Peppermint Ice Cream (Made With Candy Canes)

Now that we are in the midst of the holiday season, when candy canes are easy to find, start a new tradition this year and turn those candy canes into peppermint ice cream. Homemade ice cream infused with peppermint flavor and with small bits of crushed candies scattered throughout.

The crushed candy canes not only infuse the ice cream with minty flavor but also provide a delightful crunch that compliments the creamy texture of the ice cream. It has become a favorite holiday recipe that is requested every year.

In fact, it is a tradition that we started in our house many years ago. Although it all started as a way to use up those leftover candy canes that hung from our Christmas tree, it has now become a favorite treat that we make at the same time that we are baking cookies.

The ice cream is prepared with just a few simple ingredients. And by the time the first batch of cookies are ready to come out of the oven the ice cream is ready to serve.

Well, that is of course if you want to enjoy soft serve ice cream. Or you can put the soft mixture into the freezer and enjoy it later.

It is a great way to enjoy the tastes of the holiday season without a lot of work. Serve it as dessert at your next holiday gathering, or simply enjoy it whenever that sweet tooth craving hits you.

Just be sure to save a few extra candy canes so that you can get that extra bit of peppermint crunch on top of the ice cream as well.

Equipment Needed To Make Peppermint Ice Cream

• Mixing Bowl
• Silicone Spatula
• Ice Cream Machine (see recipe below for non-machine instructions)
• Freezer Safe Container

Ingredients For Peppermint Ice Cream

1. The Cream Base

Although you can use a variety of milk based products to make ice cream, I have found a combination of ingredients makes the best ice cream. Whole milk, half and half, and heavy whipping cream are combined to make the creamy base in this recipe.

The three ingredients mixed together provides the ideal balance of richness, creaminess, and texture.

• Heavy whipping cream: Heavy whipping cream has a high fat content which contributes to the ice cream’s rich, decadent flavor and smooth, creamy texture.
• Half and half: Half and half (half milk, half cream) balances the richness of the heavy whipping cream and adds a subtle sweetness and tang to the ice cream base.
• Milk: Whole milk adds moisture to the mixture which helps balance out the overall flavor and texture.

2. Sugar

The sweetness in ice cream comes from the granulated sugar. Depending on how sweet you like your ice cream, you can adjust the amounts to your preference.

If you prefer to make the peppermint ice cream sugar free, use your favorite sugar substitute. Just be sure to use the recommended conversion amount listed on the package.

3. Salt

The addition of salt in ice cream is for two reasons. First, salt lowers the freezing point of the other ingredients, reducing the risk of ice crystals forming in the ice cream.

However, there is another reason that salt is added. A small amount of salt can actually enhance the perception of sweetness, making the ice cream taste even richer and more decadent.

4. Peppermint Extract

In order to get that classic peppermint taste in every bite, use peppermint extract. However, be careful not to purchase mint extract by mistake.

Although they are both derived from mint leaves, they have distinct flavors and should not be used interchangeably in this peppermint ice cream recipe.

Peppermint extract is made only from peppermint leaves. The cool, menthol taste is the same flavor found in candy canes and peppermint candies.

On the contrary, mint extract is made from a variety of mint leaves, providing more of a spearmint flavor. It has a slightly sweet and grassy flavor that isn’t desirable in ice cream recipes.

5. Vanilla Extract

You may be surprised to find the addition of vanilla extract to a peppermint ice cream recipe. However, the two flavors go hand in hand.

The vanilla helps to balance the sharp, minty notes of peppermint, preventing the flavor from becoming too overpowering. It also adds another subtle layer of flavor that makes the dessert irresistible.

6. Candy Canes

You will need 1 cup of crushed candy canes. As a general rule of thumb, 12 full size candy canes will equal 1 cup of crushed candy canes.

Although, the amount will vary depending on the size of the candy canes and how finely you want the candy pieces to become. For best results crush the candy canes in fine pieces so that you don’t have to bite down to chew the pieces as you eat the ice cream.

How To Make Peppermint Ice Cream Without A Machine

Even without an ice cream maker, you can still enjoy homemade peppermint ice cream. This simple method involves a flash freezing technique which creates a texture that closely resembles machine made ice cream, just like when making homemade Blueberry No Churn Ice Cream.

However, in order to get the same consistency, the ingredients and instructions will need to be altered a bit.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy canes

Instructions:

1. Whip the Cream:

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the chilled heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.

2. Add The Sweetened Condensed Milk & Extracts:

Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk and also the peppermint and vanilla extract.

3. Add Crushed Candy Canes:

Gradually fold in the crushed peppermint candy canes until evenly distributed.

4. Freeze in Stages:

Pour the ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe container. Cover the container tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid. Place the container in the freezer for 2-3 hours, or until the mixture is partially frozen but still soft enough to stir.

5. Stir and Refreeze:

Remove the container from the freezer and stir the partially frozen mixture vigorously to break up ice crystals. This will help ensure that the peppermint ice cream turns out smooth. Cover the container again and return it to the freezer for another 2-3 hours.

Repeat this process one more time.

Homemade Peppermint Ice Cream Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups half & half
• 2 cups whipping cream
• 1 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 cup crushed candy canes

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a medium mixing bowl add the half and half, milk and heavy whipping cream. Then add the sugar and mix well to combine.

2. Stir the salt, vanilla extract and peppermint extract into the milk. Then add 3/4 cup of the crushed candy canes into the mixing bowl.

3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and then churn according to ice cream maker instructions.

4. Once the ice cream is the consistency of firm soft serve ice cream, transfer to a freezer safe container.

5. Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes over the top and slightly press down on the candies. Cover and place the ice cream in the freezer for 2 hours or until firm.

Enjoy! Mary

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