight seamlessly:
- Mixing Bowls: A large mixing bowl helps combine the creamy ingredients with ease and ensures that every spoonful boasts the perfect texture.
- Whisk: This tool is essential for blending the cream, sweetened condensed milk, and flavors until they reach a harmonious mixture.
- Spatula: A gentle folding spatula is vital when incorporating the crushed candy canes. This keeps the airiness intact while ensuring an even distribution of texture.
- Freezer-Safe Container: Choose a container that seals tightly to avoid any pesky ice crystals forming while your treat freezes, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture when it’s time to indulge.
Practical Preparation Tips:
- Ensure your heavy cream is cold, as it whips up beautifully and provides a luxurious texture to the ice cream.
- For a smoother finish, be patient while folding in the candy canes to avoid breaking them down too much.
Ingredients for Peppermint Ice Cream
The simple yet impactful ingredients for this holiday treat include:
- 2 cups heavy cream: The heart of your ice cream, heavy cream contributes to that rich, creamy texture.
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk: This sweet nectar lends a delightful sweetness and helps to balance the flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: A key player, peppermint extract delivers the invigorating essence of winter that your ice cream craves.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: This warm aromatic touch elevates your ice cream by adding depth and a hint of familiarity.
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes: This adds a delightful crunch and sweetness, creating the perfect contrast to the smooth cream.
- Pinch of salt: A touch of salt balances the sweetness, making every spoonful extraordinary.
Possible Substitutions:
- If you prefer a non-dairy option, substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and choose a plant-based condensed milk.
- Swap out the crushed candy canes for chocolate chips or chopped nuts if peppermint isn’t your thing, or blend in seasonal flavors like cinnamon or ginger.
How to Make Peppermint Ice Cream
Crafting your dreamy peppermint ice cream is as delightful as indulging in it! Follow these clear steps to create a festive treat that’s sure to impress:
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until all ingredients unite in a silky mixture. Make sure everything is well combined for a smooth texture.
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Gently Fold in Candy Canes: With a spatula, carefully fold in the crushed candy canes until just combined. This preserves some of the candy pieces for an enjoyable crunch in every bite.
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Transfer to Container: Pour your luscious mixture into a freezer-safe container and cover it with an airtight lid. This step is key to keeping your ice cream creamy and free from ice crystals.
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Freeze: Toss your container into the freezer and allow it to set for at least 4 hours or until solid. This patience pays off when you dive in with your spoon!
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Serve as a Milkshake: For a blissfully indulgent peppermint milkshake, blend a scoop of the frozen peppermint ice cream with milk until you achieve the desired creaminess, then serve in a chilled glass.
Chef’s Notes & Helpful Tips
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Make-ahead Tips: This ice cream can be made a week in advance, making it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping for the perfect texture.
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Cooking Alternatives: If you’re looking to make a quick version, use an ice cream maker to churn your mixture for 20-25 minutes, then transfer to a container and freeze until solid.
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Customization Ideas: Experiment with different mix-ins like chocolate syrup, crushed Oreos, or fresh mint leaves for a unique twist on this classic treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overwhipping Cream: Avoid whipping the cream too much, as it can turn grainy or even turn into butter. Whip until soft peaks form for a perfectly creamy ice cream.
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Insufficient Freezing Time: Skipping the freezing step or not allowing enough time for the mixture to set can lead to a soupy texture, leaving you with a less enjoyable experience.
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Not Using a Sealed Container: Using a container that doesn’t seal tightly can lead to freezer burn and unwanted ice crystals ruining the creaminess of your ice cream.
What to Serve With Peppermint Ice Cream
Enhance your peppermint ice cream experience with some delightful pairings that complement its sweet and cool flavor:
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: The classic pairing of mint and chocolate never disappoints. Enjoy them alongside or sandwiching a scoop of this icy delight.
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Brownies: The fudgy richness of brownies contrasts beautifully with the cool creaminess, creating a balance of decadent flavors.
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Waffle Cones or Bowls: Scoop your ice cream into a waffle cone for a nostalgic treat that brings back childhood memories.
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Hot Chocolate: Top a steaming cup of hot chocolate with crushed peppermint ice cream for a comforting winter drink that melts into pure bliss.
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Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote, such as raspberry or cherry, provides a bright acidity that perfectly complements the rich creaminess.
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Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: A luscious drizzle of chocolate sauce creates an indulgent act that elevates every bite.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To maintain the luscious quality of your peppermint ice cream, store it in the freezer for up to two weeks. Ensure you cover the container tightly to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, if the ice cream feels too hard to scoop, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before diving in.
Reheating isn’t an option for ice cream, but ensuring a gentle, slow melting process allows for a perfect serving texture.
Estimated Nutrition Information
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings. Each serving contains about:
- Calories: 300
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Sugars: 26g
- Protein: 3g
Nutrition values are estimated and will vary based on specific ingredient types and serving sizes.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different flavor besides peppermint?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute peppermint extract with any flavor of your choice, like vanilla, chocolate, or even fruit flavors like strawberry or banana!
2. Can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?
Yes, this recipe is designed for easy preparation without an ice cream maker. Just follow the steps to mix, fold, and freeze, and you’ll have delicious homemade ice cream.
3. Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Certainly! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream and use a non-dairy sweetened condensed milk. You’ll still enjoy a delightful treat!
4. How can I incorporate alcohol into my ice cream?
For an adult twist, consider adding a tablespoon of crème de menthe or other mint-flavored liqueur to the mixture. This enhances the peppermint flavor while keeping the texture luxurious.
5. Can I make this ahead of time for holiday gatherings?
Yes! This peppermint ice cream is perfect for making in advance. Just store it properly in the freezer for up to two weeks, allowing you to enjoy stress-free holiday entertaining.
As the laughter and warmth of the season surround you, this peppermint ice cream will surely become a beloved addition to your holiday spread. Each scoop offers a cool touch that brightens up winter gatherings, fostering joy and connection among family and friends. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and indulge in the festive spirit that each bite brings. Celebrate the season with this creamy treat, and watch how it becomes a staple in your culinary repertoire, not just for the holidays, but year-round. Enjoy the joyful process of making and sharing this delightful frozen dessert and let it be a sweet memory you carry with you.
Print
Homemade Peppermint Ice Cream
- Total Time: 240 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the creamy texture and refreshing burst of peppermint in this homemade peppermint ice cream, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until all ingredients unite in a silky mixture.
- Gently fold in candy canes: With a spatula, carefully fold in the crushed candy canes until just combined.
- Transfer to container: Pour your luscious mixture into a freezer-safe container and cover it with an airtight lid.
- Freeze: Toss your container into the freezer and allow it to set for at least 240 minutes or until solid.
- Serve as a milkshake: For a blissfully indulgent peppermint milkshake, blend a scoop of the frozen peppermint ice cream with milk until you achieve the desired creaminess.
Notes
Make-ahead tips: This ice cream can be made a week in advance. Ensure you cover the container tightly to prevent freezer burn.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: peppermint ice cream, holiday dessert, homemade ice cream, frozen dessert
