Easy Candy Cane Ice Cream Recipe: A Festive Holiday Dessert

Candy Cane Ice Cream is the ultimate festive treat that combines the rich, creamy texture of homemade ice cream with the refreshing, minty flavor of candy canes.

This holiday dessert is a perfect way to enjoy the season’s signature flavor in a fun, chilled form.

Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner or simply indulging in a cozy dessert, this candy cane-infused ice cream will transport you into a winter wonderland.

The best part about this candy cane ice cream is that it’s easy to make and full of the vibrant spirit of the holidays.

With the crunch of crushed candy canes swirled into a velvety vanilla base, this recipe is sure to become a festive favorite in your household.

Not only does it deliver a nostalgic flavor, but it’s also a delightful way to cool off during the holiday season.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Candy Cane Ice Cream

Creating the perfect candy cane ice cream starts with a few essential ingredients.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, minty treat:

Base Ingredients

• Heavy Cream: This ingredient provides the rich, creamy texture that makes the ice cream indulgent. The fat content in the cream ensures a smooth and luxurious finish.
• Whole Milk: Used to lighten the mixture slightly while keeping it creamy. Whole milk helps balance the richness of the cream without making the ice cream too heavy.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the ice cream and helps create that smooth texture you crave. You can adjust the sweetness depending on your preference, but sugar is key for the perfect balance.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the candy canes, giving the ice cream a well-rounded taste.

Flavorful Add-ins

• Crushed Candy Canes: The star of the show! Use crushed candy canes to add both flavor and texture to your ice cream. The minty, sugary bits will create that signature holiday taste. Make sure to crush them into small, bite-sized pieces, so they mix well into the base.
• Peppermint Extract (Optional): If you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, add a small amount of peppermint extract. Just a few drops can elevate the minty sensation and give it a more intense flavor.
• Toppings (Optional): Whipped cream, extra crushed candy canes, or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup make for perfect toppings. You can customize the presentation with festive garnishes to add a little extra flair.

These ingredients come together to create a creamy, festive ice cream that’s perfect for any holiday celebration.

With just a few simple items, you can enjoy this deliciously minty homemade treat.

Equipment You Need for Making Homemade Ice Cream

To make your own creamy candy cane ice cream, you’ll need a few essential pieces of equipment to ensure that your ice cream turns out smooth and delicious.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ice Cream Maker

An ice cream maker is the most important tool when making homemade ice cream.

It churns the mixture as it freezes, preventing ice crystals from forming and giving you that perfect creamy texture.

While there are different types of ice cream makers available, whether it’s a countertop model or one that fits on your stand mixer, having one will make the process much easier and faster.

If you don’t own one, no worries! You can also make ice cream without an ice cream maker, although it may take a bit more effort (we’ll discuss that later).

Mixing Bowls and Whisk

You’ll need a large mixing bowl to combine all your ingredients before churning.

A whisk is essential for blending the heavy cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and uniform.

It also helps in dissolving the sugar properly, ensuring the mixture is ready for the next steps.

Spatula

A spatula is a handy tool for scraping the sides of the bowl and ensuring you transfer all the ice cream mixture into your ice cream maker or storage container.

It helps you handle the mixture carefully so that you don’t waste a drop of your delicious creation.

Freezer-Safe Container

After your ice cream has been churned, it needs to firm up in the freezer.

A freezer-safe container, such as a plastic or glass storage tub, is perfect for this step.

Make sure the container has a tight-fitting lid to avoid freezer burn.

If you plan to give the ice cream as a gift or serve it directly from the container, choose one that’s visually appealing.

How to Make Candy Cane Ice Cream: Step-by-Step Instructions

Making candy cane ice cream is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps to create a festive, creamy treat that will wow your friends and family.

1. Prepare the Ice Cream Base

Start by combining the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl.

Use a whisk to blend the ingredients together until the sugar is fully dissolved.

This ensures that your ice cream base is smooth and ready to churn.

Add the vanilla extract and a few drops of peppermint extract (if using) to enhance the minty flavor, stirring until everything is well combined.

2. Chill the Mixture

Once your mixture is ready, place the bowl in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 1 hour.

