Delicious Peppermint Ice Cream Recipe for Holidays

Peppermint Ice Cream is a delightful frozen treat that combines a creamy custard base with refreshing peppermint flavor and festive crushed candy canes. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this homemade version is a minty ice cream treat that will surely please your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. With its smooth texture and a hint of color from red food coloring, this dessert is not just delicious but also visually appealing. Let’s dive into this creamy peppermint delight!

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Ice Cream

This peppermint ice cream is not just a dessert; it’s an experience! Here are some reasons to love it:

• Rich and creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Refreshing peppermint flavor that’s invigorating and festive.
• Perfect for holiday celebrations or as a summer treat.
• Easy to make with simple ingredients found at home.
• Can be customized with toppings like chocolate chips or crushed cookies.
• Vegan peppermint ice cream options can be made for plant-based diets.

This recipe is a fantastic choice for a holiday peppermint ice cream that everyone will love, and it showcases the beauty of seasonal flavors.

Ingredients for Peppermint Ice Cream

Gather these items:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 6 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 drop (or more) red food coloring (optional)
• 1/4 cup (40 g) crushed peppermints (from about 8 mini candy canes), plus more for sprinkling

How to Make Peppermint Ice Cream Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, cook the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and kosher salt, stirring frequently until the mixture just starts to simmer at the edges, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat to prevent boiling.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. While continuously whisking, slowly ladle in about 1 cup of the hot milk mixture to gradually raise the eggs’ temperature and prevent curdling. Then pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
3. Step 3: Return the saucepan to medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Be careful not to overheat to avoid scrambling the eggs.
4. Step 4: Pour the thickened custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl to remove any solids. Stir in the peppermint extract and add a small drop of red food coloring if desired, whisking until evenly combined. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 3 hours and up to 12 hours to chill thoroughly.
5. Step 5: Following your ice cream machine manufacturer’s instructions, churn the chilled custard until the ice cream thickens. During the last moments of churning, add the crushed peppermints so they are evenly distributed.
6. Step 6: Serve the ice cream immediately for a soft-serve texture, or transfer it to a loaf or baking pan. Sprinkle additional crushed peppermints on top, cover tightly, and freeze for at least 4 hours to firm up before serving. The ice cream can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 week.

Pro Tips for the Best Peppermint Ice Cream

Keep these in mind:

• This ice cream is great for holiday treats.
• Adjust the amount of peppermint extract to taste based on your preference.
• Store in an airtight container in the freezer to maintain freshness.
• For a minty ice cream treat with extra texture, mix in chocolate chips or crushed cookies during churning.
• Experiment with vegan peppermint ice cream options by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream.

Best Ways to Serve Peppermint Ice Cream

Here are a few ideas:

• Top with crushed peppermints and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent dessert.
• Transform it into a peppermint ice cream sundae by adding whipped cream and cherry on top.
• Make a festive peppermint ice cream milkshake by blending it with milk and serving in a tall glass.

How to Store and Reheat Peppermint Ice Cream

To store your homemade peppermint ice cream, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours to firm up. It can be kept in the freezer for up to one week. To serve, simply scoop it out and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes for easier serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peppermint Ice Cream

What’s the secret to perfect Peppermint Ice Cream?

The key is to ensure your custard thickens properly without scrambling the eggs. This creates a smooth and creamy base that pairs perfectly with the refreshing peppermint flavor.

Can I make Peppermint Ice Cream ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the custard and churn it a day in advance. Just ensure to store it in an airtight container in the freezer until you’re ready to serve.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Peppermint Ice Cream?

To avoid common pitfalls, monitor your heat carefully while cooking the custard. It’s essential to stir constantly and remove the mixture from heat as soon as it thickens to prevent overcooking.

Variations of Peppermint Ice Cream You Can Try

Here are some fun twists to this classic:

• Add crushed chocolate cookies for a minty chocolate chip experience.
• Incorporate a swirl of fudge for a decadent peppermint fudge ice cream.
• For a refreshing twist, consider making a vegan peppermint ice cream using almond milk and coconut cream.

For more information about ice cream making techniques, check out this guide on making ice cream.

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