Peppermint Ice Cream Recipe: A Refreshing Homemade Treat
Are you ready to dive into the cool and refreshing world of homemade peppermint ice cream? This recipe will guide you through creating a creamy, minty delight that's perfect for a hot summer day or a cozy winter evening. Forget store-bought – this homemade version is far superior, allowing you to control the sweetness and intensity of the peppermint flavor.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it easy to whip up even on a whim.
- 2 cups heavy cream: The foundation for a luxuriously rich and creamy ice cream. Don't substitute with anything lighter!
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds to the creaminess and balances the richness of the heavy cream.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adjust to your sweetness preference. Start with less and add more if needed.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: The star ingredient! Use a high-quality extract for the best flavor. You can also adjust this to your taste, adding more for a stronger peppermint punch.
- 2 large egg yolks: These act as emulsifiers, creating a smoother, less icy texture.
- Optional: Crushed candy canes: For an extra festive touch and delightful crunch. Add about ¼ cup to the finished ice cream.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these easy steps for perfectly minty ice cream every time.
1. Making the Custard Base:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is just simmering (don't boil!).
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks lightly. Slowly temper the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent scrambling. This prevents the eggs from curdling.
- Pour the tempered mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 3-5 minutes). Do not let it boil.
2. Infusing with Peppermint:
- Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the peppermint extract. Let it cool completely. This allows the peppermint flavor to fully develop. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the saucepan in an ice bath.
3. Churning and Freezing:
- Once the custard is completely cool, cover it and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the ice cream to become smoother.
- Churn the cooled custard in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
- If adding crushed candy canes, gently fold them into the ice cream during the last few minutes of churning.
- Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to harden completely.
Tips for Peppermint Perfection:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of your ice cream will be directly influenced by the quality of your ingredients.
- Adjust sweetness to your liking: Taste the custard before churning and adjust the sugar accordingly.
- Don't over-churn: Over-churning can make the ice cream icy. Follow your ice cream maker's instructions carefully.
- Get creative with add-ins: Consider adding chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, or other festive candies.
This homemade peppermint ice cream recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the delicious results of your efforts! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!