Chilling the base before churning ensures that the ice cream freezes properly and has the desired creamy texture.

While the mixture is chilling, you can prepare the crushed candy canes.

Break them into small pieces using a food processor or place them in a bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

3. Churn the Ice Cream

Once your mixture is thoroughly chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model.

Typically, you will need to churn the ice cream for about 20-25 minutes until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.

Be sure to keep an eye on it during the process to ensure it doesn’t over-churn.

4. Add the Crushed Candy Canes

When the ice cream reaches a soft-serve texture, it’s time to fold in the crushed candy canes.

Gently stir the crushed candy into the ice cream, ensuring they’re evenly distributed without over-mixing.

The candy canes will add a delightful crunch and minty kick to every bite.

5. Freeze the Ice Cream

Transfer the ice cream into a freezer-safe container.

Use a spatula to smooth the top and press the ice cream into the corners to minimize air pockets.

Cover with a tight-fitting lid and place the container in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the ice cream to firm up to the desired consistency.

Tips for the Best Candy Cane Ice Cream

To ensure your homemade candy cane ice cream turns out as creamy, flavorful, and festive as possible, here are a few key tips to help you achieve the best results:

1. Achieve the Perfect Texture

For the smoothest and creamiest ice cream, it’s essential not to over-churn the mixture.

Over-churning can cause the ice cream to become too firm or icy.

Keep an eye on the consistency as it churns in the ice cream maker, and stop once it reaches a soft-serve consistency.

If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can manually mix it in the freezer—simply stir the mixture every 30 minutes for a few hours to prevent ice crystals from forming.

2. Use Fresh, Quality Ingredients

The better the ingredients, the better the ice cream! Use fresh heavy cream and whole milk to ensure a rich, creamy base.

If possible, choose real vanilla extract and high-quality peppermint extract to give your ice cream a well-rounded, authentic flavor.

3. Crush the Candy Canes Properly

How you crush your candy canes will affect the texture of the ice cream.

For a smooth experience, crush the candy canes into small, bite-sized pieces, but don’t crush them into a powder.

Large chunks can also be fun, but too big can make it harder to mix into the ice cream.

A good balance of finely crushed and slightly larger pieces creates an enjoyable texture with every bite.

4. Make It Extra Creamy

If you want your ice cream to be even richer and more indulgent, you can replace some of the whole milk with extra heavy cream.

This will create a denser, more decadent ice cream.

You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the base while heating it (before chilling), which will help thicken the mixture and give it an ultra-creamy texture.

5. Don’t Skip Chilling the Mixture

Chilling the ice cream base is crucial to avoid ice crystals forming and to ensure smooth churning.

Even if you’re in a rush, don’t skip the refrigeration step!

The longer the base chills (up to a few hours), the smoother and creamier your ice cream will be.

Customizing Your Candy Cane Ice Cream

One of the best things about homemade ice cream is the ability to customize it to suit your tastes.

Here are a few ways to make your candy cane ice cream uniquely yours:

1. Add-ins and Mix-ins

While crushed candy canes are the star of this recipe, there’s plenty of room to get creative with additional mix-ins.

Try adding chocolate chips or mini chocolate chunks for a peppermint-chocolate twist.

You can also add marshmallows for a fun, chewy texture or a swirl of chocolate fudge to create a peppermint-chocolate ripple effect throughout the ice cream.

For extra crunch, try sprinkling in some chopped nuts like pecans or almonds.

2. Making It Vegan

If you’re looking for a dairy-free or vegan alternative, it’s easy to modify the recipe.

Swap the whole milk and heavy cream for coconut milk or almond milk.

Use a non-dairy whipped cream in place of regular cream if you’d like it even creamier.

Just make sure to use dairy-free candy canes as well to keep everything vegan-friendly.

3. Flavor Boosts

For those who love a more intense minty flavor, adding a few extra drops of peppermint extract can boost the peppermint punch.

If you prefer a more subtle flavor, feel free to reduce the amount of extract or skip it entirely, relying solely on the candy canes for the minty flavor.

4. Swirl in Some Fun

Make your candy cane ice cream even more exciting by adding a fun swirl!

