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This Peppermint Ice Cream recipe may be one of the creamiest ice creams you will ever make. It is peppermint perfection and so pretty too!
Peppermint Stick Ice Cream
Peppermint Ice Cream is a tradition and a favorite dessert at our house. My husband grew up making it every New Year’s Eve with all the leftover Christmas candy canes.
The pretty pink color comes from the candy canes dissolving into the ice cream as it churns.
For lots of peppermint flavor, the ice cream uses a combination of peppermint extract and crushed up candy cane. Be sure and save a little crushed peppermint to serve on top of the ice cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Besides being delicious, it’s easy. The recipe doesn’t contain any eggs so there is no need to make and cook a custard base. That also means there is no need to chill it before processing the ice cream!
This recipe is quick, easy and delicious!
Ingredients Needed
- Whole milk
- Half & Half (see notes below)
- Heavy cream
- Sugar
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Peppermint extract. Use peppermint extract NOT mint extract. There is a definite difference in flavor. Mint extract is great but not for this ice cream.
- Candy Cane or crushed peppermint candy
What Is Half And Half?
I am often asked what half and half is. It is a combination of whole milk and whipping cream. If you don’t have half and half where you live (I think it may be an American thing) just use more whipping cream and whole milk in place of the half and half – a 1:1 ratio. But if you can buy half and half, I highly recommend doing so.
How to Make Homemade Peppermint Ice Cream
- Mix together milks and sugar in a bowl. Stir well.
- Whisk in salt, and extracts.
- Add in crushed candy canes, reserving some to sprinkle on top.
- Pour into ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Freeze in an airtight insulated container in the freezer to allow it to set up.
Tips from Leigh Anne
- Crush the peppermint candy in a food processor or place it in a zippered bag and pound it with a hammer or mallet. I like to crush it until it is about 1/2 powder and 1/2 small pieces of peppermint.
- If you want more crunch to your ice cream, process the ice cream about half way and then add the peppermint in, that way less of it will dissolve into the ice cream as it churns and leave more chunks of peppermint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stored in an airtight, insulated ice cream container it will last for a couple of weeks.
This is my favorite ice cream maker.
This homemade ice cream recipe is designed to be made in an ice cream maker and is not meant to be a no churn ice cream.
I always make sure I stash some extra candy canes in the cupboard after the holidays so I don’t have to wait until the next Christmas to make more of this ice cream.
Other favorite peppermint treats:
Be sure and follow me over on You Tube for weekly cooking demos.
Peppermint Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cup half & half
- 2 cup whipping cream
- 1 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup crushed candy cane
Instructions
- Mix together milks and sugar. Mix well.
- Add in salt, and extracts.
- Add in crushed candy cane, reserving some to sprinkle on top.
- Pour into ice cream maker and churn according to ice cream maker directions.
Tips & Notes:
- Crush the peppermint candy in a food processor or place it in a zippered bag and pound it with a hammer or mallet. I like to crush it until it is about 1/2 powder and 1/2 small pieces of peppermint.
- If you want more crunch to your ice cream, process the ice cream about half way and then add the peppermint in, that way less of it will dissolve into the ice cream as it churns and leave more chunks of peppermint.
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Nutrition Facts:
Originally Shared Nov. 29, 2012
Cherie Peede says
My family loved this ice cream recipe! I did leave peppermint extract out, only because I didn’t have any.
Ben says
It was so delicious. This is my new favorite ice cream.
Dina Smith says
Perfect tastes just like Tillamook’s peppermint. Love it!!
Leigh Anne Wilkes says
I was so sad when they discontinued their peppermint ice cream!
Jenny says
I used starlihght mints instead of candycanes as it’s past candy cane season, the mints seemed to crush better and dissolve Better giving it an incredible peppermint flavor and beautiful pink color. I love this recipe better than the one that came with my Cuisanart ice cream maker
Leigh Anne Wilkes says
What a great idea! Glad to know they worked so well.
A says
Amazing! My family rated this 10 out of 10! Definitely adding this to our favorite treats! Thanks!
Leigh Anne Wilkes says
I think it may be my favorite ice cream ever – so glad you enjoyed it too