The festive season always brings with it indulgent treats. One ingredient that spells magic for the holidays is candy cane. Its iconic red-and-white swirls and refreshing minty flavor make candy canes not only great for decorating trees but also a versatile ingredient for making unforgettable desserts.
When it comes to making a cool and captivating dessert, candy cane ice cream stands out as a great choice. The creamy richness of the ice cream matches the crisp, sweet peppermint flavor of candy canes perfectly. It is perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to grand parties, because it is a dessert that pleases both kids and adults. This frozen treat is about satisfying a sweet tooth; it is about celebrating the season with a dessert that's as festive as it is delicious.
Ready to make candy cane ice cream and discover creative ways to infuse this holiday favorite with exciting flavors? Let's get started!
Ingredients:
Method:
Combine heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves then remove from heat. Add vanilla and peppermint to the mixture. Allow it to cool completely.
Pour the mix into an ice cream maker. Keep churning the mix through the manufacturer's guidelines provided along with the ice cream.
For the last minutes of mixing, fold the crushed candies into the mixture to distribute them well.
Transfer the churned ice cream to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
For this decadent version of candy cane ice cream, melt the dark chocolate, mix it with the base before churning, and freeze. Chocolate swirls very beautifully within this ice cream during its freezing cycle, making the ice cream really luxurious in taste. To add on a great presentation, sprinkle the chocolate shavings and crushed candy canes.
This fruity version pairs tart sweetness from strawberries with cool freshness of candy canes. Blend pureed fresh or frozen strawberries into the base and then freeze. The vibrant pink ice cream is as visually pleasing as it is delicious, so add extra crushed candy canes for that festive crunch.
For a tropical twist, substitute regular milk with coconut milk. The creamy coconut base melds beautifully with the mint candy canes to create a unique flavor that's refreshing yet indulgent. Garnish with some shredded coconut and crushed candy canes for a fabulous finishing.
Coffee drinkers, rejoice! Add a shot of espresso or a tablespoon of instant coffee granules to your ice cream mixture before churning. The bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness of the candy canes, resulting in a sophisticated dessert perfect for grown-up gatherings.
For a nutty, indulgent option, swirl in some creamy peanut butter before freezing. The salty richness of the peanut butter plays really beautifully against the minty sweetness of the candy canes. It's a balanced, memorable flavor profile.
Drizzle in the homemade or store-bought caramel sauce into the churned ice cream, making gooey pockets of sweetness throughout. The buttery caramel mellows out the candy cane's mintiness into a decadent dessert for any caramel lover.
For a classic yet elevated take, infuse the base with real vanilla bean. The warm, aromatic vanilla blends well with the crisp, cool mint of the candy canes, making this version a timeless holiday favorite. Garnish with whole candy canes for a festive presentation.