After churning the ice cream, gently fold in a caramel sauce, chocolate syrup, or marshmallow fluff before freezing.

This creates a visually appealing swirl of flavors that add extra indulgence to every bite.

5. Top It Off

Once the ice cream is ready to serve, you can take it up a notch with some delicious toppings.

A dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of extra crushed candy canes, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup will elevate your dessert to a whole new level.

You can also add a few chocolate-covered pretzels or cinnamon sugar for a festive touch.

By customizing your candy cane ice cream with these fun variations, you can create a treat that’s uniquely yours and sure to impress everyone who tries it!

Serving Ideas and Occasions for Candy Cane Ice Cream

Candy Cane Ice Cream isn’t just a treat; it’s a celebration in a bowl!

Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or enjoying it during a cozy night in, here are some creative ways to serve and enjoy your festive dessert:

1. Perfect for Holiday Gatherings

This ice cream is a standout dessert for any holiday meal.

Whether it’s Christmas dinner, a New Year’s Eve party, or a winter gathering, candy cane ice cream adds the perfect touch of festivity.

Serve it in a beautiful glass bowl or ice cream dish with a sprig of mint or extra crushed candy canes for a visually appealing presentation.

2. Ice Cream Sundae Bar

Set up an ice cream sundae bar with candy cane ice cream as the centerpiece.

Lay out a variety of toppings like chocolate chips, marshmallows, crushed cookies, and sprinkles so guests can build their own creations.

This is a fun way to let everyone customize their own sweet treat and adds a playful touch to any party.

3. Gift Idea

Homemade ice cream makes an unexpected but delightful gift.

Pack your candy cane ice cream into mason jars or pretty containers and give it as a gift during the holidays.

Add a festive ribbon or tag, and you have a sweet homemade present that’s perfect for friends, neighbors, or family.

4. In a Waffle Cone or Bowl

Serving candy cane ice cream in a classic waffle cone or a chocolate-coated bowl is a fun and nostalgic way to enjoy it.

You can even dip the cone in melted chocolate and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for an extra festive touch.

5. As Part of a Festive Dessert Platter

Create a holiday dessert platter that features various treats like cookies, brownies, and cake—then add a scoop or two of candy cane ice cream as a perfect, refreshing finale.

This works especially well for holiday parties where a variety of desserts are on display.

Conclusion: Why You Should Make This Candy Cane Ice Cream

Candy Cane Ice Cream is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of the holidays, bringing together the creamy, comforting texture of homemade ice cream with the fresh, minty zing of candy canes.

It’s a treat that captures the spirit of the season, making it a perfect addition to any holiday meal or a special way to treat yourself and your loved ones.

This recipe is easy to make, customizable, and sure to impress everyone who tries it.

With the right balance of sweet vanilla, refreshing peppermint, and crunchy candy cane pieces, it’s a dessert that evokes fond memories of Christmas while creating new ones.

So, get your ice cream maker ready, and indulge in this creamy, festive treat that will be the highlight of your holiday celebrations!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?

Yes! If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make candy cane ice cream.

After mixing and chilling the base, pour the mixture into a shallow freezer-safe container.

Every 30 minutes, take it out and stir vigorously with a fork for a few hours until it reaches the desired consistency.

This will help break up ice crystals and create a smoother texture.

2. How long can I store homemade candy cane ice cream?

Homemade ice cream can be stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 weeks.

Be sure to cover the container tightly to prevent freezer burn.

If you want to maintain the best texture, let the ice cream sit out for a few minutes before scooping.

3. Can I use regular peppermint extract instead of candy canes?

Yes, if you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor or want to skip the crushing process, you can use peppermint extract.

Just be careful not to add too much—start with a few drops, as peppermint extract can be potent.

4. What can I substitute for heavy cream to make it lighter?

If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream.

However, keep in mind that this will make the ice cream less rich and creamy.

For a non-dairy option, use coconut cream or almond milk for a vegan version.

5. How can I make this ice cream without the candy cane crunch?

If you’d prefer a smooth, peppermint-flavored ice cream without the candy cane crunch, simply leave out the crushed candy canes and replace them with a few drops of peppermint extract.

This will still give you that minty flavor without the texture of the candy pieces.